‘Big Bang’ fair criticised
'Big Bang’ science and engineering fair is criticised for its weak ‘ethical perspective’
The executive director of Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) has criticised the recent four-day ‘Big Bang’ science and engineering fair in London for its weak ‘ethical perspective’. The Fair was launched in 2009 and is the largest event of its kind in the UK. It is designed to attract young people into careers in science and engineering.
Stuart Parkinson, executive director of SGR, highlighted the role of ‘lead sponsors’ such as BAE Systems, the world’s third largest arms company.
While praising the organisers for many of the exhibits, Stuart Parkinson stressed the need for an ethical perspective: ‘There are four workshops offered on nuclear energy to just one on renewables (which just focuses on wind power). The recent huge leaps in solar energy technology barely feature, and advances in energy-efficient housing are virtually ignored.
‘There are four workshops on aircraft and none on trains. Only a handful of activities have a focus on environmental issues. And while major arms companies have a strong presence, the role of science and technology in helping to dismantle weapons and support peace initiatives gets no mention…
‘Our young scientists and engineers and indeed our society as a whole deserve a better vision for the role of science and technology… They deserve to hear some discussion and debate on how science and technology can be both used and misused.’
