Issues

We currently focus on four main issues: disarmament and security, climate change and energy, questions of who controls science and technology and issues surrounding new and emerging technologies. You will also see that we work on some other issues too. You can explore these with the menu on the left of this page and with the search function. Material in this section includes all SGR's main outputs since 2005, with a selection of the more important material from before then.

Patents and conflicts of interest: are scientists acting ethically?

Does the patent system encourage inappropriate commercial influence over biotechnology research? Helen Wallace, GeneWatch, argues that it does, and invites us to take part in an investigation to uncover and address the reality.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 34, summer 2007
 

Walking in minefields

The SGR report ‘Soldiers in the Laboratory’ prompted Steve Wright, Leeds Metropolitan University, to consider the real-life legacy of military involvement in science and engineering. Here he describes an eye-opening trip that showed him just what that means.

Article in SGR Newsletter no. 34, summer 2007
 

Building hope: global network tackles humanitarian problems

An increasing number of organisations are using skilled volunteers to provide practical help for humanitarian problems. Chris Medland introduces one such organisation, in the field of design: Architecture for Humanity.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 34, summer 2007
 

More Soldiers in the laboratory

The militarisation of science and technology - an update

SGR briefing by Chris Langley, Stuart and Philip Webber; August 2007

This briefing provides an update to Soldiers In The Laboratory. In addition to SGR's latest findings about the power and influence of the military in science, engineering and technology (SET) in the UK and elsewhere since the previous report was written, this briefing also highlights some of the problems encountered in obtaining detailed information on military involvement in R&D despite the entry into force of the Freedom of Information Act. The report also documents the huge imbalance between government R&D funding of the military and funding to tackle ill-health, environmental degradation and poverty, and argues that a major shift in resources towards supporting social justice and environmental protection and away from the military is needed.
 

Expanding military influence over science and technology is marginalising social and environmental programmes, says science group

Press release, 21 August 2007
 

Climate science for beginners (Aug 2007)

Notes of a workshop given by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, at the Camp for Climate Action, on 15 August, 2007
 

Planning for a Sustainable Future: SGR Response

Response to the Government White Paper submitted on 26 July 2007
 

Climate Change Bill: SGR Response

Main Text of Response to Consultation by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the draft Climate Change Bill, 12 June 2007
 

Scientists urge MPs not to vote for Trident replacement

Press release, 13 March 2007
 

Delay the decision on Trident replacement

Letter to the Guardian, co-signed by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, 2 March 2007