Nanotechnology and Public Policy: Basic Science, Applications, and Regulatory Implications
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Location: Northeastern University, Boston
Purpose: Nanotechnology, a blanket term used to describe scientific research and technology development involving the manipulation of matter at the molecular level, is widely expected to be the transformative technology of the 21st Century, ushering in the 'next Industrial Revolution' with, one supposes, an attendant array of consequences for society. This one-day workshop was directed primarily at scholars of regulation and public policy, journalists who cover science and technology issues, and public sector officials expected to be involved in one way or another with the regulatory consequences (especially environmental, human health, and safety) posed by nanotechnology broadly understood. Nearly 90 attendees heard talks covering the basics of nanoscience, a range of applications, potential environmental, health, and safety effects, and current activities by local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to begin to address those concerns.
Workshop presentations are now available on the agenda.
This workshop was supported by Northeastern University and by the National Science Foundation (SES #0609078, Nanotechnology in the Public Interest: Regulatory Challenges, Capacity, and Policy Recommendations).
For additional information contact Christopher Bosso at c.bosso@neu.edu.