ottawa

A group of graduate students at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, has produced a set of 21 ‘principles for science’, intended as a contribution to the discussion leading up to the World Conference on Science, and described as “a declaration of interdependence for the 21st century”.

The principles endorse the concept of scientific freedom — including the freedom to publish research results and attend conferences at home and abroad — while acknowledging that such freedom “is neither absolute nor unfettered”. They also argue for a better, long-term commitment to basic science in all countries.

They state that, contrary to trends towards commercialization, scientific knowledge should be disseminated freely and openly. “Developing countries, in particular, require affordable and ready access to research results if they are to prosper in the next millennium.”

The students are participants in a graduate seminar on science, technology and international affairs, led by Gerald Graham of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs.

One of the more controversial suggested principles is that “the public has a right to be involved in every stage of the scientific process, from the conception of a project to its ultimate completion”.

Full text: http://helix.nature.com/wcs/a25.html