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.

Building confidence in the nuclear age

Alan Cottey, University of East Anglia, recommends a new look at Niels Bohr’s early ideas concerning openness on nuclear issues as a path to international confidence and a new world order.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006
 

Meeting future UK energy demand: what can renewables offer?

In the light of climate change, dwindling oil and gas supplies, and controversy over nuclear power, Peter Smith, Nottingham University, looks at the scope for expanding the supply of renewable energy in the UK.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006
 

Managing nanotechnology

Alexis Vlandas, Oxford University, discusses some ways in which nanotechnology might be managed to try to prevent negative environmental, security, health or social impacts.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006
 

Soldiers in the laboratory: what are the ethical issues?

Presentation to the Café Scientifique in Brighton by Dr Chris Langley, SGR, on 16 May 2006
 

Critical Paths

12 inspiring cases of ethical careers in science and technology

Booklet edited by Stuart Parkinson and Vanessa Spedding; April 2006

12 scientists and engineers tell of their experiences in trying to follow an ethical career. The cases cover a wide range of issues relating to the environment, social justice, the military, and animal welfare.

 

Our Energy Challenge: SGR Response

Response to Our Energy Challenge: DTI Consultation, April 2006
 

Open letter to Tony Blair, regarding opposition to a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK

Letter sent 10 April 2006, co-ordinated by SGR and signed by 40 science, design and technology professionals - all with expertise in energy and/or climate issues
 

Role models to inspire a new generation of ethical scientists and engineers

Press release, 6 April 2006
 

Trident, technology and democracy

Notes for a presentation by Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, for a Demos seminar, held in London on 30 March 2006
 

Corporations and career choice in science and technology

SGR ethical careers briefing by Stuart Parkinson; January 2006

Corporations have become one of the most powerful influences within science and technology in recent years. This has thrown up many ethical concerns, not least the issue of whether their involvement has a distorting influence on the direction of research and development. This briefing outlines the key ethical issues in this area, and discusses how these affect career choice for scientists and engineers. It gives tips on spotting ethical corporations and looks at alternative career options in the public and non-profit sectors.