NANOPINION · Monitoring public opinion on Nanotechnology in Europe

NANOPINION will provide a multi-tasking and enlivening online science-technology-social media-based platform for learning, information, outreach, dialogue and monitoring for young people, general public and consumer opinion on NT, realising the need for enhanced communication and dialogue between science and society for successful technology development and societal acceptance. A central dialogue arena of both physical and virtual aspects will be created to establish a dynamic outreach and dialogue model that will address the public in the high street via street knowledge and opinion labs, and other target groups in a variety of interactions in live events, online project portal, and web 2.0 tools. Controversial issues will be discussed on range of channels in order to establish a trustworthy and informed dialogue with the public. The engagements will be monitored continuously, and citizens opinions of NT will be gathered and traced using validated online and offline tools, thus providing clear direction and challenges driven by the citizens opinion regarding communication, NT fields, regulation, governance, research, social implications and education of NT. Past FP6/7 projects will be extensively used as prime knowledge, information and education resources for the project.NANOPINION will contribute to awareness and interest raising in the realm of NT, by engaging all age groups in the wider public in informing and discussion surrounding NT. We aim for the project to serve as an access bridge between FP7 and FP8 thus provides the EC with insights for policy framing concerning NT. The NANOPINION takes the debate to the outdoor arena dealing with “tough to reach” audience, that usually do not participate in science debates. Also, The project is going to offer experimental NT curriculum for high school that will carried out in EU, Associated countries and Russia. This curriculum will ne used for a future bacaloriate/ A level/ matriculation program of study NT.