Small size - large impact - Nanowerk

In a different vein, it was also suggested that nanoscientists
should become more proactive in their
relationship with the media, endeavouring to
communicate these complex concepts in a language
that is comprehensible to non-experts.
However, it is not enough simply to communicate
the positive aspects of a new technology. For David
Ropeik, Director of Risk Communication, Harvard
Center for Risk Analysis, Harvard University, one
of the keys to successfully communicating with the
public is to respect their concerns, and allow an open
discussion of fears, real and imagined.
Looking to the future
Designed to provide a broad overview of the subject,
the conference initiated a dialogue among the many
stakeholders, which it is hoped can be meaningfully
continued into the future. Swiss Re looks forward to
ongoing involvement in promoting this dialogue and
working towards greater cohesion in risk perception
in years to come. This will ensure that nanotechnology
has the greatest chance to sustainably and successfully
fulfil the enormous potential it offers.
According to Ropeik, nanotechnology bears all the
hallmarks of the risks that make us most afraid: it is
hard to detect, we cannot control our level of exposure
to it, it is new. Fear is an instinctive reaction that
is largely beyond our control; for nano-scientists
to dismiss it as irrational would therefore be both
arrogant and unwise. Instead, Ropeik recommended
that the nanotechnology industry should show respect
for the public’s fear, avoid manipulation or overreassurance,
share control by empowering stakeholders,
and demonstrate competence and responsibility in
protecting the public from potential risks.
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