Issues: Emerging technologies

Emerging technologies

SGR produces a range of resources on the issue of 'Emerging technologies'. This covers a wide range of new and controversial technologies such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking), artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, climate/ geo-engineering, genetically-modified organisms and synthetic biology, and nanotechnologies. An explicit concern is the adequate application of the precautionary principle, and the possible alternatives to emerging technologies, including 'appropriate' technology and non-technological solutions such economic, political or social change.

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Lethal and autonomous: coming soon to a sky near you

Dr Peter Burt of Drone Wars UK says that, in spite of contrary assurances, the UK is developing the components of autonomous weaponry.

12 June 2019

Prospects of robotic warfare are chilling but recognised

Prof John Finney argues that we must act to prevent the ‘morally repugnant’ prospect of machines with the power and discretion to take human life.

11 June 2019

An AI apocalypse isn’t the problem – technology-driven inequality is

Fears of an artificial intelligence apocalypse make the news, but it's AI-fuelled inequality we should worry about, says Andrew Simms, SGR.

Article from New Scientist, 14 November 2018

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Scientists' AI poll points to dystopian future, less control & a high chance of mistakes

Over 80 percent believe there's a medium to high chance of things going badly wrong with Artificial Intelligence (AI) according to a poll of concerned scientists conducted by Scientists for Global Responsibility.

3 November 2018

Marcellus Shale Gas Pipelines

Fracking and public health: research update

Prof Andrew Watterson, University of Stirling, assesses key academic research published in 2016 on the risks of fracking to public health.

22 November 2016

Active brain

The quest for ‘brain-like machines’

Are computers a biotechnology? One place from which the future of computing and robotics technologies is being thought about is a bit unexpected – the neuroscience lab. Over the past three years, a number of large research initiatives have been announced.

1 September 2016

 

Flights from sense: how space tourism could alter the climate (February 2016)

Philip Chapman investigates the potential environmental impacts should space tourism recover from its recent setbacks and become a thriving global industry.

23 February 2016

Intervening in the 'rise' of the lethal autonomous weapon

Researchers in AI and robotics have called for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons, loosely termed 'killer robots'. Prof Lucy Suchman, Lancaster University, explains why she added her name to the call.

17 September 2015

Flights from Sense: How Space Tourism Will Alter the Climate

In the wake of the Virgin Galactic crash, Philip Chapman investigates the potential environmental impacts should space tourism recover from its recent setbacks and become a thriving global industry.

27 June 2015

 

UK energy R&D – time for a rethink?

With a new government in power and a new international call for action on energy research from the Global Apollo Programme, Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, assesses whether the U's energy R&D is heading in the right direction. One question, in particular, is whether nuclear R&D or renewables R&D should be prioritised.

ResponsibleSci blog, 3 June 2015