Nanotechnology

Request for initial views on this new study

The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering launched a study on
nanotechnology on 11 June 2003. The study will be carried out by a working
group, chaired by Prof Ann Dowling CBE FRS FREng. The membership of the
working group, which will be assembled shortly, will reflect the range of
disciplines and interests relevant to this study. The working group aims to
complete its study by late Spring 2004.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology involve studying and working with matter on
an ultra-small scale. One nanometre is one-millionth of a millimetre and a
single human hair is around 80,000 nanometres in width. The technology
stretches across the whole spectrum of science, touching medicine, physics,
engineering and chemistry, and so is difficult to pin down to one discrete
area. Scientists, for example, are currently investigating the atomic
structure of molecules with greater precision and examining whether
nanoscale carbon could be used to increase the power and speed of computer
circuits.

The academies are aware that there is a wide range of views on the pace of
future developments in this field and the possible benefits and problems
associated with it. The Chair is keen to hear these views and we are
issuing this call for initial views to all those with an interest in
nanotechnology.

The study intends to:
· define what is meant by nanoscience and nanotechnology and to
summarise the current state of scientific knowledge about these fields;
· identify the specific applications of the new technologies, in
particular where nanotechnology is already in use, how it might be used in
future and the most likely timeframe for such developments;
· assess the potential health, safety and environmental impacts of
the applications of nanotechnology (including an indication of the
associated uncertainties);
· consider the ethical and social issues surrounding the development
of this technology;
· identify areas where additional regulation needs to be considered.

This study has been commissioned by the UK Government’s Office for Science
and Technology (OST) in Department of Trade and Industry, which provides
advice to the Government on science, engineering and technology matters.
The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering will ensure the
independence of this study from Government by retaining control over the
membership of the working group, and the content and publication of the
final report.

Call for views
This is an opportunity for individuals and organisations to register their
interest in this study and to identify the key issues that they think
should be considered by the working group. Information about any reports or
studies that tackle these issues, particularly those not in the mainstream
literature, would also be welcome. Please send a summary of no more than
two pages to Jofey Craig or Rachel Quinn (contact details below) by
Thursday 10 July 2003. Electronic submission is preferred.

The information that we receive will be used to inform the detailed terms
of reference for the study and will be considered by the working group at
its first meeting in July. Please do not hesitate to contact the
secretariat if you would like to contribute but are unable to meet this
deadline. There will be further opportunities for interested parties to
input to this study. If you would like to be kept up to date on the
progress of the study please supply us with an e-mail or postal address.
Information will also be available on our website. We intend to publish the
evidence received on our website unless respondents request otherwise.


Contact details for secretariat:
Jofey Craig or Rachel Quinn
Science Advice Section
The Royal Society
6-9 Carlton House Terrace
London SW1Y 5AG, UK
tel. +44 (0) 20 7451 2685/2546
fax +44 (0) 20 7451 2692
e-mail [log in to unmask]

Further information about the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of
Engineering including details of their other science and engineering policy
work is available from the address above or from their websites at
http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk and http://www.raeng.org.uk

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