The Science, Technology & Society Program (STS) at the University of Texas at Austin will host the STS Civic Forum on the Societal Implications of Nanotechnology, a first-of-its kind participatory civic event.The STS Civic Forum on the Societal Implications of Nanotechnology, to be held October 1, 2005 at the University of Texas at Austin, is designed to set standards for effective stakeholder engagement of nanotechnology's societal opportunities and challenges. It is the first large-scale civic forum in the world focusing public discussion on the social impacts of nanotechnology. Through this event, organizers seek to bring all critical stakeholders together, including government and policy makers; local area businesses, especially those who actively participate in nanotechnology, as well as the industry's innovators and entrepreneurs; academia, scientists, and students; and the general public.
We're quoting here from a press release issued by the STS, via Nanotechnology Now.
"Nanotechnology promises to become intrinsically important to so many aspects of our economy and our society," said Dr. Leslie Jarmon, Community Engagement Officer, STS Program, UT Austin. "Whether directly or indirectly involved, everyone becomes a stakeholder. By providing a forum for diverse perspectives, we will be better prepared to address our societal needs and shape the impacts nanotechnology will have on our future."By creating a "Nano Scenario," the 400 participating stakeholders all come together in an experiential activity grounded in research based on the potential benefits of nanotechnology, its uncertainties and risks, the complexity of the issues, and the roles of the individuals involved. The forum model deepens the stakeholders' understanding of different perspectives and creates the conditions for the emergence of new forms of enlightened civic engagement and decision-making for communities, counties, states, and the national government.
This looks like an exciting and potentially very valuable event. Multi-stakeholder engagement in creating effective policy for advanced nanotechnology is a recurring theme of ours.
We look forward to learning more about this STS event and wish them great success.
Mike Treder
Tags: nanotechnology nanotech nano science technology future
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