After more than a decade of heavy investment in nanotechnology, it is now time to pause for thought. We have heard fascinating promises and witnessed nanopanic and nanoeuphoria, while confronting a systemic planetary crisis (or rather, metamorphosis), which will change the world as we know it: from one of few people with many accessible natural resources, to one of many people with few natural resources. Thus, we must ruminate on what we have learned from our shake-and-bake approach to Nanotechnology, discuss the magic bullets and stratospheric elevators, determine what is truly revolutionary and identify what should be developed.
We must ask ourselves: What can nanotechnology truly bring to mankind, beyond research funding interdisciplinary training for scientists?
We need to rethink Nanotechnology, taking into account the pressing need for new and efficient, environmentally friendly processes. We must endeavour to understand the world, and that all in all is affordable.
The next phase of industry, production and supply will be nano-and bio-based and apparently, will be far more widely distributed, with numerous local centres. Similarly, at least in the EU, which is home to an aging population and increasing poverty, new technologies for advanced diagnosis and improved drug efficacy will be needed to preserve the quality of medical care. If we can transition from our existing circumstances to the new ones, then we should see be able to make Earth more stable and more resilient.
We are pleased to invite you to share your vision of Nanotechnology at the workshop “Rethinking Nano”, to be held on 8 November, in Barcelona: a rich, fruitful day of exchange for experts in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, Electronics, Energy and Nanoregulation.
Attendees will include Prof Seyed Moien Moghimi (University of Copenhagen), Prof Wolfgang J. Parak (Philipps-University of Marburg), Dr Robert Rallo (University Rovira i Virgili), Dr Anna Laromaine (Institute of Material Science of Barcelona), Prof Andreu Cabot (Catalonia Institute for Energy Research), Prof Dr Pau Gorostiza (Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia) and Ignasi Gispert (Institute for Law and Technology).
Admission is free of charge, but registration is required (limited access).
There will be opportunities for poster presentations. See more information and Please register online: click here.