SANTA BARBARA, CA – October 10, 2005 – The Nanoethics Group today announced that it has been invited to speak at the “Societal Impacts” symposium at the International Congress of Nanotechnology (ICNT), one of the industry’s largest global gatherings. Patrick Lin, Ph.D., research director for The Nanoethics Group, will be the symposium’s first speaker, setting the context for the prestigious event.

Held in San Francisco from October 31 to November 4, 2005, ICNT 2005 brings together the leading minds in nanotechnology from all over the world, including more than 150 speakers from 38 countries as well as Nobel Prize laureates, and offers a rare opportunity to network with top industry professionals and researchers. The event covers a broad spectrum of topics in the emerging field of nanotechnology, from the latest research and development to nanoethics to venture-capital investment and more. ICNT is the annual meeting of the International Association of Nanotechnology, a non-profit association based in Sacramento, California.

Dr. Lin will present a high-level overview of the issues and challenges in studying the societal impact of nanotechnology, including the complexity of evaluating ethical dilemmas, such as balancing out competing rights and obligations, as well a survey of topical areas such as privacy, terrorism, health, economics, politics, environment and others.

“ICNT 2005 is unique in dedicating an entire week to exploring the social dimensions and implications of the new science,” said Dr. Lin. “In fact, many other conferences, especially the business-oriented ones, ignore the subject completely. We are honored to help kick off their symposium and hopefully help scientists, business executives and other stakeholders to think about the larger issues related to their research and to proceed responsibly.”

Nanoethics is gaining attention globally as the nanotechnology industry, world governments and the broader public hope to avoid previous missteps in rushing to develop new technologies, such as in biotechnology where a massive public backlash resulted in bans on genetically-modified foods in many regions and even entire countries, from Brazil to Germany to Sri Lanka. Similarly, some groups – as recently as GeneEthics Network last week - are calling for a moratorium on nanotechnology research and products until public health and other issues have been addressed.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Lin of The Nanoethics Group to speak at our conference,” said Lloyd L. Tran, program chair for ICNT 2005. “Given his reputation for clear, unbiased thinking, he’ll be instrumental in establishing a meaningful framework to understanding the societal issues that lay before our industry.”

For more information about the International Association of Nanotechnology and ICNT 2005, including registration information and program agenda, please visit www.nanotechcongress.com.

ABOUT US
The Nanoethics Group is a non-partisan research organization formed to study nanotechnology’s impact on society and related ethical issues. As professional ethicists, we help to identify and evaluate possible harms and conflicts as well as to bring balance and common sense to the debate. Our mission is to educate and advise both organizations and the broader public on these issues as a foundation to guide policy and responsible research. For more information, please visit www.nanoethics.org.

Media Contact:
Patrick Lin, Ph.D.
Research Director
The Nanoethics Group
patrick@nanoethics.org
805.570.5651