Conference on the Microbiologist & Biological Defense Research: Ethical & Social Issues, Spring 1991 Baltimore, Maryland

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Ethics and Values Studies supports research and educational projects on ethical and value aspects of the interaction between science, technology and society. Projects examine the social values and mutual obligations and responsibilities that arise in these interactions. One important area for examination concerns new advances in the biosciences that may be applied to research and develop efficacious biological warfare (BW) agents. This threat is so serious that the Department of Defense (DoD) has increased its biological defense research program. As a consequence, many scientists are given the opportunity to undertake BW-related research. When considering this opportunity, scientists face difficult questions related to personal values, professional ethics, responsibilities stemming from international law, and duties towards their country. It is the main objective of the proposed conference to clarify these issues. A second objective draws scholars' attention to the availability of the American Society for Microbiology's (ASM) archives for research on the history of microbiology in the U. S. The conference, and its published proceedings, will generate information that will help scientists decide whether to undertake DoD funded research; it will delineate the roles of scientific societies in guiding their members; and it will inform the public of these difficult questions so it can make informed decisions. The ASM and other scientific organizations are co-sponsors of the conference. The principal investigator, planning committee members, and speakers for the conference are highly qualified; sponsorship is appropriate; the issues are important; results will be appropriately disseminated. The project is meritorious and recommended for award.