Education and Ethics in the Life Sciences: Strengthening the Prohibition of Biological Weapons / Volume 1.0

"At the start of the twenty-first century, warnings have been raised in some quarters about how -- by intent or by mishap -- advances in biotechnology and related fields could aid the spread of disease. Science academics, medical organisations, governments, security analysts, and others are among those that have sought to raise concern. Education and Ethics in the Life Sciences examines a variety of attempts to bring greater awareness to security concerns associated with the life sciences. It identifies lessons from practical initiatives across a wide range of national contexts as well as more general reflections about education and ethics. The eighteen contributors bring together perspectives from a diverse range of fields -- including politics, virology, sociology, ethics, security studies, microbiology, and medicine -- as well as their experiences in universities, think tanks and government."--Bookhome page.

At the start of the twenty-first century, warnings have been raised in some quarters about how – by intent or by mishap – advances in biotechnology and related fields could aid the spread of disease. Science academics, medical organisations, governments, security analysts, and others are among those that have sought to raise concern.

Education and Ethics in the Life Sciences examines a variety of attempts to bring greater awareness to security concerns associated with the life sciences. It identifies lessons from practical initiatives across a wide range of national contexts as well as more general reflections about education and ethics. The eighteen contributors bring together perspectives from a diverse range of fields – including politics, virology, sociology, ethics, security studies, microbiology, and medicine – as well as their experiences in universities, think tanks and government.

In offering their assessment about what must be done and by whom, each chapter addresses a host of challenging practical and conceptual questions. Education and Ethics in the Life Sciences will be of interest to those planning and undertaking training activities in other areas. In asking how education and ethics are being made to matter in an emerging area of social unease, it will also be of interest to those with more general concerns about professional conduct.

At the start of the twenty-first century, warnings have been raised in some quarters about how ? by intent or by mishap ? advances in biotechnology and related fields could aid the spread of disease. Science academics, medical organisations, governments, security analysts, and others are among those that have sought to raise concern. Education and Ethics in the Life Sciences examines a variety of attempts to bring greater awareness to security concerns associated with the life sciences. It identifies lessons from practical initiatives across a wide range of national contexts as well as more general reflections about education and ethics. The eighteen contributors bring together perspectives from a diverse range of fields ? including politics, virology, sociology, ethics, security studies, microbiology, and medicine ? as well as their experiences in universities, think tanks and government. In offering their assessment about what must be done and by whom, each chapter addresses a host of challenging practical and conceptual questions. Education and Ethics in the Life Sciences will be of interest to those planning and undertaking training activities in other areas. In asking how education and ethics are being made to matter in an emerging area of social unease, it will also be of interest to those with more general concerns about professional conduct. Part I. ETHICS, EDUCATION AND THE LIFE SCIENCES. Introduction: Education as ... / Brian Rappert -- Ethics Engagement of the Dual-Use Dilemma: Progress and Potential / Michael J. Selgelid -- Educating Scientists about Biosecurity: Lessons from Medicine and Business / Judi Sture -- Part II. NATIONAL EXPERIENCES. Linking Life Sciences with Disarmament in Switzerland / François Garraux -- Israel / David Friedman -- Japan: Obstacles, Lessons and Future / Masamichi Minehata and Nariyoshi Shinomiya -- Bioethics and Biosecurity Education in China: Rise of a Scientific Superpower / Michael Barr and Joy Yueyue Zhang -- Raising Awareness among Australian Life Scientists / Christian Enemark -- Bringing Biosecurity-related Concepts into the Curriculum: A US View / Nancy Connell and Brendan McCluskey -- Part III. THE WAYS FORWARD. Implementing and Measuring the Efficacy of Biosecurity and Dual-use Education / James Revill and Giulio Mancini -- Biosecurity Awareness-raising and Education for Life Scientists: What Should be Done Now? / Simon Whitby and Malcolm Dando -- Teaching Ethics to Science Students: Challenges and a Strategy / Jane Johnson -- Conclusion / Brian Rappert andLouise Bezuidenhout.