As part of the U.S. 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (PDF), passed by Congress and signed into law by the President in December 2003, the National Academy of Sciences is required to "conduct a triennial evaluation of the National Nanotechnology Initiative."
They are beginning that process now, and will be working on it for the next 18 months. In addition...
The committee and panels shall also perform a one-time assessment of the need for standards, guidelines, or strategies for ensuring the responsible development of nanotechnology. As part of this effort, the National Academies shall also organize a workshop to study the technical feasibility of molecular self-assembly for the manufacture of materials and devices at the molecular scale.
A group of 26 people from various fields has been selected to serve on the committee. Until December 30, 2004, the public may comment on the proposed members. According to the NAS website...
Please note that the appointments made to this committee are provisional, and changes may be made. No appointment shall be considered final until we have evaluated relevant information bearing on the committee's composition and balance.
These committee members have an important set of responsibilities: to evaluate the workings of the NNI, to analyze the impact of nanotechnology on the U.S. economy, to analyze the relative position of the United States in this growing field, to assess the feasibility of manufacturing devices at the molecular scale, and to consider the question of responsible development of nanotechnology.
We urge those interested to submit comments on the proposed committee membership, and on the overall project.
Mike Treder
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