Latin American Nanotechnology and Society Network

The Latin American Nanotechnology and Society Network (ReLANS), is an academic network, created in 2006, with the mandate of promoting associations between scientists and researchers analyzing the interrelation of nanotechnology and society, and the implications of nanotechnology for development and inequity, with a particular interest in the Latin American region.

ReLANS is headquartered in Zacatecas, Mexico, and is attached to the Doctorate in Development Studies Program at the Autonomous University of Zacatecas. The coordination is shared between Mexico and one subcenter in Brazil. In 2008, ReLANS published (in Spanish and English) a book titled, Nanotechnologies in Latin America, containing chapters on Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay, in addition to a dossier on the Andean countries. Also, in 2008, resulting from collaborations with other institutions and trade unions, the book titled, Nanotechnologies in Food and Agriculture [Nanotecnologías en la Alimentación y Agricultura], was published in Spanish. This book was used as reference text for several seminars. Both books can be accessed for free at the ReLANS Website.

Members of ReLANS have participated in dozens of international academic seminars on the subject, and maintain relationships with other international networks such as the International Nanotechnology and Society Network (INSN) and the Society for the Study of Nanoscience and Emerging Technologies (S-NET). ReLANS also has collaborative agreements with other organizations in the world that conduct research on nanotechnology globally.

ReLANS aknowledges that nanotechnologies represent important technological possibilities for a new global industrial revolution. However, their impacts can also be disruptive for developing countries, particularly for the poor sectors and workers, due to the potential reduction of activities that nanotechnology multifunctional products entail. In addition, nanotechnologies will encourage radical changes in the social division of labor and will have a significant impact on employment. ReLANS differs from the hegemonic idea, sustained by most governments, that nanotechnologies will become tools employed in development processes and lead to economic progress via increasing competitiveness alone. ReLANS holds that it is necessary to implement science and technology policies in such a way as to support the development of strategic sectors of the economy, but always in accordance with long-term proposals that would bring about improvements in the living conditions of the populations affected.

This, in any case, should be conducted with strong oversight of social organizations and should avoid the [Page 394]implementation by the state of vertical integrations between research, production, and consumption.

A doctorate degree in Development Studies Program of the Autonomous University of Zacatecas, where ReLANS is headquartered, includes an area of research on nanotechnology and society, offering applicants from any country the opportunity to pursue their doctorate and postdoctoral research in this area. ReLANS, with the purpose of expanding its collaborative agreements, encourages associations with universities and research centers outside the region that have an interest in furthering their knowledge and influence in Latin America, and with prospective partners to develop teaching and research activities in the long term.