Nanotechnology - ethical and social issues : results from New Zealand focus groups

This report summarizes the findings from a project that that examined public reactions to nanotechnology in New Zealand. The researchers conducted a series of focus groups from June to November of 2005. Findings from these meetings showed there was a concern among participants that nanotechnology could be problematic, that there was a public need for unbiased information and distrust of the media as a provider of impartial information, and that while there is a general appreciation for the benefits of nanotechnology, there is also an expectation that scientists and governmental agencies will have to deal with actual and potential risks associated with particular applications of nanotechnology.