The Ethics in Common Committee and the Ethics Committee of the CNRS (COMETS) are organising a joint meeting-debate to present and discuss their respective recommendations concerning the commitment of researchers on Tuesday 21 May 2024 from 1pm to 6pm on a one-to-one basis and by invitation and remote sessions only.

PROGRAMME

1pm - Welcome

13:15-13:45 - Two recommendations from the ethics committees on the involvement of scientists: why and how?

COMETS: Christine Noiville
Ethics in Common Committee: Michel Badré, with Simon Fellous (INRAE) 

13:45-15:30 - Commitment or neutrality: should we choose?

Do scientists have the right, or even the duty, to become involved? What should be done about the neutrality of science? What do scientists' duties of neutrality and reserve imply?

Round table chaired by Anne-Sophie Novel (journalist)

Position of each of the two committees: Madeleine Akrich (Ethics in Common Committee) and Eric Guilyardi (COMETS) 

Testimonies from scientists:
Jérémie Cavé (IRD, Atecopol)
Marion Desquilbet (INRAE)
François Houllier (Ifremer)
Franck Lecocq (AgroParisTech)
Jérôme Santolini (CEA, Sciences citoyennes)

Discussion with participants in the room and online

Break 15:30-16:00

16:00-17:45 - How to get involved?

On behalf of who? In whose name? As an individual, without involving one’s supervisors? Collectively? To the point of civil disobedience? How does one address the public? How does one respond to journalists? How do journalists seek out the expertise of scientists?

Round table chaired by Anne-Sophie Novel (journalist)

Introduction

Position of each of the two committees: Madeleine Akrich (Ethics in Common Committee) and Eric Guilyardi (COMETS)
Testimonies:
Wolfgang Cramer (CNRS, Atecopol)
François Graner (CNRS)
Jade Lindgaard (Mediapart)
Aurélie Binot (Cirad)

Discussion with participants in the room and online

17:45-18:00: Summary and closing session

REMOTE CONNECTION

Click on the Zoom link 

https://pantheonsorbonne.zoom.us/j/91980725389?pwd=SHRqZ1BXRWdJNkpWa3BMRkFiL0Urdz09#success

To find out more:

Ethics in common Guidance n°15 (15/10/2023): "What are the rights and duties of scientists and their institutions when faced with environmental issues?"

COMETS Guidance n°2023-44 (07/07/2023): "Freedom and Responsibility: Academic Researchers’ Public Advocacy"