Chemistry and Dual Use: From Scientific Integrity to Social Responsibility

Abstract

Ethical aspects of chemical activity are often exclusively located in the field of scientific integrity and good scientific practice. Yet, there is another dimension of ethics in chemistry that is not covered by research ethics: the impact of chemical scientific and technological progress on society and environment. Here, especially, the dual character of manifestations of chemical progress (new compounds, materials, and processes) is discussed. This essay aims at clarifying the roles, responsibilities, and chances of chemists to contribute to the assessment and management of dual use risks. Its main argument is that the framework for an efficient risk assessment has been established in science and technology governance, based on the sustainability concept. Without having to worry about exceeding their core competences too much – as in ‘Ethics is not my business!’ – chemists’ expertise and knowledge plays a crucial role in tackling the most urging issues of our times as part of a larger interdisciplinary endeavour.