An International Workshop
Creating the Information Commons for e-Science:
Toward Institutional Policies and Guidelines for Action
UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
1-2 September 2005

Keynote Abstract:

The Information Commons

John Sulston, Ph.D.
2002 Nobel Laureate in Physiology and Medicine

Access to scientific knowledge has always been valuable to people. With the current rapid increase in complexity of human societies, this access becomes ever more important, in two ways. On the one hand it is the basis for research and development, for the advancement of understanding and for the production of material goods. On the other, it is the basis for justice and trust, for without knowledge nobody can judge the worth of progress or the risk of damage. Yet paradoxically, at this very time when the intellectual commons is most needed, we see vigorous attempts at enclosure and the establishment of new barriers to communication. This culture impedes research and innovation, throttles ethical decision making, widens the gap between rich and poor, and contributes to global insecurity.

The human genome project illustrated the importance of making basic information freely available to all, and at the same time exposed the forces of opposition to such free release. Some regard this episode as an extreme example, but actually it's far from unique. It is just one case of our culture of excessive privatisation, even in the case of fundamental discoveries that clearly belong to everyone.

At this juncture the role of e-science is critical. Electronic technology provides the means to communicate freely, cheaply and easily, but equally can provide powerful locks that prevent communication. The balance is not a matter of technology but of policy. The information commons does not exist by chance, but by wise management that looks to long term good as well as short term reward. Above all the commons is not to be seen as the whim of a minority, but as an essential basis for future prosperity and peace.