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.

Technological wave

Nanotechnology, in combination with three other emerging technologies, could bring about major changes. Those other technologies are biotechnology, information technology and cognitive science. The developments which come together to strengthen each other are known as the 'NBIC convergence'. This represents the beginning of a new 'technological wave', in which the disciplines traditionally concerned with inanimate objects such as computers and robots become entwined with those dealing with living material in the form of cells and genes. This clearly raises new social and ethical dilemmas.  

In 2003, the Rathenau Institute opted to place nanotechnology firmly on its agenda. The first projects were intended to raise public awareness of the potential major impact of nanotechnology in various aspects of our everyday lives. Later research projects sought to identify the main applications of nanotechnology. In the current phase, the key focus is the uncertainty regarding the risks to human health and the environment. This must be addressed as a matter of urgency so that nanotechnology can indeed be introduced in a form from which we can derive clear advantages with as few disadvantages as possible. It is also essential to have a full public discussion about the social and ethical dilemmas which nanotechnology and the new technological wave will bring.  

Commission

In 2009, the Dutch government appointed a commission to promote just such a discussion. The Rathenau Institute is now preparing for the next phase of the debate, in which the outcome of the public discussion will be incorporated into government policy proposals and subject to political debate in parliament.

 List of publications (in Dutch)