NanoDialogue Case Study 2 nd CIPAST Training Workshop 17 – 21 June 2007 Procida, Italy Simon Joss & Katherine Ng University of Westminster

Development of the NanoDialogue Project: March 2005 – February 2007 Attempted to establish an integrated process of communication & social debate within a European context, by providing information to raise awareness among publics regarding the latest developments in this field of research. Mohr, A. & Ng, K. (2007) NanoDialogue Citizens’ Feedback Assessment. pp. 7

The NanoDialogue Exhibition: eight accessible modules Objective: –to raise awareness among publics by communicating scientific information & knowledge –to pose E.L.S.E issues and challenges to the visitor

Development Exhibition Game Workshop to design the content of the exhibition The exhibition addressed the following issues: - fact or fantasy - nano basic facts - how nano-systems are produced - who controls N&N - applications - risks and benefits

Common content Translated into national languages and regional dialects Each interactive module included: –real objects –hands-on exhibits –multimedia and educational products on N&N –website for disseminating information –locally organised events –science demonstrations and debates

Displayed in science museums, science centres and public spaces Città della Scienza, Naples Bourgoin-Jallieu library Grenoble Minatec A hydro-electricity museum, Vaujany Technopolis, Mechelen Deutches Museum, Munich Universeum, Stockholm Ciência Viva, Lisbon Ciência Viva, Aveiro A shopping centre in Tallinn Parc Cientific de Barcelona

The Citizens’ Feedback Assessment Collection & analysis of visitors feedback Explored visitors’ perceptions & expectations regarding N&N Examined a period from March – October 2006 Aim: to develop recommendations regarding the present and future R&D of N&N in the European Research Area, related policy-making and its ethical assessment Presentation at the European Parliament, 5 February 2007

Methodology Questionnaires Comprised 3 sections: - Socio-demographic profile of the visitor - Their perceptions and expectations regarding N&N - Their assessment of the potential benefits and risks Target of 800 completed questionnaires: 100 from each of the 8 participating countries

Focus groups Aims - Qualitative, in-depth information about participants’ knowledge and attitudes - Information about participants’ experience and views - Encourage participants to share their thoughts, feelings, attitudes and ideas on N&N 8-10 Visitors, an observer and a moderator 24 focus groups: 3 in each participating country

NanoDialogue Recommendations Research and development R1It is recommended that levels of government funding of N&N research and development be competitive with the private sector to attract leading scientists and technologists. R2It is recommended that both the public and private sectors engage ‘upstream’ with publics on their research and development activities to ensure openness, participation, and accountability. R3It is recommended that research and development of N&N for military or defence purposes is tightly regulated and subject to public engagement. Mohr, A. & Ng, K. (2007) NanoDialogue Citizens’ Feedback Assessment. pp

Regulation and control R4It is recommended that an international body be established to oversee the standardisation of regulatory parameters where feasible. R5It is recommended that regulatory bodies regularly communicate across national borders to ensure that any regulatory gaps are identified at an appropriate stage. R6It is recommended that regulatory bodies are advised by ethical committees to ensure public accountability.

Current or future uses and applications R7It is recommended that regulatory bodies and their advisors engage with publics to discuss future uses and applications of N&N to ensure that any regulatory gaps are identified at an appropriate stage.

Human health and the environment R8It is recommended that all regulatory bodies review their existing regulations and take any appropriate measures to protect humans and the environment from the risks mentioned in this report. R9It is recommended that the release of nano-particles into the environment be prevented until more is known about their impact on human health and the environment.

Economic aspects R10It is recommended that industry and government liaise to control the economic impact of N&N, by ensuring its widespread affordability and availability. R11It is recommended that governments undertake a review of their patent legislation economic impacts of patents law on public access to N&N products.

Information and understanding R12It is recommended that governments’ fund and initiate widespread public dialogue on the research and development of N&N to increase public awareness and understanding and to improve decision-making processes.

Ethical, legal and social aspects R13It is recommended that government funding programmes support interdisciplinary research into the ethical, legal and social issues surrounding N&N. R14It is recommended that nano-products be comprehensibly labelled to inform consumer choice.