Riots on the street, polluted drinking water and mass fish deaths? Or a source of carbon free energy, enabling the EU to meet its Kyoto targets whilst powering our homes and business?

These are two of three scenarios developed through the nanologue project, an 18-month EU project looking at the social, ethical and legal implications of nanotechnology.

The scenarios for 2015 have been developed to assist people interested in nanotechnology to think about it’s place in society in a structured way.

The report consists of three scenarios of how nanotechnology will have developed by 2015:

• In the first scenario, Disaster Recovery, a lack of regulation results in a major accident. Public concern about nanotechnology is high and technology development is slow and cautious.

• In the second scenarios, Now We’re Talking, strong regulation and accountability systems are in place. The technology has been shaped by societal needs and strong health and safety concerns.

• The last scenario, Powering Ahead, entails scientific progress which occurs faster than expected. Nanotechnology is making a real impact, particularly in energy conversion and storage.

The scenarios were developed through consultation with scientists and other experts in the field of nanotechnology. The report is just one of the outcomes of the nanologue project, which aims to increase dialogue on these issues.

More information can be found at www.nanologue.net.

For more information please contact business@forumforthefuture.org.uk

Download now: The future of nanotechnology: we need to talk