Science Issues
The Royal Society is involved in numerous topical issues
Energy, Environment and Climate Change
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An increasing human population places an ever greater stress on the environment and world’s natural resources. The effects of our actions are now well known, but global economic and social development is still outpacing environmental protection. Governments face the major challenge of providing a secure, affordable and sustainable energy supply, whilst reducing carbon emissions. Science and technology have a key role in informing the policies that aim to address these issues on a global scale. |
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Health
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It is hoped that advances in the field of genetics will help us understand how our genetic makeup relates to the cause of human disease. An individual’s genes could help predict their risk of certain conditions and enable the development of personalised medicine. But some of the techniques underpinning this progress raise complex ethical questions. These must be considered in examining the role of genetics in human health.
Infectious diseases remain a major threat to human and animal health. Their control is a problem that needs to be addressed by a broad mix of people, including scientists, veterinarians, healthcare workers, economists, social scientists and policymakers.
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International Security
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Maintaining international security involves many aspects of science and technology, and covers a wide range of scientific disciplines. Important issues include preventing the production of nuclear weapons, reducing the impact of incidents involving biological agents, and strengthening international treaties such as the Biological Weapons Convention.
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The practical application of new technologies will deliver many benefits in the future. Synthetic biology is described as the design and construction of artificial biological pathways or organisms. It has potential in developing cheap green hydrogen for fuel and cheap anti malarial drugs. Nanotechnology works with matter on an ultra-small scale. Nano-materials could provide targeted drug delivery systems and improve food packaging, for example.
But along with the benefits, these technologies also raise a number of uncertainties about their safety or impact on society. The Royal Society encourages debate about the possible advantages and risks of the technology, and provides advice to policymakers on these issues.
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Science, Innovation and Governance
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The Royal Society is interested in the scientific contribution to economic development, and the ways in which ideas are transformed into new products or services. The organisation of science at all levels, from Government departments to higher education institutions, is vital for effective research and innovation.
The pace and complexity of scientific advancement makes centralised control difficult. We need to move away from thinking about how science relates to Government; we need to consider the governance of science. The Society is working towards the responsible development of science and technology in a number of areas.
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Stem Cells and Cloning
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Researchers hope to improve treatments and find cures for many diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, using stem cell and cloning technologies. This field has advanced rapidly in recent years, with great promise for biomedical research. However, there are complex medical, legal and ethical aspects of the technology that policy makers must consider.
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