past events

October 7, 2005
Chicago Nano Forum
"Hype or Hope: Exploring Nano, Risk and Ethics"
5:30 p.m.
Chicago-Kent College of Law Auditorium
565 W. Adams Street
Chicago, Illinois 60661

Some speculate that nanotechnology will provide the answers to mankind's most confounding challenges. Others posit that it will prove to be our greatest debacle. How should we balance nanotechnology's risks and benefits as we shape our future? This dialogue was the Center on Nanotechnology and Society's inaugural Chicago Nano Forum panel presentation, entitled "Hype or Hope: Exploring Nano, Risk and Ethics."

Panelists included:

- Andrew Kimbrell, Washington's premier environmental lobbyist and Executive Director of the International Center for Technology Assessment;
- Nik Rokop, leader of the Chicago Micro and Nano Community; and
- Vivian Weil, distinguished Illinois Institute of Technology professor and expert on nano and society.

The panel was moderated by M. Ellen Mitchell, Director of the Illinois Institute of Technology's Institute of Psychology and Associate Director of the Center on Nanotechnology and Society. Introductory remarks were shared by nationally recognized commentator on technology and human dignity Nigel M. de S. Cameron, Research Professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law and Director of the Center on Nanotechnology and Society.