::fc-announce:: The Social Impact of Nanotechnology

[Mathieu O'Neil]

PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM: THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
3 August 2006
Innovations Theatre | ANU | Canberra

Nanotechnology -- or the science of technology development at the
atomic level -- is increasingly being used in a range of
industries. While nano-proponents perceive scientific challenges and
opportunities leading to increased food yields, improved energy
production and novel consumer goods, nanotechnology has also sparked
concerns among some political parties, activist groups and
research/think tank organisations about its implications for the
environment and human health.

This Symposium will explore the social issues surrounding
nanotechnology, including: expected benefits and potential costs; the
underlying roots of the concerns raised by the new technology; ethical
and legal issues; the framing of emerging technologies by government,
business, academic and activist actors; reflections on the biotech
controversy; the roles of online networks and the mainstream media in
the debate, and the increasing presence of nanotechnology as a matter
of public interest.

KEYNOTE PRESENTERS
Prof Bruce Bimber -- Center for Information Technology and Society and
Center for Nanotechnology in Society, University of California, Santa
Barbara

Prof Chennupati Jagadish -- Department of Electronic Materials
Engineering, Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering, The
Australian National University

Ms Judith Jones -- Australian Centre for Environmental Law, The
Australian National University

Prof John Weckert -- Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics,
Charles Sturt University

PANELISTS AND OTHER PRESENTERS
Dr Robert Ackland -- The Australian National University
Mr Julian Cribb -- Julian Cribb & Associates
Mr Ben Gilna -- The Australian National University
Ms Georgia Miller -- Friends of the Earth Australia, The Nanotechnology 
Project
Dr Mathieu O'Neil -- The Australian National University
Prof Elim Papadakis -- Australian Research Council

This event is free and open to the public, however registration is 
essential
ENQUIRIES & REGISTRATIONS TO:  nano-symposium at anu.edu.au
MORE PROGRAM DETAILS: http://voson.anu.edu.au  [click on the Symposium 
link]

Presented by:
Virtual Observatory for the Study of Online Networks (VOSON)
ACSPRI Centre for Social Research
ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
The Australian National University

With support from:
National Institute of Social Sciences and Law
ANU COLLEGE OF LAW
ANU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES