Military 'too influential' say scientists

The military has too much influence on scientific research - a situation caused by flawed government thinking, according to a new briefing from ethical science group, Scientists for Global Responsibility.

'Blue sky' research can mean something very different for researchers involved in defense

The briefing - More soldiers in the laboratory - suggests government funding for military R&D dwarfs that spent on social and environmental programmes across the industrialised world. For example, the paper states that in 2004, governments in industrialised countries spent a total of $85 billion on military R&D, but only $50 billion on R&D for health and environmental protection, and less than $1 billion on R&D for renewable energy technologies essential for tackling climate change.

Dr Stuart Parkinson, Director of Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) and co-author of the briefing, said: "Gordon Brown, in his recent speech at the UN, said that we should put science and technology at the heart of efforts to tackle social and environmental problems. Yet, it is clear that current UK science policy allows the military far too much influence in the sector, undermining that aspiration. We urge Mr Brown to put his money where his mouth is and force a shift in current R&D spending to prioritise social and environmental concerns."

In the UK - third in the world rankings in terms of government spending on military R&D according to the briefing - a military R&D spend of £2.6 billion for 2006/7 represents 30% of the total allocation for R&D.

However, it is not just the amount of money spent that the SGR have critised, it is also the overall influence of military in general scientific research. Citing two new national programmes: the Defence Industrial Strategy and the Defence Technology Strategy - the latter marking an expanded effort to involve universities more deeply in military R&D - the group claim expertise will be drawn away from what they see as more worthy causes.

In contrast, some maintain that the advances made in defence research will eventually benefit the rest of society.

A spokesman from the Ministry of Defence said: “As well as the obvious military application, defence research benefits the civilian community as a whole. For example, cutting edge products developed originally for the armed forces are now helping patients in NHS hospitals, forming lightweight components in transport, detecting weapons and providing safer protective clothing for Police. Defence counter terrorism science and technology research is also essential in the UK’s fight against global terrorism.”

Dr Philip Webber, Chair of SGR and co-author of the briefing, said: "In David Milliband’s first speech as Foreign Secretary he talked about the need for changes in the way that the UK engages in the international arena. But can the government really be serious about changing its approach to foreign policy while pursuing major new military technology projects such as replacing its nuclear weapons system and building new aircraft carriers at a time when science and technology skills are so urgently needed in areas such as renewable energy?"

SGR is an independent UK organisation of approximately 900 members across the natural and social sciences, engineering, IT, architecture and design. Its main aim is to promote ethical science, design and technology.