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Paris, October 16, 2006

The CNRS ethics committee publishes its recommendations on nanotechnology

The CNRS Ethics Committee (COMETS) has published its Opinion on the ethical issues relating to nanoscience and nanotechnology. It suggests a number of avenues of study and eight recommendations for the institution, its researchers and its partners. This opinion is published in a context in which the swift expansion of the exploration and use of matter at the atomic scale is exciting for researchers but worrying for civil society. Its publication comes a few days before the interministerial working seminar on the issues and risks arising from nanotechnology and nanomaterials.

Nanoscience, due to its potential for new discoveries, and nanotechnology, due to its convergence with other forms of technology – those relating to the life sciences, information science and cognitive science – heralds developments whose ultimate outcomes need to be examined. Their potentially very considerable social impact can be ignored neither by researchers engaged in this area of work nor by the organisation promoting them. The extremely multidisciplinary character of the CNRS makes it a forum especially conducive to consideration of this area, which is currently a subject of public debate.

In a context in which a number of bodies are arguing for the “responsible development” of nanotechnology, it is COMETS' wish that its Opinion as published should enlighten not only the CNRS and its researchers, but also its partners, and that it should enable a fair balance to be struck between the freedom of research and the shouldering of responsibility to society at large. To that end it has formulated eight recommendations.

The overall objective of these recommendations is not so much to develop ethically correct research by means of series of mandatory standards or prohibitions to be adhered to in an area of practice entirely focused on the means and the positive results of research, than it is to foster ethical vigilance through a series of measures intended to encourage reflection on research values and goals.

The aim here is to bring about a radical change in attitudes in research circles, where considerable ignorance - or even resistance - still exists with regard to ethics. Such a change requires an awareness of the role of researchers in all disciplines, because the awakening of ethical reflection on science and technology is inconceivable as a one-off service to be provided by ethics specialists. It will take time, and the measures adopted must be sufficiently far-reaching to enable work to be done over the long term. COMETS, in accordance with its assigned mission, wishes to play an active part in this process.

The publication of the Opinion on the ethical issues relating to nanoscience and nanotechnology is to be followed by three events. COMETS will take part in an interministerial working seminar 19 October next devoted to the goals and risks linked to nanotechnology/nanomaterials, organised by the general directorate of health (French Ministry of Health). The rapporteur of the COMETS working group which authored the Opinion will be heard, on 7 November next, at the French National Assembly by the parliamentary office on scientific and technological policy. And lastly, in March 2007 COMETS is to organise a topic-centred school on nanosciences and nanotechnology for CNRS staff. COMETS is also keeping in close contact, where the subject of the ethical issues surrounding nanoscience and nanotechnology are concerned, with the CCNE, the French national consultative committee on ethics in the life and health sciences, since the latter body is currently preparing a report on the “nano” domain in the health sector.

COMETS is a consultative body with 12 members, all researchers or engineers in a highly diverse range of disciplines. It is attached to the CNRS board of management. Formed in 1994, it reflects upon ethical issues arising from the conduct of research, formulates recommendations and raises staff awareness. It is chaired at the present time by astrophysicist Pierre Léna.

 

ANNEX

THE EIGHT COMETS RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. For the purposes of general consultation, participation in a gathering together of parties with an interest in the development of a programme of research: manufacturing companies, consumer associations, patients' associations, Non Governmental Organisations, etc. The views of these actors are essential if decision-making bodies are to be enlightened as to the wishes of society.

The CNRS, because it covers all the fundamental disciplines and is concerned with how they are applied, has a duty to play a driving role in such a consultation process.

2. Concern for research ethics should be included at various stages in the careers of research workers – initial training, evaluation, formulation of research projects.

3. Production of short ethics guides for researchers, or dossiers summarising in straightforward language the results of the many studies that exist.

4. The setting up in research facilities ethical forums to provide venues for debate where researchers, engineers and technicians can make their voices heard and exchange views with the participation of research workers in the human and social sciences.

5. Stimulation of human and social sciences researchers' interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

6a. Put in place procedures for detecting and arbitrating conflicts of interest in dealings with industry;

6b. Ensure the transparency of sources of funding and where possible the results of joint projects conducted by the CNRS and industry.

7. With respect to public relations:

- present the expected benefits of the nanosciences and nanotechnology without disguising the possible harm;

- put greater emphasis on the consequences of such research for humanity, on the issues linked to the choice of nanosciences as a scientific priority; and where possible do not restrict consideration to economic and industrial issues alone;

- dare to consider very long-term issues, helping identify the fantasies to which nanoscience might give rise.

8. Set up bodies for dialogue and/or participate in public debates organised at local, national, European or international level.

References:

The Opinion on the ethical issues relating to nanoscience and nanotechnology can be found on line in French at View web site

Contact information:

COMETS :
Christiane Bouchard
Tel 33+ (0)1 44 96 43 55 tel
christiane.bouchard@cnrs-dir.fr

Press relations
Claire Le Poulennec
Tel 33+ (0)1 44 96 49 88
claire.le-poulennec@cnrs-dir.fr

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