Media Release
A free public forum to discuss issues about nanotechnology will be held at Adelaide University on the evening of Thursday, 8 May, providing an opportunity to hear varying expert opinions and ask questions.
The forum is part of a series being held around Australia to assist members of the public to gain a better understanding of advances in nanoscience and encourage community dialogue about issues concerning nanotechnology.
Questions raised to date have included, what is nanotechnology and is it safe? Should we spend more money researching this area of science? How do we measure nano particles when we cannot see them with the naked eye?
Three qualified experts will address how scientists use nanotechnology in our daily life, how they measure it and its possible affects on our health, safety and environment. The panel will also look at possible social impacts of nanotechnology and how the public can get involved in science policy development. The panellists include:
- Associate Professor Joe Shapter who is a scientist, educator and researcher at Flinders University of South Australia. He is originally from Canada and works with nanoscience in the School of Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences. Joe is also a course coordinator of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nanotechnology and is the right person to explain nano science to the lay person.
- Dr Åsa Jämting is the part of the Nanometrology group in the Physical Metrology branch of the National Measurement Institute (NMI) at Lindfield, Sydney. She is originally from Sweden and has worked internationally in nanometrology. Åsa will explain how scientists measure things they cannot see with the naked eye; and discuss the nanometrology activities conducted at NMI's nanoparticle laboratory.
- Ms Georgia Miller is the Nanotechnology Project Coordinator from Friends of the Earth. She has an Honours degree in Environmental Science. She will be talking about the need to support greater public involvement in science policy development and making technology more responsive to social needs.
The compere is Belinda Barr from the Australian Science Communicators Association. The free forum runs from 6pm to 8pm in the Napier Building, off North Terrace, at the University of Adelaide.
The forum is sponsored by the Australian Office of Nanotechnology (AON) within the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research in conjunction with Flinders University of South Australia.
Editorial details for news editors
The forum is to be held on Thursday 8 May from 6pm-8pm. Free refreshments are available at 5.30pm. The venue for the forum is Lecture Theatre Napier G04 which is located on the ground floor of the Napier Building. The Napier Building is situated behind Bonython Hall which is a major landmark on Campus. Bonython Hall is located on the corner of North Terrace and Pulteney Street, Adelaide. Access the campus is through Gate 22a which is located out the front of Bonython Hall on North Terrace.
Entry is free and all members of the public are welcome.
For comments on the public forum, please contact the Department of Innovation Spokesperson:
Ms Tess McDonald, General Manager, Enabling Technologies Branch,
Innovation Division, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
Telephone: 02 6276 1272 or mobile 0409 699 056.
In Adelaide on 8 May, for interviews with speakers and details on the forum, contact:
Fiona Childs, Nanotechnology Communications, AON on mobile 0420 961 487.