by Andrew Maynard | Dec 31, 2008 | Emerging Technology, Policy, Public Perception
Science gone right, science gone wrong, science gone social, science gone political—it’s all here in five off-beat book recommendations to kick off 2009. Ranging from Darwin’s Origin of Species to Sir Terry Pratchett’s Nation, the one thing I think I can guarantee is...
by Andrew Maynard | Dec 24, 2008 | Civic Science, Engagement, Policy, Public Perception
In 2003, Harvard University’s Sheila Jasanoff wrote about what she termed “Technologies of Humility.” Recognizing the growing disconnect between technological progress and its effective governance, Jasanoff explored new approaches to decision-making that “seek to...
by Andrew Maynard | Dec 20, 2008 | Policy
John Holdren is confirmed as the next Assistant to the President for Science and Technology Barack Obama is serious about science and technology. It was clear in the campaign; clear in the President-Elect’s policies, and doubly clear in the speed with which he has...
by Andrew Maynard | Dec 17, 2008 | Communication, Engagement, Policy, Synthetic Biology
Policy, public perceptions, and the opportunities and challenges of synthetic biology Synthetic biology—a supreme expression of scientific hubris, or the solution to all our problems? Like everything in life, I suspect that the answer to the question is far from black...
by Andrew Maynard | Dec 10, 2008 | Nanotechnology, Policy
The National Research Council of the National Academies releases its review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. And it’s not pretty. Most people acknowledge that innovation is vital...
by Andrew Maynard | Nov 15, 2008 | Nanotechnology, Policy
As world leaders congregate in Washington DC this weekend for the G20 summit on the global financial crisis, discussions will be informed in part by what has been described as the “biggest brainstorming on the global agenda that has ever taken place.” I mention this...
