Inside CRN, Part 1

The mission of the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology is to raise awareness of the issues presented by advanced nanotechnology: the benefits and dangers, and the possibilities for responsible use. We want to help create a world in which molecular manufacturing is widely used for beneficial purposes, and in which the risks are responsibly managed.

CRN studies, clarifies, and researches the issues involved — political, economic, military, humanitarian, and technological — and presents the results for both technical and popular audiences, working to supply the information as effectively as possible.

Unfortunately, the topic of molecular manufacturing suffers from premature hype, premature debunking, and linguistic confusion resulting from the various meanings of the word nanotechnology.

Thus, we struggle to maintain not only accuracy and simplicity, but also credibility and clarity. Meanwhile, we deal with uncertainty in scientific theory as well as in predictions of future actions and choices. Yet when the stakes may be so high, the effort is not only worthwhile, it is essential.

This five-part series will review the process CRN follows in choosing how and what to describe as the likely results of our research into molecular manufacturing.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Tags: nanotechnology nanotech nano science technology ethics weblog blog