Balkan physics cruise shifts to dry land after protests

Article Abstract:

The Four Seas conference on high energy physics in June 1995 could not take place on a boat sailing around the Balkan area as planned because of opposition by some of the participants. The organizer, Georges Charpak, wanted to hold the conference to bring together researchers from Balkan countries on neutral grounds so that the speakers did not have to compromise their political views. However, some of the speakers objected on the grounds that in a cruise it could be interpreted as a pleasure trip, inappropriate considering the conflict in former Yugoslavia. Many scientists refused to participate along with scientists from enemy countries. Despite the difficulties, the conference had 180 participants.

Research, Political activity, Political aspects, Balkan Peninsula, Physicists, Particles (Nuclear physics), Subatomic particles

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European proposal reopens debate over patenting of human genes

Article Abstract:

The European Commission will submit a new directive on biotechnology patent law to the both the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers which allows patents on human genes and genetically altered plants and animals. A previous draft was rejected by the European Parliament due to opposition to the patenting of human genes. The new draft, authored by Mario Monti, makes a distinction between discovery, invention, and the propagation rights of farmers. Industrial lobby groups have supported the new draft, while some pressure groups have criticized it on ethical grounds.

International aspects, Science and technology policy, European Union, Intellectual property, Genetically modified animals, Genetic engineering, Patent law

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Protest over spent fuel shipment highlights storage crisis

Article Abstract:

Europe is facing problems regarding the storage of spent high-enriched uranium while environmentalists oppose the shipment of spent fuels to the US and the UK. Under the initial contract between the US and Europe, the spent fuel was to be sent back to the US. Following protests from anti-nuclear activists, the fuel was directed to reprocessing units in the UK. Environmentalists fear that such contracts will encourage trade in weapons-grade fuel and increase radioactive hazards.

Europe, Environmental aspects, Storage, Nuclear nonproliferation, Reactor fuel reprocessing, Fuel reprocessing (Nuclear reactors), Antinuclear movement, Spent reactor fuels

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