This space is dedicated to the email list ‘Upstream-Nano’, which brings together scientists and social scientists to advance methodological debates in issues related to public engagement with the science and application of nanotechnology. It also establishes the sub-culture of public engagement with nanoscience and nanotechnology, providing news about activities, ideas about methodology and information about opportunities for collaboration.
Nanotechnology is such a complex scientific novelty that it doesn’t offer simple answers to the many questions that surround its development. Whilst scientists are still struggling to find a proper definition for nanotechnology, the complexity of nanotechnology makes arguing about its obvious and non-obvious risks and benefits a difficult task.
Among the many questions that surround nanotechnology, which focus on topics such as risks and benefits, health and societal implications as well as regulatory issues, there are many myths about the science that are raised continuously by a range of institutions (media, political, scientific) and individuals.
While nanotechnology applications and products can be highly beneficial and are able to solve many human problems and also benefit the environment, there is considerable uncertainty about the risks that will be taken in the development of such innovation, particularly related to the toxicology of nanoparticles. Furthermore there are essential discussions about the form and type of regulation that nanotechnology should entail. For instance, “Grey goo” is not some Drexlerian futurological fiction, but could become a reality, if nanotechnology gets into the hands of extremist groups.
Thus, constructive discussions about a creative, sensitive and, yet, effective regulation of nanotechnology is crucial at this stage. These must include aspects like poverty, economic prosperity, “nano for all” (including developing countries) who benefits from this new technology, military use of nanotechnology and environmental issues.
This advanced level discussion list establishes an environment for public engagement about nanotechnology, where conversations about the research methods of public engagement and the expectations we might have of such research can take place.
