Nanologues

The Nanologue project was a 21-month endeavor, funded in 2005 by the European Commission within the 6th Framework Programme. Nanologue was formed to build a common understanding concerning social, ethical, and legal aspects of nanotechnology applications, and to facilitate a Europe-wide dialogue among science, business, and civil society about its benefits and potential impacts. The Nanologue project was performed by a consortium led by the Wuppertal Institute (Germany), and included the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research in Switzerland (EMPA), the Forum for the Future in the United Kingdom (UK), and the German applied research and consulting organization that focuses on corporate and social responsibility, Triple Innova.

As the public's ongoing rejection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) shows, when public trust in a new technology is lost, regaining it is incredibly difficult. The aim of the Nanologue project was to promote an open and honest dialogue between scientists, policy makers, and the public about both the potential benefits and pitfalls of nanotechnologies.

The Nanologue project had three phases. In the first phase, discussion began concerning the ethical, legal, and social aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnologies, specifically food, energy conversion and production, and medical diagnostics. The second phase aimed to start a discussion on the benefits and risks of nanotechnology between representatives between research and society. Interviews with researchers and members of civil society were conducted about the social, ethical, and legal impacts of nanotechnology, as related to environmental performance, human health, privacy, access, acceptance, liability, regulation, and control. The consortium reported on the interviewees' recommendations and suggestions to increase the benefits and reduce the risks of nanotechnology. During the third phase, several products were developed to enhance the dialogue on the social, ethical, and legal aspects of nanotechnology applications.

One of the products of the Nanologue consortium is called “Three Scenarios of How Nanotechnology Will Have Developed by 2015.” The three cases were developed by experts, and are the outcome of variations in key drivers that are likely to influence how the technologies develop and are used in the future. Drivers include the legal and political framework, prices of raw materials, the speed of scientific progress in nanotechnologies, and environmental pressures. In each scenario, nanotechnologies have been put to quite different uses, and have varying levels of public acceptance.

The scenarios are meant to assist people interested in nanotechnology to think about its place in society in a more structured way. Scenario 1 is called “Disaster Recovery.” This scenario describes a possible world that exists in 2015 where a lack of regulation has resulted in a major accident. Public concern about nanotechnology is high, and technology development is slow and cautious. Scenario 2 is called “Now We're Talking.” In this scenario, strong regulation and accountability systems are in place in 2015. The technology has been shaped by societal needs and strong health and safety concerns. Scenario 3 is termed “Powering Ahead.” Scientific progress has moved faster than expected and nanotechnology is making a real impact, particularly in energy conversion and storage.

An additional product of the Nanologue consortium is the NanoMeter, an Internet-based tool assessing the societal implications of nanotechnology. The NanoMeter addresses researchers and product developers, and aims to help understand the societal impacts of nanoapplications during product research and development in a quick and easy way. Offering the most relevant societal implications identified during the Nanologue project, the NanoMeter serves as a useful starting point to guide the internal discussion during the development phase of new products and technologies.

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