Promoting ‘Ethics Talk’: Lessons From Engagements With Bioscientists About The Dual-Use Dilemma

The Brocher Foundation

is pleased to invite you to a seminar on

PROMOTING ‘ETHICS TALK’: LESSONS FROM ENGAGEMENTS WITH BIOSCIENTISTS ABOUT THE DUAL-USE DILEMMA

To be held on Monday 26 January from 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm

at the Fondation Brocher, 471 Route d’Hermance, 1248 Hermance, Geneva

Speakers:

Brian Rappert (University of Exeter) & Malcolm Dando (University of Bradford)

Chair:

Michael Selgelid (Australian National University)

In recent years, the relation between national security and science research has received considerable attention.  As part of this, questions are being raised by national scientific academies, international science organizations, and security agencies regarding whether the knowledge and techniques generated through fundamental and applied life science research might facilitate the production of bioweapons.  Consideration of the so-called ‘dual use’ potential of life science knowledge and techniques is itself part of growing concern about biosecurity.  This has resulted in debate regarding whether controls should be placed on what gets done, how, and whether information is widely circulated.  Arguably this sort of discussion challenges many of the traditional presumptions of biologists and others regarding the implications of their research and its proper governance. 

This presentation elaborates the methods employed in and the findings of some 100 seminars with over 2500 practicing scientists and students in 12 countries about dual use issues.  There have been two aims to these seminars: one, to inform participants about current ‘biosecurity’ debates and second, to generate interactive discussion about the merits of proposed policy responses.  The presentation will recount some of the interactions in the seminars with a view to considering the tensions and lessons associated with efforts to promote responsive life science and social research.  It will also consider future steps to engage scientists in discussions about the ethics of their work. 

IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE EVENT PLEASE SEND AN E-MAIL WITH YOUR DETAILS TO SCIENTIFICPROG@BROCHER.CH BY FRIDAY 23 JANUARY