Euroscience Open Forum 2008, Barcelona, July 18-22, 2008

ESOF-2008: a unique opportunity to influence the future of science in Europe

The mission of the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) is to provide both the European and the international science and business communities with an open platform for debate and communication. It presents and profiles Europe's leading research trends in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is an opportunity to discuss and influence the future of research and innovation in Europe by involving all main stakeholders: scientists, business executives and policy-makers.

- Discover new trends and directions in research, business, science policy and funding

- Network with leaders of the international science and business community

- Communicate your research and ideas to an international audience

- Participate in the debate, discussion and excitement of European science and technology

- Meet and talk to scientific and business journalists from Europe and around the world

- Develop your career, your future projects and your contacts

Evidence-based policy or policy-based evidence?
Nuclear weapons decision-making in Europe

Euroscience Open Forum, Barcelona, Session on July 19, 14:30 - 18:00

Organisers:
John Finney, University College London / British Pugwash Group, Carol Naughton, WMD Awareness Programme, Georges Parisot, French Pugwash

The session discussed the way in which scientific and technical considerations are used in nuclear weapons decision-making in Europe, and contrasted it with the situation in the US. It explored ways of improving the openness of nuclear weapons decision making processes to ensure they are healthy and robust, and not biased by narrower commercial or political considerations. Speakers reviewed (a) the processes involved in making the recent UK decision to renew its Trident nuclear weapons system, (b) French plans to modernise its nuclear weapons systems, (c) US planning to develop a new warhead, and (d) thoughts on the ways in which these very different national approaches interact on an international level in the wider European context, especially during times of policy formation.

One important topic discussed, prompted by a question posed by British Pugwash Group Chair John Finney, was the need for JASON type advisory bodies in the UK and France.

For more information see the ESOF 2008 website.