[SGRupdate] New briefing signposts ethical career paths in the chemical industry

[Scientists for Global Responsibility]

New briefing signposts ethical career paths in the chemical industry

While the chemical industry fends off criticism for its negative impacts on
health and the environment, and struggles to recruit qualified graduates, a
new briefing launched today examines the "ethical" career options that
might inspire a fresh look at this sector - and at the same time make
positive contributions to the planet.

Published by Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR), the briefing,
"Career choice and the chemical industry", looks at scientific and
engineering careers that can improve the environmental performance of the
chemical industry or reduce its negative impacts on human health. It also
highlights career options that can help eliminate chemical weapons or
reduce animal experiments. The briefing includes an explanation of the
major regulatory changes that are currently taking place, especially in
Europe, and the implications of these for ethical job seekers.

"Career choice and the chemical industry" is the latest in SGR's very
popular series "Ethical careers in science, design and technology". It was
written by Dr Anne Chapman who has a background in environmental
consultancy and chemicals policy.

Dr Stuart Parkinson, series editor and Director of SGR, said: "The chemical
industry is one of the largest employers of scientists and engineers in the
UK, yet it is also one of the most criticised over a range of ethical
issues. This briefing will help students and professionals navigate these
issues and make career choices which have a positive impact on society".

He added: "The number of students taking physical sciences and engineering
at universities has dropped in recent years, especially in subjects such as
chemistry. By highlighting the careers which could have a positive benefit
for society, this briefing will help excite young people's interest in a
scientific career rather more than the mantra of 'keeping the UK
competitive in the knowledge-based economy'".


Notes

1. SGR is an independent UK organisation of approximately 850 members
across the natural and social sciences, engineering, IT, architecture and
design. Its main aim is to promote ethical science, design and technology -
based on the principles of openness, accountability, peace, social justice,
and environmental sustainability. For more information see
http://www.sgr.org.uk/

2. "Career choice and the chemical industry" is an 8-page briefing that can
be downloaded from http://www.sgr.org.uk/ethics.html

3. SGR's ethical careers programme also provides a range of other useful
material for students and professionals in science, design and technology.
There are seven other 8-page briefings:
* Corporations and career choice in science and technology;
* Scientists or soldiers? Career choice, ethics and the military;
* Unscrambling a space career from military forces;
* Your career and sustainable development;
* Career choice and climate change;
* Cleaner technologies: a positive choice; and
* Career choice, ethics and animal experimentation.
There are two 32-page booklets:
* An ethical career in science and technology? (introductory booklet)
* Critical Paths: 12 inspiring cases of ethical careers in science and
technology
Also available is a list of ethical employers, related articles and useful
web-links. All these materials can be downloaded or accessed from
http://www.sgr.org.uk/ethics.html

4. SGR's ethical careers publications have proven very popular. The demand
has led to a total of over 10,000 copies being distributed to date.
Feedback has been very positive. For example, one undergraduate said of the
introductory booklet: "It provides exactly the type of information and
advice that's missing from undergraduate science courses. It has a good,
clear structure and I feel it is pitched at just the right level.
Fantastic!"

****************************************************************************
Scientists for Global Responsibility    Tel: 01303 851965
Ingles Manor                            Mobile: 07771 883696
Castle Hill Avenue                      E-mail: info at sgr.org.uk
Folkestone                              Web: http://www.sgr.org.uk
CT20 2RD

Help support SGR's work - become a member or an associate member.
For details, see http://www.sgr.org.uk/joinsgr.html
****************************************************************************