Communication and Debate

Nanotechnology is likely to change our lives in many ways. It is important that nanotechnology is developed in a responsible way – in a way that responds to the needs and concerns of the citizens. An open debate involving the public is indispensable. This will allow a shared analysis of benefits and risks (both real and perceived) and their implications for society. Providing accessible information will allow people to better understand what nanotechnology is, how it will be applied, and its implications for society. Interested people must be enabled to reach their own informed and independent judgements.

The Commission's efforts towards an informed dialogue

In order to inform the public about nanotechnology, the European Commission has published two films and a brochure. In addition, the European Commission publishes a series of leaflets explaining important areas of EU nanotechnology research. Amongst them: Responding to societal needs. Two projects are funded that explore the ethical, legal and social aspects of nanotechnology: Nanologue and Nano Dialogue. Diverse calls for proposals within the upcoming 7th Framework Programme in the Theme NMP and the Science in Society Programme address ethical, legal and societal aspects of nanotechnology as well as risk assessment and communication.

Report on European activities in the field of ethical, legal and social aspects (ELSA) and governance of nanotechnology

This report presents figures on EC funding and a short description of all EC funded projects in the field, other activities related to information and outreach, ethics and governance on EU level, and examples of national activities in Europe, 1 October 2008

Read more:

• Report from the Workshop: Communication Outreach in Nanotechnology from recommendations to action
  This paper results from a workshop held by the European Commission it Brussels, 24-25 October 2007. It shapes operative recommendations and actions for future European funding on appropriate communication and innovative approaches to engage the European civil society into a dialogue on nanotechnology. Experts in the fields of science communication, art and education share success, best practices and challenge stories, to give to different audiences a "voice" in the policy making process.
• The future of nanotechnology: We need to talk (Nanologue pamphlet, October 2006)
• NanoMeter (Tool for nanoscientists and researchers, developped by Nanologue, October 2006)
• Recommendations to the Commission and minutes of the discussion groups at the nanotechnology dialogue day at Deutsches Museum, Munich, 7 October 2006
• Towards an open dialogue on the benefits and risks of nanotechnologies (On: CORDIS News, 2nd October 2006)
• Press information on the NanoDialogue project: Part I and Part II, October 2006
• NanoDialogue exhibitions on ECSITE Website, The European Network of Science Centres and Museums ECSITE coordinates the NanoDialogue exhibitions
• Nanologue project description (Nanologue consortium, October 2006)
• Opinions on the ethical, legal and social aspects of nanotechnology: Results from a Consultation with Representatives from Research, Business and Civil Society, Nanologue report, May 2006
• ECSITE Newsletter on nanotechnology, containing information on NanoDialogue partners and their activities in the NanoDialogue project, spring 2006
• Small Talk (In: Parliament Magazine by V. Türk, coordinator of Nanologue, 14th November 2005)
• NanoDialogue project to engage the public in a debate on nanotechnologies and nanosciences (On CORDIS News, 30th June 2005)

How to participate in the public debate?

Everybody is invited to comment and discuss via the email: rtd-nano-strategy@ec.europa.eu. If you need more information about different subareas of nanotechnology research or you have comments, please address the nanotechnology contact persons at the European Commission.

After the publication of the European strategy for nanotechnology on 12th May 2004, an open consultation has been carried out. The results were published on 17th December 2004 by Nanoforum.

• Results of the open consultation on the European stategy for nanotechnology: Full report (1 MB) and the executive summary (28 KB), 17th December 2004
• Press release: How big is nanotechnology for Europe? The Commission launches an open consultation., 30th July 2004
• Nanoforum.org: Press release (40 KB), 20th December 2004
• CORDIS News article: Results of nanotechnology survey highlight wants and needs of Europe's scientists, 20th December 2004
• Research headline article: State of play in the Union’s NMP priority, 7th January 2005
• EurActiv.com: Nanotech - stakeholders see need for broad debate, 12th January 2005
• EUROPA: Industrial Technologies article: European nano-community looks into the future 21st February 2005
• Further consultations on nanotechnology are foreseen, also a Eurobarometer survey in order to study the awareness of and attitudes towards nanotechnology across Member States.