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Invitation to a 1-day Seminar on Nanotechnology for Policymakers, Civil Society and the Media held at the European Parliament in Brussels - June 11, 2003. Please pass on this invitation - Forward to others who may be interested. Thankyou. Jim Thomas - ETC Group. ---------------------------------------------------------------- ATOM TECHNOLOGY : Nanotechnology and Converging Technologies. The Implications of Atomic Modification for Europe and Beyond. "Nanotechnology will do wonderful things. But there are almost bound to be risks attached to its usage." - Financial Times, September, 2002. Background Nanotechnology is fast emerging as a powerful industrial force and is set to become the defining technology of the new century. Nanotechnology refers to the ability to manipulate matter at the level of atoms and molecules (One nanometer = one billionth of a meter). At this scale quantum physics changes the fundamental properties of elements (colour, strength, reactivity, electrical conductivity, etc.) in unexpected ways. By exploiting nanoscale effects, scientists are engineering novel materials, some of which have never before been identified in nature. Nanotechnology also refers to building new structures atom by atom. In 2001, global spending on nanotech (public and private) was approximately US$4 billion. Over 30 national governments have now launched nanoscience initiatives, with Europe, USA and Japan competing for the lead. An estimated five hundred nanotech companies are active throughout Europe, North America and Asia. By 2015 global nanotech-related sales are predicted to exceed $1 trillion per annum (Source: US National Science Foundation). All major sectors of the economy will be affected. Like nuclear power, computing and genetic engineering before it, the ability to atomically modify matter - both living and non-living - will alter our societies, our economies and even our sense of ourselves. The nanotech revolution, however, is currently evolving quietly beneath the radar screens of government regulators and the public alike. Nano-scale technologies are already being quietly applied to virtually every industrial sector, from electronics and computing, defence and weaponry to energy, food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Nanoproducts from sunscreens to fabrics are already in our shops. However, no regulatory body has taken the lead to ensure that nanotech applications are safe. Because many of the technology's products are nano-sized versions of conventional compounds, regulatory scrutiny has been overlooked. So far, nano-scale technologies are out-of-sight and out-of-mind for most politicians, regulators and the public. The hard questions have not yet been asked: - Who will control nanotechnology? Who will determine the research agenda and who will benefit from nano-scale technologies? - What mischief can synthetic nanoparticles create floating around in our ecosystem, our food supply and in our bodies? - What happens when human-made nanoparticles are small enough to slip past our immune systems and enter living cells? - What might be the socioeconomic impacts of this new industrial revolution? - How will countries in the South be affected? - Should governments apply the Precautionary Principle? The Seminar On June 11, 2003 a range of parliamentarians and expert speakers will describe the current state of nanotechnology, examine its risks and promises and propose steps toward regulating this powerful new technology. Topics will include: * An Introduction to Nanotechnology. * Understanding how Nanotechnology is converging with Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Neuroscience. * Environmental and health impacts of Nanotechnology. * Nanopatents and intellectual property. * Nanoweaponry, surveillance and security. * Are there lessons to be learned from European biotech, nuclear and chemical policies? Who: This seminar is intended for policy makers and civil servants from European institutions and national governments alike. It is also for representatives of civil society, concerned members of the public and the media. A cross party group of MEPs is sponsoring the seminar organized by ETC Group, the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation and the European Green Group in Parliament. Clean Production Action, GeneWatch UK, Greenpeace and The Ecologist magazine are also supporting this event. When and Where: The European Parliament in Brussels. Wednesday June 11th 2003, 9am - 1pm. The conference takes place in room ASP 1E2 - European Parliament, Rue Wiertz (Metro : Trone or Maelbeek). Registration: Registration is free. However, an access badge to the European Parliament is required. This can be obtained by registering before June 6th with Laurence Van de Walle: [log in to unmask] (phone number: +32 2 2841695). A buffet lunch will be provided. Translation will be available in French, German and English. Further details will be available soon at www.etcgroup.org or from: Jim Thomas, ETC Group c/o The Ethical Property Company 9 Park End Street Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 1HH, England. Phone: +44 (0)1865 207818 [log in to unmask] For additional background information, please see: The Big Down: Atomtech - Technologies Converging at the Nano-scale, available online: www.etcgroup.org. ********************************************************************** 1. 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