There seems to be a trend developing, of attempting to blame scientists for the long term consequences of their actions, as illustrated by this piece in the Guardian. Having been through the academic process ourselves, and finding it quite hard enough to keep on top of the science, we find this somewhat unfair.
While not suggesting that scientists should be entirely incognisant of the ramification of their research, most people involved in the more basic types of research are simply trying to better understand the phenomena shaping the universe we live in. The end use of this knowledge is influenced more by companies and governments than the wishes of individual researchers. Making every post doc a scapegoat for the end use of their research looks irresponsible and ill informed.
Incoming chief science adviser to the Irish government, Barry McSweeny, gets it about right. Knowledge generation must be unrestricted, while the application of that knowledge should proceed carefully.
Still, no sooner was the issue raised than the UK government science minister Lord Sainsbury announced. “Sciencewise” grants will fund projects “to facilitate dialogue between scientists and the public” on new technologies which may have “new ethical, safety, wealth and environmental complications”. Theres £1.2m on offer between now and 2006.