What could a human right to participate in science be?

Journal article

At first sight, the idea of a human right to participate in science may seem absurd. Many assume science must be the preserve only of those with the training and aptitude to make a substantial contribution. However, feminist philosophy of science teaches that science is a social practice, with norms of inclusion and exclusion, and who, in fact, has the chance to participate depends on political and social assumptions alongside scientific ones. Political philosophers have also introduced the notion of ‘contributive justice’: that it is an injustice if some lack the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of others. Combining these insights with that of science as a global public good, I explore the possibilities and complications of a human right to participate in science, considering where the duties corresponding to such a right may also fall.

Authors: Wolff, J

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: The Royal Society
• Journal: Royal Society Open Science
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 6
• Article number: 260669
• Publication date: 2026-06-03
• Acceptance date: 2026-05-04
• DOI: 10.1098/rsos.260669
• EISSN: 2054-5703
• ISSN: 2054-5703
• Language: English
• Keywords: science; indigenous science; participation; citizen science is; human rights