NanoDiode

DPF was previously involved in the NanoDiode project. From July 2013 to December 2015, this EU-funded project organised a wide range of outreach and dialogue activities to support the responsible development of nanotechnologies in Europe. NanoDiode explored the added value of engagement activities at all levels of the research and innovation process: from policy making and research to the diffusion of research outcomes in society. The consortium brought together a range of stakeholders including industry, civil society organisations, researchers from the natural and the social sciences and artists.

Different work packages addressed different levels of governance:

  • WP2 – INSPIRE initiated engagement and dialogue at the ‘upstream’ level of nanotechnology research policy, organising a public survey on perceptions, a school competition and a series of citizens’ dialogues on nanotechnologies;
  • WP3 – CREATE sought to enable processes of co-creation at the ‘midstream’ level of concrete nanotechnology research and innovation processes, organising a series of 3rd generation deliberative processes, user committees and regulatory research workshops throughout Europe;
  • WP4 – EDUCATE aimed to professionalise nanotechnology education and training, identifying and selecting the best tools for nanotechnology education and establishing a community of practice for safe working with nanomaterials;
  • WP5 – ENGAGE organised activities at the ‘downstream’ level of public communication on nanotechnologies including the NanoTube, NanoBazaar, NanoGallery and NanoSlams.

Brief summaries of all activities and outcomes are available through the NanoDiode project fact sheets.