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.

Aventis’ Action at the Chardon LL Hearing

Article by Eva Novotny from SGR Newsletter 25, July 2002
 

Reports for Chardon LL Hearing - Summary

Summary by Philip Webber, SGR, June 2002
 

Chardon Report I - Non-Suitability of Genetically Engineered Feed for Animals

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.

Chardon Report II - Hazards Arising From The Use Of The CaMV Promoter In Genetic Engineering

Report II, May 2002
 

Chardon Report III - A Model For Pollen Transport By Wind

Summary and full report, May 2002 
 

Chardon Report IV - The Wheel of Health

Report IV, May 2002 
 

Chardon Report V - Concluding Comments

Report V, May 2002 
 

An Ethical Career in Science and Technology?

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
 

Risks to Health From The Consumption Of Genetically Modified Foods

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

Chardon LL Hearing - First stage response

SGR response to the Chardon LL Hearing, April 2000