Center on Nanotechnology and Society
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Center on Nanotechnology and Society (Nano & Society) is an affiliate of Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and is housed at IIT’s Chicago-Kent College of Law. Nano & Society is an affiliate of the Institute on Biotechnology and the Human Future, also based at Chicago-Kent College of Law.
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[edit] Purpose
The Center on Nanotechnology and Society (Nano & Society) was created to catalyze informed interdisciplinary research, education, and dialogue on the ethical, legal, economic, policy, and broader societal implications of nanoscale science and technology. As an affiliate of the Institute on Biotechnology and the Human Future, Nano & Society approaches nanotechnology with a special focus on the human condition. Nano & Society brings the foremost scholars and researchers in nano science, law, ethics, medicine, and the social sciences together with leaders in business and industry. Nano & Society also employs a number of vehicles in its efforts to focus a national conversation on nanotechnology and human dignity, including its website (www.nano-and-society.org), the Chicago Nano Forum, national conferences, and NELSI Global (a public posicy document archive). [1]
[edit] Online offerings
Nano & Society conducts research on NELSI -- Nanotechnology's ethical, legal, and social implications. The Center features various initiatvies:
NELSI Global is a web-based global public policy document archive focused on nanotechnology’s ethical, legal and societal implications (NELSI). This initiative is accessible through Nano & Society’s website [2]. NELSI Global serves as a unified clearinghouse, enabling users to identify and access key public policy documents addressing the NELSI agenda. It includes international and U.S.-specific regulations, legislation, case law, congressional testimony, and key governmental reports.
A website that addresses: law, policy, and regulation [3]; environment, health and safety [4]; business [5]; applications [6]; and Publications
[edit] Publications, conferences, and events
The Center on Nanotechnology and Society uses multiple communications vehicles to educate and disseminate information on NELSI. These mechanisms include:
Nano & Society: The Center on Nanotechnology and Society publishes a monthly e-newsletter, entitled Nano & Society. which features opinion pieces from guest writers on nanotechnology’s potential and potential impact, as well as public attitudes toward and education about nanotechnology; and relevant news updates on nanotechnology.
Nanologues: The Center on Nanotechnology and Society publishes a print series of booklets on NELSI entitled Nanologues.
Conferences and Events: Nano & Society hosts various national events to advance the dialogue on nanotechnology and the human condition, including:
Chicago Nano Forum: In conjunction with its partners in the educational, business, environmental, legal, and other arenas, Nano & Society has developed the Chicago Nano Forum. The Forum encourages public dialogue among nano experts in science, business, social sciences, ethics, and law. This series of events is webcast on the Center’s website.
1st Annual Conference on Nanopolicy and the Human Future: This Nano & Society conference provided members of Congress and their staff, researchers, scientists, and others interested in and involved with the nano sector with the latest nanotechnology developments in the ethical, legal and social arena.
