Neal Lane

What Drives Public Acceptance of Nanotechnology

How do the risks and benefits of nanotechnology, as viewed by the public, compare with those associated with other technologies such as genetically modified organisms, stem cells, biotechnology and nuclear power? And when deciding to use a specific nanotechnology product, will consumers consider the risks, the benefits, or both? We report the first large-scale empirical analyses of these questions.

THE GRAND CHALLENGES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY

Amazing breakthroughs and advances continue to be made in nanoscale science and engineering and the rapidly emerging field of nanotechnology, including near-commercial applications in biomedicine, computing and environmental protection. The National Nanotechnology Initiative, begun by the Clinton Administration has placed nanoscale research on a new funding trajectory. But, many ‘grand challenges’ must be overcome, technical ones as well as those related to funding, science and technology workforce, and the need for stronger collaboration across discipline, organizations, government agencies and with other countries.

Helping the President

President Obamas early strong statements about science, underscored by the outstanding team of scientific experts he has assembled and big bucks in the stimulus package, have been a breath of fresh air. Understandably, there is some temptation to rest easy and not worry about happenings in Washington, comforted by the thought that U.S. science and science policy are in good hands. This would be a huge mistake.

Benjamin Franklin, civic scientist

That early American prototype of a civic scientist would probably address many of today’s concerns with wisdom, practicality, and a deep sense of civic responsibility.

The changing political climate for US science

Disunity and dysfunction in Washington should not dissuade physicists from making the case for robust federal funding of science.