FASTS Releases "Outcomes Document" From Forum Examining Rights and Responsibilities of Scientists. (June 11, 2008)

On February 22 this year FASTS organised a forum examining issues around the rights and obligations of researchers in universities and public sector research agencies.

The forum was a response to the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr's call for charters to:

• identify and guarantee the responsibilities and obligations of the public research agency, and

• enshrine the rights and the obligation, of scientists and other researchers to participate in public debates.

An "outcomes document" having been finalised, has been sent to Senator Carr, research agencies, state Governments and other groups considered to have a interest in the matter.

The essential thrust of the document is summarised in the following points

Click here to access the 4-page document, which discusses what interpretation should be placed on the points outlined in respect to the context, e.g. social gathering, public forum, media interview.