Our Mission Duke Science & Society embraces and encourages responsible progress in science and technology that benefits humanity. We do so by fostering research, education, and engagement on what constitutes responsible innovation and ethical progress, by supporting effective communication to deepen social understanding of that progress, and by advancing policy and governance in these fields.
Advances in science and technology rapidly change the world we live in, shape our lives and culture, and raise myriad ethical, legal, and policy-related questions: What are pressing social problems for which there may be technological solutions? What steps promote just distribution of beneficial technologies? What policy issues does emerging science raise? How can different stakeholders work together to promote good science? And how can we tell when science is ‘good enough’ to be used as the basis for legal and policy decision-making? The Duke Initiative for Science & Society addresses these and other broad-ranging issues to advance the responsible use of science and technology for humanity.
Our Mission
To advance the responsible use of science and technology for humanity through research, education, communication, democratic deliberation, and policy engagement.
Our Goals
- To embed an understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of science and technology into education and scientific research, conduct, and communication.
- To better integrate science and technology into policy and legal decision-making.
- To improve science communication and democratic deliberation to enhance public understanding and participation of science and technology
- To carry out and publish research on questions related to the responsible use of science and technology for humanity
- To use applied ethics and policy frameworks to guide the responsible use of science and technology for humanity
Partner With Us
We are a multidisciplinary hub for Duke faculty, students, and external stakeholders. We welcome opportunities to cross-list appropriate courses at all levels, collaborate on events, and bring ethics and policy expertise to a variety of scientific and technological disciplines on campus. Duke faculty may also be invited to teach in our programs, give guest lectures and seminars, or attend our programming.
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