AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

Mission and Programs

Since its establishment in 1977, the Science and Human Rights Program (SHRP) has developed a reputation for pioneering applications of science and technology for human rights purposes that include forensic and genetic sciences, statistical and information management techniques, electronic encryption technologies, and, most recently, geospatial technologies. As the human rights program of the world's largest multidisciplinary scientific membership organization, SHRP is committed to engaging scientists and marshalling scientific tools, techniques, and technologies to enhance the impact of human rights work, and to bringing human rights norms to the conduct of science.

Moving forward, SHRP will pursue projects in four program areas:

I.   Scientists for Human Rights will focus on engaging scientists in human rights efforts through the Science and Human Rights Coalition – a partnership of scientific societies and professional associations – and projects that enlist the expertise of individual scientists through a network of pro bono Consultants and Fellows and Fellowships programs. Together, these projects will provide a variety of opportunities for scientists to work with the human rights community to effectively tackle human rights challenges. 

II.   Science for Human Rights will focus on identifying practical and appropriate scientific solutions to human rights problems and transferring the requisite scientific skills to human rights organizations.  SHRP currently is pursuing advanced applications of geospatial technologies to multiple human rights challenges, has begun work on wireless communications technologies, and is exploring the potential uses of other technologies, such as structure mapping and budget analysis, in efforts to advance human rights.

III.  Science as a Human Right, which is articulated as the right to “enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications” (Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights) will be actively explored, developed, and promoted by SHRP.  Once the right has been properly conceptualized, SHRP will explore the potential for this human right to enable the realization of important global initiatives such as the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 

IV.  Human Rights, Scientists, and the Conduct of Science will organize SHRP’s efforts to foster awareness of and respect for internationally recognized human rights norms by bringing together distinguished scientists, human rights leaders, and the public to consider the human rights implications of new technologies and scientific discoveries as well as science policy and practice.

The Program receives guidance and general oversight from the AAAS Committee on Scientific Freedom and Responsibility.

For more information or to become involved, please contact us at shrp@aaas.org.

(site updated 06/21/2007)

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