What are the big issues about small technologies?

ICONN, Media bulletins

Nanotech – free public forum

Presented by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science & Research

For ICONN: Australia’s International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

James O’Loghlin from the ABC’s New Inventors hosts a speculative discussion on how nanotechnology products are developed and reach the consumer.

Our panel of experts will discuss the development of a nanotechnology product from research and development, through to risk and safety assessment for regulatory approval, then to commercialisation and finally reaching the consumer, examining the different issues that can arise at each stage.

Matt Trau, from the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology at UQ, has an invention incorporating nanotechnology.

Our panel will  explore how his invention might become a product and reach patients:

  • Brian Priestly from the Australian Centre for Human Health Risk Assessmentwill help us through the regulatory hurdles
  • Stuart Hazell, former CEO of PanBio, will guide us through the ‘Valley of (commercial) Death’.
  • Tricia Greenway from the Consumer Health Forum will ground our thinking and remind us what the public really wants.
  • Dr Kristin Alford from Bridge8 and
  • Tom Faunce from the Australian National University will  prod and nudge our panellist on communication, the law and other issues.

Come and hear an informative discussion about how new technologies reach you, and how the public might be more involved in influencing which technologies we adopt.

FREE EVENT

Date: Tuesday 23 February, 6pm-8pm

Venue: Bayside Auditorium A, Level 1, Sydney Convention Centre Darling Harbour.

Enquiries: 1800 631 276

This forum is part of the 2010 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICONN 2010)

For more information about ICONN visit – http://www.ausnano.net/iconn2010/

For media contact Niall Byrne.