Publications

NSF NBIC Reports

These National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored reports present an optimistic view of the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information science, and cognitive science (NBIC), as well as human "enhancement."

Progress in Convergence: Technologies for Human Wellbeing (2006)

Managing Nano-Bio-Info-Cogno Innovations: Converging Technologies in Society (2005)

The Coevolution of Human Potential and Converging Technologies (2004)

Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance: Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science (2002)

European Commission HLEG Reports

A set of reports by the European Commission's High Level Expert Group (HLEG) followed the first of the NSF's NBIC reports as a response of sorts that outlines European policy on converging technologies and human "enhancement."

Foresighting the New Technology Wave: Converging Technologies - Shaping the Future of European Societies HLEG Final Report (September 2004)

SIG-II Report on the Ethical, Legal and Societal Aspects of Converging Technologies (July 2004)

Foresighting the New Technology Wave: Converging Technologies and the Natural, Social and Cultural World (July 2004)

Foresighting the New Technology Wave: Quality of Life (June 2004)

Foresighting the New Technology Wave: Transformational Effect of NBIC Technologies on the Economy (June 2004)

Other Reports

Beyond Bioetchics: A Proposal for Modernizing the Regulation of Human Biotechnologies (2006)
This report by bioethicist Francis Fukuyama advocates for various levels of governmental control over emerging developments in biotechnology. The website, where the report can be accessed, features editorials and responses to the report. A pdf version of the report is free but must be requested.

Policy Implications of Technologies for Cognitive Enhancement (2006)
This document reports the recommendations developed during a workshop of the Advanced Concepts Group at Sandia National Laboratory and the Consortium for Science Policy and Outcomes at Arizona State University, which explored implications of new developments in cognitive science.

Better Humans (2006)
Demos is an independent, European think tank hoping to facilitate the dissemination of information on topics, such as the application of emerging technologies and human "enhancement," which require democratic discussion. This report is a series of essays on human "enhancement" technologies written by leading scientists and journalists.

Human Inheritable Genetic Modifications: Assessing Scientific, Ethical, Religious, and Policy Issues (2000)
This report by the American Association for the Advancement of Science outlines a variety of genetic "enhancement" technologies and explains their implications.