IDEESE is developing a series of case studies that may be used in conjunction with their modules. The cases are directed specifically at graduate science and engineering students and, with the IDEESE modules, work to address the international dimensions of ethics that these students may face in their careers. Each case study package includes a series of appendices that allow instructors to pair different appendices with different modules and effectively tailor their course sessions to their particular students or to address relevant or appropriate topics for their individual classes.

Case Websites:

Bhopal Plant Disaster : The Bhopal case is an in-depth study of the industrial accident at the Union Carbide factory in India that immediately killed 2,000 people, injured another 200,000 to 300,000 more, and immediately raised questions about plant safety and corporate responsibility around the world. Includes seven detailed appendices: A.) Chronology, B.) Stakeholders and Level of Responsibility, C.) Economic/industrial climate of India, D.) Union Carbide Corporation, E.) Issues in Chemical Processing, F.) Assessing Responsibility: The Legal/Regulatory System, G.) Assessing Responsibility: The Engineers and Scientists, and H.) Technical Expertise and Managerial Responsibility.

Reporting Incidence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS): The SARS case is an in-depth study of the 2002-2003 global outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). It focuses specifically on how information about the disease was shared among countries. It includes six appendices: A.) Chronology, B.) WHO cooperation against disease, C.) The Chinese Context, D.) Information about SARS, E.) Additional Readings for Students and Instructors, and F.) Internet Resources

The EU-US Dispute over Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms, Plants, Feeds, and Foods:
Abstract to be provided.

Recruitment of Egg Donors by South Korean Stem Cell Researchers
This case study examines the controversy surrounding Dr. Hwang Woo-suk's recruitment of egg donors for his team's stem cell research from 2002 through 2005. It explores the international dimensions of ethical standards, the political decentralization of global regulation, and the internationalization of science. Appendices include A.) a detailed choronology and B.) a suggested bibliography.

Funding for the International Dimensions of Ethics Education in Science and Engineering Project comes from the National Science Foundation through grant number 0734887. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

For additional STS Research Clusters, visit our Research Page.