The Right to Science: Ensuring that Everyone Benefits from Scientific and Technological Progress

Abstract

The right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress has long been neglected, both in theory and in practice. Even scholars, advocates, and jurists deeply involved in the human rights field are likely to express uncertainty as to what the right to science concretely requires… if they are even aware of its existence. This article seeks to remedy that obscurity, providing a highly accessible account of the right to science that is both philosophically grounded and concrete. In short, the right to science calls for treating scientific research, scientific knowledge, and technology as global public goods, to be cultivated for the benefit of humanity and made accessible to all, just as with other socioeconomic rights such as education and healthcare. This article then elaborates what that broad vision means for minimum core content. Particular emphasis is given to reconciling the potential tension between the right to science and intellectual property regimes.