ESMH regularly publishes articles on topics related to science and new technologies that provoke a lot of media attention and that are important in the European context. Most importantly, the articles are written with the help of science writers in journalistic style and always provide the opinion of one or more scientists on the topic. The publications are accompanied by a selection of links to related information and with a focus on European research and knowledge in the field.
Articles
Digital technologies and democracy: challenges ahead
Interview with Professor Barbara Prainsack We cannot imagine a world without digital innovation and technology anymore. But what is its impact on our democracy, the corner stone of our civilisation? What challenges are we facing? The independent advisory body European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) recently published an Opinion on this ...
Neurorights: Do our brains need to be protected by legislation?
Interview with Prof. Guilherme Wood on the Neurorights Today we stand on the threshold of a new revolution: neurotechnology – devices and procedures that seek to access, assess, emulate and act on neural systems – is booming. Driven by new developments in artificial intelligence, they can be used for medical purposes, such as helping paralysed ...
Luc Piguet: ‘Today, we have over 2,000 failed satellites in orbit’
Interview with ClearSpace's CEO Luc Piguet on solutions for a sustainable circular space economy This Thursday 26 October, the European Parliament’s Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) will host a workshop on the Future of space - the sustainable path. We spoke with one of the speakers, the CEO of ClearSpace Luc ...
New STOA study on better access to medicines in the EU
Interview with study author Simona Gamba When it comes to less profitable markets such as rare diseases, paediatric diseases or antimicrobials, medicines in the EU could be hard to come by, both in terms of price and availability. On Thursday 19 October, Senior Assistant Professor Simona Gamba (University of Milan, Italy) presented the study "Improving ...
Virtual and augmented reality in education: huge benefits, but also ethical concerns
Over the last decade, people have been suggesting that digital immersive technologies (DITs) such as virtual reality and augmented reality could supplement - or even replace - a variety of education activities of schools and universities. These technologies can create lifelike virtual environments for the students. What are the opportunities, but also: what are the ...
Henry Ajder on generative AI: ‘We need a balance between excitement and supervision’
Henry Ajder is a renowned expert on generative artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes. He advises companies and governments including Adobe, Meta and the European Commission on the impact of AI on business and society. Ajder also hosted "The Future Will Be Synthesised", a BBC radio series on deepfakes and synthetic media. A German photographer has ...
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage: a polarising or pragmatic part of the EU climate toolbox?
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies could help tackle hard-to-abate emissions in the fight against climate change, but they face challenges in investment, viability and scepticism when it comes to risks of greenwashing and allowing business as usual. Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) are a family of technologies that stop emitted carbon dioxide from ...
‘Heavy red meat eaters could be CO2-taxed in the future’
"However, we also propose that fruit and vegetables should become more affordable." Interview with Eric Lambin, Chief Scientific Advisor to the European Commission, about the scientific consensus towards sustainable food consumption in the EU and the new scientific opinion on this topic. If you rate the nutritional quality and the state of sustainable food systems ...
