Final Report Summary - NANO DIALOGUE (Enhancing dialogue on nanotechnologies and nanosciences in society at the European level) Engaging citizens in dialogue and discussions about emerging science and technologies has been recognised by the European Commission as a fundamental component to create the knowledge economy at the basis of the European Union's Lisbon Agenda. Science centres and museums are the natural choice of venue to begin such activities, since they offer an opportunity for a wider exchange of ideas, providing information that is generally perceived to be reliable and giving different actors a chance to meet and voice their concerns.In the field of nanotechnology, dialogue on the risks and ethical issues is particularly relevant. In fact, while some nanotech products are already on the market, public awareness of the real economic and social potential of this technology is still low. In this framework, Fondazione IDIS - Città della Scienza has coordinated the 'Enhancing dialogue on nanotechnologies and nanosciences in society at European level' (NANODIALOGUE) project (see http://www.nanodialogue.org online), with funding provided by the European Commission, under the 'Nanotechnologies and nanoscience' program. The 'pillars' of NANODIALOGUE were a modular exhibition, designed for display in 8 different countries (Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden), a program of events and participatory activities in each location, and a survey of public perceptions and expectations with 800 questionnaires and a multimedia polling station at each location. The analysis of these components has lead to a final conference, held in the seat of the European Parliament in Brussels, in order to present the results of the project to the European Commission and Parliament. The first step in the project was the establishment of a scientific advisory board, composed of nanoscientists, as well as social scientists, philosophers and experts in communication; in total 26 members from 11 European Countries. The second step was to have the scientific advisory board and the steering committee (with representatives from all the partners) working together in a participatory procedure, namely a scenario workshop, in order to generate guidelines, directions and specific subjects to be included in the exhibition. Two main proposals emerged from the scenario workshop, both representing a 'common ground' for all the partners. These two visions were discussed and eventually the steering committee agreed on the final design inspired by one of the two proposals.Key issues that contributed to the choice were the possibility to have, even in a limited space (the exhibition is about 60 sqm), ample room for live programmes and demonstrations, display of real objects and tools, and the flexibility to customise the exhibition with local input from research and industry. In each country, the exhibition became a catalyst for further activities, thus encouraging visitors to view the museum not as a display of information, but as an active crossroad of social actors. Related documents Final Report - NANO DIALOGUE (Enhancing dialogue on nanotechnologies and nanosciences in society at the European level) Other documents Enhancing dialogue on nanotechnologies and nanosciences in society at the European level (NANO DIALOGUE) - Final Activity Report
