** Apologies for any cross-posting **
BioCentre invites you to attend:
"PRODUCTS, PRIVACY & PEOPLE: REGULATING ON THE NANOSCALE"
Monday 28th February 2011, 14:00
House of Lords, Committee Room 3
A drinks reception will follow the symposium during which the work of Julie Freeman, Artist‐in‐residence at Microsystems and Nanotechnology Centre, Cranfield University, will be on display.
><><><>< Don't delay, reserve your place TODAY! There are still some spaces left! ><><><><
PDF publicity can be found here: http://tiny.cc/9kftk
This is the second symposium of a series of four which will look at the themes of revolution, regulation and responsibilities surrounding the issue of emerging technologies.
The manipulation of matter at the nanoscale represents a ‘rebound revolution’ reframing our understanding and engagement with science and technology. As nanotechnologies continue to evolve the promised nano structures which offer novel and new properties currently present unknown hazards.
Nanoparticles have been found to pass through the skin, offering exciting possibilities of targeted drug delivery. Conversely, given their size nanoparticles could also interfere with the functioning of proteins on the surface of cells, or be taken up into cells and bind to intercellular proteins. How crucial is public awareness of these issues? Should there be a mandatory labelling system for nano products? This becomes all the more important as nanomaterials are adopted commercially and taken up into global supply chains.
Nanotechnology will present new possibilities for collecting new data and intensifying debate and discussion surrounding ongoing questions of privacy. There is the potential for tiny senses to be embedded in clothes, products or even bodies which could record and collect a multitude of data, including the movement of people, products, health and financial details.
Increasingly, it appears that the distinction between human and machine could become blurred through the convergence of biology, nanotechnology, information technology and even neuroscience. If some of the grander ideas which nanotechnology would seemingly promise are believed to be true, then fusion between people and technology could occur like never before. Yet public and civil society debate remains limited despite dramatic efforts to frame the significance of such developments ranging from Eric Drexler’s ‘grey goo’ scenario, to technology guru Bill Joy's Why the Future Doesn't Need Us, to Ray Kurzweil's imminent expectation of the sci‐fi "singularity".
As attempts are made to develop effective and proportional regulation in response there is also the inevitable tension between divergent approaches to risk management on the national, regional and global level. One thing is for certain, transdisciplinary discussion, fresh thinking and understanding is essential if we are to avoid a repeat of the GM foods debacle and re‐emergence of the ‘yuck’ factor.
Through short expert presentations, panel and Q&A discussions you are invited to join us as we discuss and examine the regulatory issues at the nanoscale.
Confirmed speakers:
• Dr. STEFFI FRIEDRICHS, Director of Nanotechnology Industries Association.
• Dr. CHRIS GROVES, ESRC Centre for Business Relationships, Accountability, Sustainability and Society, Cardiff University.
• Dr. PETER HATTO, Chairman of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)/TC229, group on Nanotechnologies and Director of Research, IonBond Ltd.
• Prof. GEOFF HUNT, Director, Centre for Bioethics & Emerging Technologies, St Mary’s University and partner in several EU funded projects on nanotech and labelling of nano products.
• TREVOR MAYNARD, Deputy Head of Exposure Management, Lloyd’s of London.
*** Please feel free to circulate details amongst colleagues and contacts who may also be interested in attending. ***
The event is FREE to attend but RSVPs are required.
To RSVP: [log in to unmask] | 0207 227 4706 | w: www.bioethics.ac.uk
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