About NEG
Nanotechnology - the science of working at the molecular level - is an emerging science, but some of its applications are already in use. Thinking about how to engage people with something that cannot even be easily defined is a challenge but it is an important one. If people can engage with technologies while they are still being researched it provides more opportunities for meaningfully influencing the way in which the technology develops and ensuring it is done in a way which fully considers its social, ethical, health and environmental impacts. This is in contrast to only asking people what they think about something, like GM foods, when they are already on supermarket shelves.
There are already a number of initiatives underway, both in the UK and overseas, which aim to engage the public with nanotechnologies. To ensure that all of the learning being generated by these projects is captured the Nanotechnology Engagement Group (NEG) has been set up. As these projects are pioneers in seeking to engage people with a technology as it emerges it is also essential that the learning they are generating is shared.
- support learning among those conducting nanotechnology engagement projects
- inform government policy on public engagement with nanotechnology
These aims will be met though a two-year programme of quarterly NEG meetings, workshops and research. The research team working to the NEG will focus on maximising the learning for the governance of science and technology as a whole, using nanotechnology as a case study.
Regular briefings will be held between the project team and the OST to ensure the work effectively supports government’s work in this area.
The NEG is chaired by Professor Richard Jones from the University of Sheffield and has 17 members. Members are made up of people managing nanotechnology engagement projects, participation experts, nanotechnology scientists, government representatives and media representatives.
The group first met in mid-September 2005. An interim project report was published in March 2006. Copies of the report are available to download from this website. The final report will be launched on 26 June 2007 - see the launch webpage for more information.
To join the NEG email list and be kept informed of new publications and other developments, please contact Karin Gavelin on 020 7632 0123.
