Ongoing projects
Converging technologies
The term NBIC convergence refers to the unification of four key technologies: nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive tech...
GEST
GEST stands for Global Ethics in Science and Technology and is a 3 year collaborative project, funded by the European Community's Seventh Framework.
SYBHEL
SYBHEL (www.sybhel.org) is a European project concerned with ways of using synthetic biology to address global health issues. The ethical and legal issues associated with these potential applications are the key focus.
Making perfect life
A new set of bio-engineering capabilities and fields have developed. At the crossroads of technology and biology, they promise to control, design and rebuild the organic world.
Chemicals
The Dutch chemicals industry hopes to achieve marked growth in the years to come. It also intends to play a leading role in making our society more su...
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the practice and science of classification, particularly that of living organisms. With the emergence of molecular biology, taxonomy faded...
Synthetic biology
Medicines produced by synthetic bacteria. Genetically modified algae that produce clean energy. New DNA material to order. Our expectations of synthetic biology are high.
Completed projects
Nanotechnology
Developments in nanotechnology raise a number of issues. What are the risks to human health and the environment, for example. What about patient interests? Such questions demand thorough debate.
The NBIC convergence: ethics and human rights
The fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive science are becoming ever more entwined. The resulting combination is known as the 'NBIC convergence'.
Ambient intelligence and healthcare
The term Ambient Intelligence refers to invisible 'smart' technology embedded into the everyday human environment, or even the human body itself.
INES ethics and politics
Science and technology frequently raise questions or misgivings. Think of gene technology, or the use of chips and smartcards which the authorities – or even private sector companies – can use to track our movements.
Technology Assessment on converging technologies
The disciplines of nanotechnology, biotechnology, ICT and the cognitive sciences are moving closer together. This ‘NBIC convergence’ is perhaps one of the most exciting developments in science and technology that we are likely to see in the twenty-first century.
Military technology
National security, peace and vulnerability are topics which have attracted considerable attention in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in the United States, Spain and London. Technology plays a key role in the quest for solutions to today’s security problems.
Technology and development
What part can technology play in overseas development aid?
Biotechnology assessment
In early 2002, parliament debated the government's Integrated Policy Document on Biotechnology.
Biotechnology and animals
In 2000 and 2001, the Rathenau Institute examined the legislation covering the use of live animals in biotechnology experiments.