INTERDISCIPLINARY RISK ASSESSMENT FORUM

Risk assessment names a scientific activity devoted to evaluating the exposures and effects of chemicals and other agents with the goal of characterizing their magnitude and nature. The results yield seemingly objective statements about what shall be considered "adverse" or "unsafe." However, a system of subjective, societal valuations underlies its apparently scientific foundations. Such merging of objective and scientific analyses and subjective social valuations raises important ethical and political concerns.

Now in its 8th year, the Interdiscplinary Risk Assessment Forum provides an opportunity to explore those concerns. The objective of the forum is to explore the interdisciplinary nature of risk assessment from the perspectives of both theory and application. A select group of outside speakers, each prominent for his or her work in areas related to risk assessment, discuss their perceptions and understanding of the interface of society and science in risk assessment and risk management.

The Interdiscplinary Risk Assessment Forum usually meets monthly on Wednesdays from 12:00-1:30 p.m. To encourage wider participation, the meetings rotate among the facilities at ISPS, the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, and the School of Epidemiology & Public Health.

Faculty Organizer: Jonathan Borak, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor, Internal Medicine and Epidemiology & Public Health
Contact for information: Brooke Crockett (203) 432-5680

LINK FOR THE RISK ASSESSMENT FORUM SCHEDULE

LINK TO THE CENTER FOR BIOETHICS WEB SITE