How does Military funding of Science work?
Harmony Wells
Monday, 29 June 2009 16:01 UTC
Hi, I’m new to this forum and new to science writing. I have the following questions I need help answering.
1) Who does the military fund (e.g. organizations vs the individual)?
2) If you are a scientist and you do work for the military, but then decide to quit because of personal issues (assuming you can quit), would you still be allowed to take your research with you to another organization or would that constitute as a security breach if it involves the military or any other organization for that matter?
3) If the government funds your research, how much control do you have over your work? Do you have control over the use of your work?
4) How do scientist feel about government funded research? Is it ideal? More money, less control? Or is the control factor a myth?
Sorry for the loaded questions. Again, I’m an amateur. Need guidance, thanks!
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Replies
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Hi Harmony
I’m afraid I can’t answer your questions as such (I’m not a practising scientist), but thought I’d direct your attention to the book: ‘The Jasons’ by Ann Finkbeiner which gives a great insight into the lives of an independent group of scientists which advises the United States Government on matters of science and technology, particularly the Dept of Defense (who are one of their sponsors). It gives a good illustration of the conflicts scientists can face when working with the military.
Another interesting read is ‘Science and Government’ by C.P. Snow which looks at the famous feud between two scientists (Lindemann and Tizard who were advisors to the British government during World War Two and the disagreements they had regarding the use of Radar and Airstrikes. It’s also an insightful look into how much politics plays a part and how significant working relationships are when science is tied up with military/government.
Hope you find some of that useful
Chloé -
In the UK at least, the government has its own defence lab called the DSTL, and it also funds specific academic research in universities all over the place. I think most (if not all) scientists who work in defence are required to sign security clauses that mean they can’t take their work or data elsewhere.
I’ve written a little about scientists who work in defence, and from what I understand, most of them feel that they are contributing to the safety and security of their country. And if they feel they are being compromised, then they leave.
Can I ask where your interest stems from? Are you thinking of working in the military?
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My brief write-up on The Jasons here
and NYT review here
I’ve not worked on defence stuff but have friends/family who have. It’s likely your work would fall under the Official Secrets Act (look up on gov site).
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