Science academies 'must take on ethics role'
10 June 1999
[LONDON]
Every academy of science throughout the world should set up a mechanism for studying and monitoring the ethical problems arising from modern science, according to medical physicist Sir Joseph Rotblat, the Nobel peace prizewinner in 1995.
Rotblat, one of the founders and for many years president of the Pugwash conferences on science and world affairs, an organization of researchers dedicated to the cause of peace, also suggests that all scientists should be encouraged to sign an oath on graduation pledging to work for the good of humanity.
"Ethical problems should become part and parcel of the terms of reference of all academies of science," Rotblat told a meeting in London last week at which he outlined some of the ideas and recommendations that he intends to present during a keynote speech on the first day of the World Conference on Science in Budapest.
Acknowledging that many academies are already engaged in such debates, Rotblat suggested that this role "should become normative" rather than optional. The job of scientists nominated to sit on such ethical committees "will be to try to work out the possible outcomes of scientific projects from the point of view of their potential impact on society."
The physicist pointed out that in medicine, all projects involving the use of humans have to be vetted by ethical committees. "Something similar should be carried out for other scientific projects, for example in the fields of molecular biology and genetic engineering".
The code of conduct which Rotblat suggests should be taken by scientists would be similar to the Hippocratic oath taken by doctors. "This makes them aware that their prime duty is to the patient," he said. "Now that science can affect the fate of so many humans, it is important for scientists to be aware of the situation."
In his Budapest talk, 'Science and Human Values', Rotblat will address "the education of scientists as conscientious and responsible citizens and contributors to the culture of peace."
For the text of Rotblat's London address, 'Science and Ethical Behaviour', click here.
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Nature © Macmillan Publishers Ltd 1999 Registered No. 785998 England.