Archive - Events

EPP-ED Public Hearing - NANOTECHNOLOGY - Explaining the science, identifying the issues

Dr K. Eijkel, Director, Nanotechnology Institute Mesa and Technical University, Twente
Mr Jim Harper, European Nanotechnology Business Association
Prof. Wolfgang M. Heckl, Ludwig-Maximilians University, München
Ms Fiona Fox, Science Media Centre at the Royal Institution, London
Dr Julia King, CE Institute of Physics
Dr Renzo Tomellini, EC Nanotechnology Programme
Prof. Mark Welland, University of Cambridge



15.00 Welcome and Introduction, Mr Giles Chichester MEP
15.10 What is nanotechnology and why do governments, industry and science feel it is so important? Professor Mark Welland – University of Cambridge (UK)
15.30 Discussion
15.50 Societal implications of nanotechnology: review of current studies. How do we ensure regulation is based on fact rather than fiction? How do we ensure good communication between scientists and the public? How do we ensure that a consistent message is given across various areas of nanotechnology? Dr. K. Eijkel, Director Nanotechnology Institute Mesa and Technical University Twente (NL)
16.00 Discussion
16.20 Separating fact from fiction - How can responsible scientists promote dialogue? What is the role of the media, NGOs and others? Prof. Wolfgang M. Heckl, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich (D), Ms. Fiona Fox, Science Media Centre at the Royal Institution (UK)
16.45 Discussion
17.10 What are other economic areas doing, and how does their strategy differ from that of European countries? How do we ensure Europe translates its pre-eminent position in academic research to economic, environmental and social benefits? and how can the European economy become more competitive through nanotechnology? Dr Renzo Tomellini - EC Nanotechnology Programme (B), Tim Harper - European Nanotechnology Business Association (ES)
17.40 Discussion
18.15 Resume, Dr Julia King - CE Institute of Physics (UK)