News

UK Government Sets Out Research Agenda To Characterise Nanoparticles

The UK Government published a report setting out its research agenda to address the potential risks posed by the products of nanotechnology.

ESF report warns of threats to Europe's early leadership position in nanomedicine

Europe is currently at the leading edge of advances in nanomedicine, an emerging area of technology with the potential to transform medical care and research, according to a newly published report by the European Science Foundation (ESF). The 'Scientific forward look on nanomedicine' report follows two years of study by leading European experts, who were asked by ESF to define the field, assess its future impact on healthcare and society, characterise Europe's strengths and weaknesses, and provide recommendations on future research priorities and the required structural changes needed to ensure Europe's success.

‘Talking nano’ wins ‘Best forum session’ prize at CER2005

Presentations of the Nano Dialogue, Nanologue and NanoBioRAISE projects formed the basis for a workshop on communicating nanotechnology at the CER2005 conference – which participants voted the event’s best forum session.

EGE to carry out ethical analysis of nanomedecine

In its nanotech action plan 2005-2009 (released last June) the European Commission said it would ask experts to carry out an ethical analysis of nanomedicine. Last month, President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso appointed the 15 members of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE, 2005-2009 mandate), a multidisciplinary body providing advice to the European Commission in connection with the preparation and implementation of Community legislation or policies. This will be the mission of the EGE to examine ethical aspects of nanomedicine: during a meeting held in Brussels on 25 October, the Group officially included nanomedicine subject in its early work programme (second topic is stem cell). The next EGE meeting is scheduled for 15 and 16 November in London, under the UK Presidency. EGE also plans to organise in January 2006 in Brussels, a round-table debate on the ethical aspects of Nanomedicine, in order to discuss the topic with scientific experts, lawyers, philosophers, as well as representatives from the European Parliament, international organisations, representatives of patients, industry, religions, and other interested parties.

Better Humans? DEMOS publishes new collection of essays on the politics of human enhancement and life extension

DEMOS has completed a project on the implications of human enhancement technologies. Their collection of essays - Better Humans? - can be downloaded for free from the DEMOS website.

IRGC survey on nanotech governance available on-line

The International Risk Governance Council (IRGC), an independent Swiss foundation, has published a survey on the role of government in nanotechnology governance.

Nano-Regulation report by dr. Christoph Meili

A multi-stakeholder-dialogue-approach towards a sustainable regulatory framework for nanotechnolgies and nanosciences.

Exploring the nano-world

This issue of CORDIS' thematic supplement is dedicated to nanotechnology.

Raising awareness of nano-bio-technology and its ethical issues

Any new technology brings both risks and benefits, and with them, public concern as well as demand. Scientists and policy-makers need to address public fears if they wish to keep supporting European research in such areas. The EU project NanoBio-Raise aims to help avoid the polarised debate surrounding genetic modification (GM) when it comes to the new applications made possible by the convergence of nano- and bio-technologies...