by Andrew Maynard | Jun 16, 2009 | Emerging Technology, Nanotechnology, Policy, Public Perception
This month’s issue of the magazine Science & Technology takes a closer look at some of the controversies, dilemmas and decisions that will impact on the future development of the science and technology of working at the nanoscale. Amongst the commentaries...
by Andrew Maynard | Jun 9, 2009 | Communication, Engagement, Policy
This afternoon, a riveting and possibly ground-breaking conversation evolved in real time on the social media platform Twitter. Yesterday, writer and broadcaster Colin Stuart (@skyponderer on Twitter) raised concerns about the new dual-role of UK Science Minister...
by Andrew Maynard | Jun 1, 2009 | Emerging Technology, Nanotechnology, Rethinking Science & Technology, Synthetic Biology
Part 6 of a series on rethinking science and technology for the 21st century The story so far: We are facing an unprecedented confluence of three factors that are forcing us to rethink how we develop and use science and technology to the benefit of society. Coupling...
by Andrew Maynard | May 6, 2009 | Civic Science, Emerging Technology, Engagement, Policy, Recommended
50 years on, have we missed the point of C.P. Snow’s “Two-cultures?” 50 years ago, long before Richard Dawkins coined the term “meme,” the British scientist, public figure and novelist Charles Percy Snow planted an idea into the collective consciousness that has since...
by Andrew Maynard | Apr 27, 2009 | Emerging Technology, Policy
Just in case anyone wasn’t clear, President Obama blew away any residual doubts this morning that he considers science and technology supremely important to the future well-being of the US. In a stirring and historic speech to the National Academies of Science...