ABOUT US
Founded in 2002, CSSC is an independent, non-partisan, organization registered as a private research centre by the Italian  Ministry of University and Research. By taking an interdisciplinary approach, CSSC explores social, cultural and ethical implications of emerging technologies in various fields (e.g., biomedicine, disaster prevention and first response,  eInclusion, homeland security). Our track-record of researching, partnering and networking has made us a leading European institution in the area of science and society.

VISION
Technology alleviates the tyranny of human material constitution, its physical limitation, its spatial and temporal constraints, and its limited capacity to perform actions. Yet technology is not only fabricating instruments for a purpose. Human beings are hardly ‘utilitarian machines’, they are rather ‘symbolic machines’. Understanding the implicit assumptions, values and narratives which underlie the emerging of a technology is vital for technology governance and for managing social, ethical and political conflicts raised by technology innovation.

MISSION
Through our activities we translate our vision and values into action. We:

Bring science policies closer to citizens by promoting public awareness of science and  technology and by encouraging open dialogue among citizens and policy makers. Promote international and transnational conversation among institutions, communities, businesses, and NGOs on fundamental rights and values vis-à-vis emerging technologies. Pursue innovative policy solutions to ethical, social and legal conflicts raised by emerging technologies. We encourage horizon thinking, creative problem solving, and win-win solutions

STAFF
CSSC staff comprises a core group based in Rome and an international network of researchers and associate fellows with backgrounds in social science, humanities, law, ICT, medicine and bioscience. Founder and Director of CSSC is Emilio Mordini. A scholar with a proven track record in European research, Emilio was formerly Director of  the Psychoanalytic Institute for Social Research (1986-2001), non tenure track Professor of Bioethics in the University of Rome "La Sapienza" (1994-2006), Scientific Secretary of the Bioethical Commission of the Italian National Research Council (2000-04). Focusing his efforts on creating an international research centre devoted to ethical, political and social implications of emerging technologies , Emilio  founded CSSC in 2002.

more information on Emilio Mordini

• March 25th - 26th 2010
  RISE Workshop "Ethical and Policy Implications of Global Mobility and Security"
  Brussels, Belgium
  A high level workshop on “Ethical and Policy Implications of Global Mobility and Security” will take place in Brussels, Berlaymont Building. Speakers include Mr Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, and Transport Commissioner; Mr Jaak Aaviksoo, Estonian Minister of Defense; Mr Peter Hustinx, European Data Protection Supervisor. Main focus of the workshop will be the multifaceted prism of fundamental rights, privacy and security in relation to the implementation of biometrics, body scanners and other security technologies. During the workshop a Policy Report on “Whole Body Imaging Technology in European Airports: the Ethical and Policy Context” will be presented.
  Attendance is only by invitation. Places are very limited. If you are interested in attending, please send your name, affiliation and a short letter of motivation to the RISE project coordinator, Prof. Emilio Mordini, at cssc@cssc.eu by Wednesday, 10 March 2010.
  Preliminary Program
• May 14th 2010
  HIDE Focus Group on Privacy Enhancing Technology
  Lancaster, UK
  A market for counter-surveillance is emerging, offering a vast array of methods to protect individual information, whether by blocking, distorting, deceiving or destroying the surveillance means. Another counter-surveillance strategy is also emerging, the use of surveillance technology to control controllers.
• May 20th 2010
  WORLD PAYMENT, SECURITY AND TECHNOLOGY - EXPO 2010
  Rome, Italy
  World Payment, Security and Expo 2010 is a strategic appointment for the international payment systems and the security field. This year edition will have a secific session on Biometric Technologies.
  Agenda


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