EU-wide public engagement in nanotechnologies
Nanotechnology is rapidly becoming pervasive in many industries and stirring social debate at the same time. More reflections on risks and benefits involving wider groups of society are needed. Opinions of citizens and customers have to be collected, especially of those who are not necessarily interested in science and technology. The EU-funded NANOPINION (Monitoring public opinion on nanotechnology in Europe) project set out to foster public communication and dialogue about nanotechnologies. The main outreach activities included surveys to gauge opinions on nanotechnology across Europe, (social) media campaigns, face-to-face and online discussions, street labs, and events in public and semi-public areas. More than 8 300 respondents completed the questionnaire that was made available in 18 European languages. About 15 000 citizens were engaged in more than 20 live events, including activities in streets, debates and workshops. Educational resources such as videos, virtual experiments and online courses were designed together with scientists and teachers. They target secondary school teachers who wish to teach nanotechnologies, and also contain a training kit. Over 1 500 students participated in various school activities. All materials have been added to a multimedia repository that includes over 150 resources from across Europe. In addition, training workshops were held in 15 countries and involved more than 460 teachers. Data and results are presented in graphics format on the website. A booklet is also available that contains policy recommendations and gives an overview of European attitudes toward nanotechnologies. Through public opinion, debate and education, NANOPINION greatly increased public awareness of and interest in nanotechnologies. Europeans of all ages are now better able to understand how their lives are changing as a result of the many nanotechnology innovations.
Keywords
Public engagement, nanotechnologies, nanotechnology, public opinion
