The Government launched a £1.2 million grant scheme yesterday that
will encourage scientists, industry and policy makers to engage the
public in a debate on the possible complications of new
technologies, including IT and the internet.
"New technologies create new exciting opportunities but can also
raise concerns and fears. The science and society agenda is about
building a series of inclusive debates to explore the ethical,
safety, health and environmental implications of emerging
technologies," explained Lord Sainsbury, the Minister for Science
and Innovation.
Known as Sciencewise, the grant scheme will fund projects that
support dialogue between scientists and the public. In particular
the grants will favour projects that encourage trust and security
in the use of IT and the internet, nanotechnology, animals and
medical research, increasingly intelligent computer systems, the
understanding of brain processes and energy and climate change.
The scheme forms part of the Science and Innovation Framework
2004 –2014, published by the Treasury and the Department for Trade
and Industry in July.
Details of the scheme and how to apply are due to be available
from the Sciencewise
site.
