Developing innovative outreach and dialogue on responsible nanotechnologies in EU civil society

Dialogue and outreach activitiesThe introduction of new technologies is generally accompanied by uncertainties about the claimed benefi ts and risks. The same holds true for nanotechnologies, which are being developed as potential tools for use in almost all existing areas. As such it raises many questions: Do we need the new technology? Can we benefi t from it? Can we control the risks? Can we live with the uncertainties? Can we infl uence the direction of research and innovation? These and many more questions on the edge of innovation and ethics will be asked by NanoDiode.

Education• Engage the inquisitive young generation of future researchers • Develop an education strategy • Carry out education activities• Implement a multidisciplinary community of practice

Deliberative processes• Bringing together researchers, civil society organisations

(CSOs), industrial partners and policy-makers• Discuss nanotechnology innovations

User committees• ‘Users’ (industrial customers as well as consumers) identify and discuss

key challenges, desired properties and technical features • Steer the research towards social values and user needs

Supporting responsible research• Bringing together researchers and industrial partners with risk assessors and regulators• Defi ne appropriate risk-governance approaches

Series of citizen & multi-Stakeholder dialogues • Identify desired fi elds of innovation • Consider the possible contribution of nanotechnologies in addressing important societal

and ethical challenges• Citizens discuss their recommendations with the nano-stakeholder community

NanoDiode is a European project focused on the engagement of stakeholders in the governance of nanotechnologies. It involves activities along the innovation value chain that will give citizens and civil society organisations (CSOs) a voice in both the development of nanotechnologies and in determining what the safe use of nanomaterials is, so as to support the effective governance of nanotechnologies and encourage its responsible research and innovation.

Inspire‘Gauging European citizens’ views on innovation in nanotechnologies, as well as the relevant societal and ethical issues. Sharing ideas and inspirations policy-makers, researchers and industry.

NanoDiode survey• Map non-expert Europeans‘ preferences for fi elds of nano-innovation

School kids’ and students’ competition on innovative ideas• Engage European youth in the discussion• Highlight young Europeans’ preferences for fi elds of innovation

CreateCo-creating during research and innovation by way of deliberation, user committees and regulatory research processes.

Educate Professionalising nanotechnology education and training, establishing a multidisciplinary ‘community of practice’ of experts and trade unionists.

EngageInvolving stakeholders and civil society in a coherent outreach and communications programme on nanotechnology.

EngagementEngaging stakeholders and citizens in constructive dialogue on the ways that nanotechnologies could benefi t society. By involving a broader range of stakeholders in technological decision-making, enhance the responsiveness of nanotechnology and innovation.

Duration: 36 Months Project Start: July 2013

Grant Agreement No. 608891

www.nanodiode.eufi nd us on

Participating organisations

NanoDiode

Pieter van Broekhuizen, IVAM UvA – Nanotechnology and chemical Risks, Amsterdam, NetherlandsAntje Grobe, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, GermanyAndrej Porovic, Nanotechnology Industries Association, London, United Kingdom Daan Schuurbiers, Responsible Innovation Collective, Delft, NetherlandsAndreas Falk, BioNanoNet Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Graz, Austria

Corresponding authorSonja HartlBioNanoNet sonja.hartl@bionanonet.at

Coordinator and ManagementDr Pieter van Broekhuizen IVAM UvA, Netherlands pvbroekhuizen@ivam.uva.nl+ 31 20 525 6324

* Im

age

from

Sch

uurb

iers

, D.,

& E

. Fis

her

(200

9) L

ab-s

cale

inte

rven

tion

. EM

BO

Rep

orts

10

(5),

424-

427)

desi

gn S

tudi

o H

B

UPS

TREAM

DOWNSTREAM

MIDSTREAM

Whatresearch and developmentto authorize?

Whetherto adoptresearch and development?

Howto implementresearch and development?

Stages in the governance of science and technology*

Anton OttaviInserm Tranfert, FranceAnton.Ottavi@inserm-transfert.fr+ 33 4 72 13 89 82

Communication activities• Nano Tubes • Nano Bazaar • Picture Contest and Exhibitions • Student Journalists Competition • Nano Slams • Nano Trivia

affiche A0_04.indd 1 24-03-14 12:09