Next Steps
The international Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) encourages scientists to develop a “web of prevention” that would include many of the steps that Peter and Ann carried out:
- Educate ourselves, our colleagues, and our mentees about ethical, legal, and policy issues impacting science;
- Interact with your institution’s research review committees to ensure that they are cognizant of dual use issues;
- Participate in the policy-making process.
Regulations concerning dual use research are still in development. Make your opinions known to your institution, professional societies, and political leaders. Famous examples of scientists speaking out about ethical issues include Einstein’s letter to President Roosevelt concerning fears that the Nazis were developing nuclear weapons, and Linus Pauling’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning nuclear arms proliferation efforts.
