Seminar to examine legal and regulatory issues associated with nanotechnology

Wayne State University is hosting a seminar on legal and regulatory issues associated with nanotechnology on Monday, April 11, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Bernath Auditorium, located in the David Adamany Undergraduate Library. The seminar is free and open to the public; registration is required due to limited seating. Those that should consider attending include nanoscientists; manufacturers of items using nanomaterials; persons associated with nanotechnology commercialization; or anyone interested in nanoscience and its products. Effective risk management is essential to the responsible and successful development and commercialization of nanotechnology. Because the science of nanotechnology is dynamic and largely unexplored, risk management models based on past experiences with new technologies may be imperfect guides. Instead, a flexible and comprehensive approach is needed that takes into account the promise of nanotechnology, the uncertainties surrounding it, and the wide range of stakeholders who are vital to its success. Among the relevant questions are: What risks are we trying to manage? Who are the relevant stakeholders? What are their concerns? Do we have the information to answer these questions? What should we do in the absence of necessary information? In considering these and other questions, a central lesson learned from the roll-out of other new technologies is that these are rarely purely scientific issues that can be objectively resolved. Rather, the path forward will likely include an often messy combination of science, policy, law and communications. Through a discussion format, the speakers and the audience will explore the primary legal and business risks of nanotechnology and suggest strategies to address those risks. By thinking about risk management now, researchers and developers can reduce the likelihood of barriers and be prepared when risks materialize. Speakers Christopher Bell, Michael Lisak and James Mizgala are all members of Sidley Austin LLP's Nanotechnology Practice team. The seminar is free, however, registration is required. To register, visit http://events.wayne.edu/2011/04/11/nanotechnology-legal-and-regulatory-issues-30692/ For additional information regarding this seminar, contact WSU's Office of the Vice President for Research at (313) 577-5600. Published: Mon, Mar 28, 2011

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