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.

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.

 

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.

 

Scientists or soldiers? Career choice, ethics and the military

SGR ethical careers briefing by Chris Langley; January 2006

This briefing discusses military involvement with science and engineering, and how it can affect career choice in these fields. It outlines how the UK’s position as a major military power influences research, teaching, and development and deployment of new technologies, and discusses the related ethical issues. The briefing also gives tips on avoiding military work and describes opportunities in a range of alternative fields such as peace-building, disarmament, and cleaner energy technologies.
 

The place of science, technology and engineering in the national security agenda: time for an assessment?

Notes for a Seminar given by Chris Langley, SGR, at Kings College, London, November 2005
 

Soldiers in the laboratory: Military involvement in science and technology - and some alternatives (Oct/Nov 2005)

Texts of presentations by Chris Langley, SGR, to Pugwash Ethical Science Group, Imperial College, London, October 2005, and Totton Sixth-Form College, Southampton, November, 2005
 

Universal Ethical Code for Scientists: SGR Response

Response to a consultation, 1 November 2005
 

Lessons from Lancaster

Comment article on The Guardian website by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, on the way Lancaster University dealt with protestors, and how this reflects on UK policy on universities and science, 19 October 2005
 

Military-University Partnerships: The role of science and technology in setting the security agenda

Presentation given by Dr Chris Langley, SGR, at the 9th Annual Conference on Economics and Security at the University of Bristol on 23-25 June, 2005
 

The military dimensions of science and technology (May 2005)

Presentation by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, on 'Engineering in Society' undergraduate course, Lancaster University, May 2005