24 October 2024 (4.00 – 6.30 p.m.)
The CNR Research Ethics and Integrity Committee is promoting the webinar ‘Dual Use and International Law. Technical, scientific, ethical and legal profiles’, organised by the Interdepartmental Center for Research Ethics and Integrity (CID Ethics – CNR).
Concept note
One of the primary purposes of science is to benefit mankind: an objective considered intrinsic to it and distinct from the possible ‘bad uses’ of scientific technologies. The discussion on the ambivalence of knowledge, and even more so of technology, is an old one and has in the background the obvious consideration that the mere fact that something (be it a technological artefact or a natural object) can be abused is not a sufficient reason to prohibit its use. This general phenomenon is known today as the Dual Use problem (or Dual Use Dilemma), which initially emerged in the field of research in atomic and nuclear physics and was marked by the conceptual pair civilian use/military use of research results. Subsequently – especially after the tragic events of 11 September 2001 and the use of anthrax by terrorists – the problem became more acute and particularly urgent in the life sciences, especially due to the power and increasing accessibility of biotechnology. The concept of ‘dual use’ refers to technologies, materials and scientific knowledge that can be used for both beneficial and malicious purposes. In the context of biotechnology and life sciences, dual use is a significant concern since discoveries and innovations that can improve human health and the environment can also be exploited to create biological weapons or conduct acts of bioterrorism. Dual use has a variety of applications that will be the subject of this study seminar, such as dual use technologies in the space sector, cyber-security, defence systems, and the nuclear sector. A sectoral part will be devoted to legal aspects of international law (UN Biological Weapons Convention) and EU law (EU Dual Use Regulation) as well as research funding aspects.
Conclusion
Dual use represents a complex, multilevel challenge that requires international collaboration, strict regulations and careful management of scientific knowledge. Balancing the benefits of scientific innovations with the potential risks of misuse is crucial to prevent potential side effects such as bioterrorism and protect global public health.
To participate, register
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
- Thematic Coordinator: Ilja Richard Pavone
- Poster
- For information: info@ethics.cnr.it
- Video recording
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
About us on site CNR and on CNR socials:
