Nanotechnology and the Environment
Following on the footsteps of Bill Joy's now famous Wired article (Why the Future Doesn't Need Us), a number of people and organizations have begun to raise serious questions about the potential social and environmental impacts of nanotechnology. A recent piece by the ETC Group (No Small Matter! Nanotech Particles Penetrate Living Cells and Accumulate in Animal Organs) has received significant coverage in the popular press. How much do we know about the environmental impacts of nanotechnonly? Who is looking at these issues and who should be? How do we separate science from pseudoscience and hype? And what can we do to ensure that the public and policy-makers do not become so fearful of nanotechnology's risks that they reject or restrict its promise?
Overview
5th floor conference room
Following on the footsteps of Bill Joy's now famous Wired article (Why the Future Doesn't Need Us), a number of people and organizations have begun to raise serious questions about the potential social and environmental impacts of nanotechnology. A recent piece by the ETC Group (No Small Matter! Nanotech Particles Penetrate Living Cells and Accumulate in Animal Organs) has received significant coverage in the popular press. How much do we know about the environmental impacts of nanotechnonly? Who is looking at these issues and who should be? How do we separate science from pseudoscience and hype? And what can we do to ensure that the public and policy-makers do not become so fearful of nanotechnology's risks that they reject or restrict its promise?
1:30---Welcome and Introductions
David Rejeski, Director, Foresight and Governance Project, Wilson Center
1:40---Nanotechnology and the Environment Avoiding the 'Wow' to 'Yuck' Trajectory
Vicki Colvin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology
Rice University
2:20---Lessons from the GMO and Frankenfood Debate Building Public Trust in New Technology & Science
Julia A. Moore
Public Policy Scholar, Woodrow Wilson Center
2:40---Discussion
3:00---Adjourn
Hosted By
Science and Technology Innovation Program
The Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP) serves as the bridge between technologists, policymakers, industry, and global stakeholders. Read more
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