With the Académie des Sciences in 2013-2014

With the Académie des Sciences in

2013 - 2014

In this framework, the Comité Science et Biosécurité is reflecting on the dialogue that should be set up between

national and international scientific communities and public authorities on biosafety, and on how to raise the

awareness of researchers in life sciences and stakeholders in charge of public health to all of these risks.

Controlling some laboratories believed sensitive, while preserving the freedom of research, should considered.

The Comité Science et Biosécurité is also considering how the experts’ role may be better acknowledged

as they contribute to decisions of a collective nature, and how best practices against potential emergency

situations may be best defined.

Moreover, the Comité Science et Biosécurité shall list and hear all the existing structures in the field of biosafety in France and

may pay particular attention to specific research contract projects. It shall take the initiative to consider any topical issue requiring

scientific advice or recommendations and, lastly, shall take stock of the threats facing the French territory.

Science, ethics and society

The

Comité Science, Ethique et Société (Standing Committee for Science, Ethics and Society)

has continued operating in 2013 and

2014, addressing issues of deontology within the Académie and general issues of ethics.

Following the formulation of rules for the presentation of the Prizes of the

Académie, which were adopted in January 2012, the Committee focused

on the issue of member election, in the perspective of the 2013 and 2014

sessions of elections. The issue of gender parity has been extensively

debated, and so has been the major concern to avoid conflicts of interest.

These rules have been officially presented to the assembly of the Electoral

Commission of 10 June 2014. They revolve around the four major steps

of the election procedures: detecting candidates, filling an application

file, submitting the file before the Commission, and discussing the file

within the Commission.

Moreover, the

Comité Science, Ethique et Société

has started a long-haul

exploration on research funding, once again with a focus on the issue of

conflict of interest, but also aiming at answering any blames for lacking

objectivity, which are often expressed against the scientists who agree

on partnerships with the industry. In order to do so, the Comité has asked several members of the Académie enjoying, at the time or

before then, such kind of relations to cover wide fields of activities and experiences. The minutes of these debates are available for

all members of the Académie to consult.

The

Comité Science, Ethique et Société

, through its President, Académie Member Anne Fagot-Largeault, has also taken an active part

in the work of the ALLEA

(All European Academies)

Permanent Working Group on Science and Ethics, notably revising the

Statement

on Ethics Education in Science and Research.

This document was followed by a brochure published by ALLEA,

Ethics Education in

Science

, which has been sent to 300 doctoral schools from French universities, at a time when they are expected to teach young

researchers the great principles of research ethics.

Finally, the

Comité Science, Ethique et Société

has taken part in the reflection engaged by the Académie on science publishing,

regarding the current evolution of the publishing world (see the report of the Académie des Sciences

The challenges Facing Scientific

Edition)

The

Comité Science, éthique et société

is now considering different themes with an ethical dimension to them, and in particular:

ethics in expertise, ethics with regard to the third world, ethics education at high school level, the role played by foundations in the

functioning of research, the scientific quality of reviews and the issue of open access, science and obscurantism.