AAAS Science and Human Rights Program

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Report on Science and Human Rights

Summer 2006 Vol XXVI, No. 1

Update on the Project on Science and Intellectual Property in the Public Interest

SIPPI Organizes CapSci Event

In late March, the Project on Science and Intellectual Property in the Public Interest (SIPPI) was invited to host a symposium at the Washington Academy of Sciences’ 2006 event, Capital Science—better known as “CapSci.” The SIPPI session – organized by Mike Kisielewski – addressed the pressing theme of the effects of patent reform legislation on the conduct of scientific research. Attended by over 70 guests, the symposium featured three well-recognized experts from the fields of academic research and administration, as well as patent law. The expert presentations sparked a thoughtful, engaging discussion among the diversity of guests in attendance. More details of the event can be viewed at http://sippi.aaas.org/ CapSci2006/index.htm.

Multinational Survey in Progress

Over the course of 2006, SIPPI has been working on a multinational survey of scientists regarding their experiences with obtaining intellectual property, creating intellectual property, accessing public data, and publishing their scientific work. Four countries are targeted by the survey – the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan. The multinational survey builds on a pilot survey SIPPI developed in 2005; the results of that survey are highlighted in The Effects of Patenting in the AAAS Scientific Community, which can be found at http://sippi.aaas.org/survey/ AAAS_IP_Survey_Report.pdf.

Currently, SIPPI plans to release five reports based on the data collected during the multinational survey: one for each country surveyed, and one overall comparative report. Those reports will be published in early 2007. SIPPI additionally will hold three public meetings to bring together stakeholders and other parties interested in the results of the survey. The meetings will be held early next year in the US, the UK, and Japan.

Other SIPPI Activities

SIPPI is exploring the possibility of adding a new dimension to its Web site. That would consist of a monthly “issue briefing” on a topic that has been recurring in SIPPI’s news postings. The briefing would summarize the recent history of a particular news item, provide context for its underlying themes, and ensure that the reader is left with a firm understanding of the status of that news item and its related issues. Ultimately, the goal is to maintain updated coverage of the major news items that are being tracked and followed by SIPPI. Intern Viviane Callier and SIPPI Program Associate Mike Kisielewski are spearheading that effort.