Nanotechnology gets round-table debate platform
There is a wide range of stakeholders driving progress in nanotechology, including large and small organisations, academia, research bodies and advisory groups. But this diversity of actors means that dialogue and public debate surrounding nanotech developments is fragmented and diluted. A more 'deliberative' approach to discussing the major issues and research directions is needed. Using Nanoplat, these stakeholders can air their opinions and offer their expertise and knowledge on the ethical foundations of nanotechnologies and how they impact society. Debates are deliberative in the sense that the discussions are organised around stages, starting with online kick-off sessions - a fluid online conference or 'chat' limited to between 5 and 10 experts. A second type of session - the open revision sessions - is a free access online review of the main points emerging out of the kick-off sessions. The process is based on a wiki-like tool where a synthesis is displayed and an editing tool allows participants to revise or replace older versions. A history of previous versions is kept as well as the ability to roll back to older versions. Further developments on the site are envisaged to help take the platform from a discussion forum to a more concrete decision-making forum in the field of nanotechnology.
