Mario Pagliaro's Newlsetter, October 2, 2006:

Towards the Institute of Scientific Ethics and Methodology

Summary:
Launched in Palermo, Italy,the project aiming at the foundation of a brand new scientific insitute.

Launched in Palermo, Italy, the project aiming at the foundation of the new Institute of Scientific Ethics and Methodology (Isem) of Italy's national research council (the Cnr).

The project met the interest of productive, social and politcal forces and is led by research chemist Mario Pagliaro who briefly answers below to a few questions on the new insitute.

What will be the tasks of this new institute?

Mainly three tasks. One will be educational. The Institute will organize the annual Master "Paul K. Feyerabend" on scientific ethics and methodology whose students will be selected on international basis amongst graduates (and researchers) in all scientific disciplines.

It will conduct chemical research, too, as it is not possible to conduct advanced educational work on scientific themes without carrying out cutting-edge research.

Finally, it will continue its seeding work started by Dr. Pagliaro as early as 1999, first with the management school "Quality College del Cnr" and later with the prestigeous Seminar "Marcello Carapezza".

Why scientifc methodology and ethics?

Because current fragmentation of science into subdisciplnes is accompanied by a general decrease in the number of students of science disciplines; whereas amongst the researchers themselves, education on method is often lacking or obsolete.

By the same token, ethical issues associated to scientific practice are numerous and have crucial consequences for a truly sustainable development of industrial societies.

Why the foundation of the Institute is a relevant and unique opportunity?

Unique, because there do not yet exist yet post-university courses on such topics in Europe.

Relevant, because the prolonged presence of professors and science graduates of international standing in Sicily will ensure continuous fertilization of local scientific school.

How will the institute function?

The Master will start in January and last until November. Classes of 4 hours per day from Monday through Thursday will be held in a magnificent educational hall based in Alcamo, 50 km faraway from Palermo.

Students will pay a fee which will contribute to financing the institute's activities along with the royalties coming from the technologies transferred by Dr. Pagliaro's lab to chemical companies.

Why an international institute in Palermo?

Because it will contribute to reverse the brain-drain phenomenon by which Italy loses through migration highly educated and skilled individuals.

Moreover, the beauty and historical heritage of Sicily offer one more reason to decide to spend one year in a splendid island where students from different countries will meet with each other.

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