Nanotechnology
This article was originally published in RAJ Devices
Executive Summary
Investigation into benefits, risks and adequacy of regulation
Investigation into benefits, risks and adequacy of regulation
The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering have been commissioned by the UK Government's Office of Science and Technology (OST) to investigate the potential benefits and possible problems associated with nanotechnology and nanoscience1.
The study began with a request to stakeholders to express their hopes and concerns about the new technology by 10 July 2003. It will go on to investigate the environmental, health and safety, ethical and societal implications and uncertainties that may arise from the use of the technology. It will also identify areas where additional regulation needs to be considered.
Nanotechnology, which already plays as important role in biomedicine and electronics, is the creation and utilisation of functional materials, devices and systems with novel functions and properties that are based either on geometrical size or on material-specific peculiarities of nanostructures.
References
1. UK Government Office of Science and Technology press release, 18 June 2003, www.ost.gov.uk