Issues: Who controls science and technology?

Who controls science and technology?

SGR produces a range of resources on the issue of 'Who controls science and technology?' This includes the power of vested interests (especially the military and private corporations), openness and democracy in science, and public engagement and participation. Two of our main projects focus on military influence on science and technology, and corporate influence on science and technology.

A few words from the Director (Jan 11)

Stuart Parkinson, SGR, examines the government’s spending cuts.

Article from SGR Newsletter No. 39, winter 2011 (published online: 26 January 2011)
 

Ivory Tower - BBC Radio 4 documentary

This documentary debates the serious concerns about growing commercial involvement in UK universities. It features SGR's Chris Langley, Science Minister, David Willetts and several academics. It was first broadcast on 15 December 2010.
 

Science and technology: making a difference

Science and technology have contributed to huge changes over the last century and longer. But are the costs of these changes now outweighing the benefits? And if so, what should be done?

Presentation by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, at 'What is science for?' seminar, Manchester Metropolitan University, 16 October 2010
 

Engineers and social responsibility: the big issues

Article by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, in UNESCO report, Engineering: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Development, published 14 October 2010.
 

Scientists call for axe to fall on nuclear weapons research

Press release, 13 October 2010
 

Letter to David Cameron, regarding public science funding cuts and nuclear weapons research

Open letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, co-ordinated by SGR and signed by 36 UK professors, sent 13 October 2010
 

UK science funding: SGR letters

Summary of SGR letters to the Science Minister, David Willets, and the Secretary of State for Business, Vince Cable, regarding possible cuts to UK science spending (early September).
 

Scientists condemn government over cuts to environmental watchdogs

Press release, 23 July 2010
 

The detrimental effects of corporate influence on science and technology (Mar 10)

Presentation by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, at Cambridge Science Festival on 19 March 2010.
 

A few words from the Director

Stuart Parkinson discusses the latest twists and turns in the climate science debate, and its relevance for public interest science.

Editorial from SGR Newsletter no. 38; winter 2010