hypotetically, i am a scientist beginnng a relatively risky viral experiment. i tell you, the public, that i should be allowed to do my work because it would be importance to humanity.
1. What is your reply to me?
2. What factors might change your reaction to my request?
3. Do you approve of government funds financing such experiments?

What is it that makes it a risky experiment?

Can you make it so that the risk to the public is effectively zero?

See:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/index.htm

Highly infectious viruses can be worked with in a safe manner.

thank you Richard for you response and thanks for the suggested link. it was of great help. i'm using it rite now.

sabi24 said:

hypotetically, i am a scientist beginnng a relatively risky viral experiment. i tell you, the public, that i should be allowed to do my work because it would be importance to humanity. 1. What is your reply to me? 2. What factors might change your reaction to my request? 3. Do you approve of government funds financing such experiments?

I think the work "risky" is a bit broad. I think two other words that might be more useful are "hazardous" and "dangerous". A procedure is hazardous if it involves processes which can only be carried out safely if recognised safety measures are observed. It is dangerous when dispite following correct safety procedures, disaster happens.

Personal