past event

Big Issues & Small Science:
Addressing the Socially Responsible Development of Nanotechnology
A Chicago Nano Forum Event Hosted by IIT's Center on Nanotechnology and Society
October 5, 2006
5:30 p.m.
Chicago-Kent College of Law Auditorium
565 W. Adams Street
Chicago, IL

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Listed below are commentaries from the event. Click title to view commentary.
EPA Explores Nanoscale Technology to Address Large-scale Problems
by Warren Layne

Converging Nano and Nature: Ensuring Environmental Sustainability
by George Nassos

Bridging the Gulf Between Nanotechnology and Humanism
by Michael Radnor

While science and technology conducted at the nanoscale deal with the minutest constituents of matter, they may give rise to ethical issues of gargantuan proportion. Those issues must be addressed proactively and head on by science, industry, and government to ensure nano meets its big potential as the economic driver. This win-win approach to nano R&D and nano commercialization is not only the most socially responsible path but it is also the most fiscally savvy course for the nascent technology's long-term viability.

To that end, legal, business, and regulatory experts will share their views on how to achieve the socially responsible development of nanotechnology. Panelists include:

• Warren Layne, a chemist at the Environmental Protection Agency Region 5;
• Erik Flom, Ph.D., J.D., principal and patent specialist at Welsh & Katz, Ltd.;
• George Nassos, Ph.D., director of the environmental management program and professor at Illinois Institute of Technology's (IIT's) Stuart School of Business; and
• Michael Radnor, Ph.D., professor of management and organizations at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management and director of the Center for Technology Innovation Management.
Nigel M. de S. Cameron, Ph.D., director of IIT's Center on Nanotechnology and Society (Nano & Society), and associate dean and research professor of bioethics at Chicago-Kent College of Law, will provide introductory remarks. The panel will be moderated by Michele Mekel, J.D., M.H.A., M.B.A., associate director/legal fellow of Nano & Society.

Cosponsored by:
Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management
Center for Technology Innovation Management
IIT's Stuart School of Business
Endorsed by:
Chicago Microtechnology and Nanotechnology Community