Revisiting the Relations between Science and Society in the Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Reports of the COMEST series

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reshaped scientific practice and the interaction between science and society, prompting a re-evaluation of the values traditionally attributed to scientific endeavours. This includes both values concerning scientific practice and research integrity, as well as those concerning the societal impact of science and responsible ways of dealing with scientific insights and knowledge in society and policymaking. The report by the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) of UNESCO offers an in-depth examination of how the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the fundamental values associated with science and prompted their re-examination. In identifying these challenges and analysing their ethical implications, the report advocates for ethical and moral standards and the promotion of responsible conduct in all fields of science, putting forward recommendations for rethinking these standards to foster more responsible connections between science and society. UNESCO Catno: 0000396527 https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000396527