Sign up for the 2024 "Introduction to the relationship between science and society" course

The latest edition of the "Introduction to the relationship between science and society" course will take place this year from April 3 to May 2, 2024, one day a week.

The aim of the course is to investigate the changing relationship between science and society and to provide points for discussion on the questions raised by these developments. It will also attempt to raise awareness of how scientific arguments can contribute to topical issues via a group session on the question of dual-use research.

Dual-use research is research that presents a risk of misuse, or that involves unacceptable risk-taking. In other words, it is research that could reasonably be expected to produce knowledge, products or technologies... which, if misused (intentionally - by a malicious third party - or accidentally), could have serious negative consequences for public health, the environment, safety, etc. However, at a time when the research conducted (or not conducted) is likely to strongly condition the trajectories open to our societies, we may wonder whether this approach is sufficient and whether it should not be considered within a more general framework, that of the possibility, or not, of thinking about the choices made in research (by whom, with what legitimacy, what tools...). The aim of the workshop is to explore the notion of dual research as defined by a number of texts and opinions, but also to examine the way in which the question of choices in research is posed today.

The course will take place at the Institut Pasteur on the following Wednesdays: April 3, 10, 17 and 24, and on Thursday May 2. The mornings will consist of teaching sessions. The afternoons will be used to prepare for a debate on a topical issue (this year's topic is "dual-use research") with the aim of showing participants how to introduce scientific arguments into social debates. A final half-day will give participants the opportunity to present the debate to speakers, scientists and experts.

The course is primarily aimed at PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and junior researchers but is open to everyone interested in the topic, both scientists and non-scientists.

The deadline for registration is March 10.

For more information and to register