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Madison's NanoCafes, USA
Method(s) Used
Name of person who posted the project:Karin Gavelin (Involve)
Location of project:United Kingdom
Date when the project started:2005
Date when the project ended/project ongoing:
Background to project:The Citizens' Coalition on Nanotechnology (CCoN) formed as a result of a Consensus conference on Nanotechnology organized at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in the spring of 2005 (see http://www.peopleandparticipation.net/display/CaseStudies/Madison+Area+Consensus+Conference+on+NanotechnologiesThis event provided a diverse group of citizens from the Madison-area with the opportunity to work together and influence public policy on this important new technology. Their recommendations are summarized in a report. Afterwards, several members of the citizen panel wanted to continue engaging with scientists and educating the public about nanotechnology. A professor involved in last spring's conference suggested the Science Caf� idea, having attended one in Europe. The concept of the Caf� Scientifique originates in 1997 from France (where Caf�s Philosophiques were already well established) and in 1998 from England. Since then, Caf�s Scientifiques have sprung up not only in Europe but also elsewhere across the world. Madison's Nano Caf�s are slightly different in the sense that they focus only on nanotechnology. Purpose of project:Insert text hereProject activities:The Nano Caf� provides a casual atmosphere in which people who want to know more about nanotechnology can listen to experts, ask questions and share ideas.UW-Madison experts explain their work, answer questions and address concerns from members of the public as part of a lively conversation about the impact of recent research. The focus of the event is determined by the attendees, most of whom are non-scientists. No science background is required. In order for Nano Caf�s to be as democratic and participative as possible, attendees are asked to point out the themes they want to hear more about during the next Nano Caf�s. Project results:Contact details:Email: nano.cafes@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.nanocafes.org/ |
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