[SGRupdate] Emerging Technologies: Are The Risks Being Neglected?

[Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR)]

Emerging Technologies: Are The Risks Being Neglected?

SGR Conference and AGM 2011

Saturday 21 May 2011
Alan Baxter and Associates' Gallery, 75 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EL


Registration now open.

New 'emerging' technologies are being developed rapidly, especially as
greater commercialisation of academic research is being emphasised to help
deal with current economic problems. Many potential environmental,
security, health and other benefits are being claimed for these
technological developments. But are narrow priorities ­ especially
ecconomic ones ­ driving out careful examination of the claimed benefits
and due consideration of risks? Are our political, economic and social
structures managing to deal with the complexities that emerging
technologies raise? Are alternative solutions for dealing with
environmental and social problems being given proper consideration?

Speakers include:

* Professor Joanna Haigh, Imperial College London, on Geo-engineering the
Climate

* Professor Noel Sharkey, Sheffield University, on Robots on the
Battlefield: Ethical and Humanitarian Implications

* Dr Bronislaw Szerszynski, Lancaster University, on Emerging Technologies
and Risk: the Social, Cultural and Political Dimensions

The event will also feature a poster session. For further information
and/or to register, please see:
http://www.sgr.org.uk/events/emerging-technologies-are-risks-being-neglected