The human right to science, outlined in the 1948 Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and repeated in the 1966 International Covenant on
Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, recognizes everyone's right to
"share in scientific advancement and its benefits" and to "enjoy the
benefits of scientific progress and its applications." This right also
requires state parties to develop and disseminate science, to respect
the freedom of scientific research, and to recognize the benefits of
international contacts and co-operation in the scientific field.
The right to science has never been more important. Even before the
COVID-19 health crisis, it was evident that people around the world
increasingly rely on science and technology in almost every sphere of
their lives from the development of medicines and the treatment of
diseases, to transport, agriculture, and the facilitation of global
communication. At the same time, however, the value of science has been
under attack, with some raising alarm at the emergence of "post-truth"
societies. "Dual use" and unintended, because often unforeseen,
consequences of emerging technologies are also perceived to be a serious
risk.
The important role played by science and technology and the potential
for dual use makes it imperative to evaluate scientific research and its
products not only on their scientific but also on their human rights
merits. In Science as a Cultural Human Right, Helle Porsdam argues
robustly for the role of the right to science now and in the future. The
book analyzes the legal stature of this right, the potential
consequences of not establishing it as fundamental, and its connection
to global cultural rights. It offers the basis for defending the free
and responsible practice of science and ensuring that its benefits are
spread globally.
