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.

Article by Eva Novotny from SGR Newsletter 25, July 2002
 

Summary by Philip Webber, SGR, June 2002
 

Chardon Report I, May 2002. Chardon LL is intended to be fed, as a whole plant, to cattle. No experiments on the suitability of such a diet have been made. Approval of the application of Aventis for commercial growing of this maize in the United Kingdom was granted on the basis of two animal-feeding experiments, one on the feeding of maize kernels to chickens and the other on the feeding of the isolated GM protein to rats.

Summary and full report, May 2002 
 

Report IV, May 2002 
 

Report V, May 2002 
 

This booklet takes an initial look at issues such as genetics, climate change, arms, militarisation of space, animal experiments, cleaner technology, information technology, and science funding. In addition, it describes the experiences of working scientists and how they have dealt with many of these issues. Contributors include Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Sir Joseph Rotblat, inventor of the World-Wide-Web Dr Tim Berners-Lee and the well-known commentator on biotechnology issues Dr Mae Wan Ho.

SGR ethical careers booklet, edited by Stuart Parkinson and Vanessa Spedding; summer 2001
 

Submission by Dr Eva Novotny, SGR, to the Royal Society, April 2001
 

SGR response to the Chardon LL Hearing, April 2000