More science challenges for PR

The other day, I was at the Institute for Engineering and Technology in London listening to Professor James Gimzewski talking about nanotechnology. Having worked in biotechnology for six years was educational, but very few in PR, or even the media, seem to take much notice of the enormous changes that these new technologies are having on society.

Gimzewski, from the UCLA, unlike many scientists, managed to explain the technology in a sufficiently easy way to make the enormity of his tale appealing. Perhaps it was his Glaswegian accent tempered by years in California, but more likely was his own appreciation that nanotechnology was a science little understood (despite the audience consisting of grey-haired professors). Even more noticeable for a PR person was his closing section devoted entirely to the work he did with the Los Angeles community, demonstrating what his work was about.

So, if nanotechnology has a low profile, the NGO world took a very different approach a decade ago to that other science, biotechnology. We will have to see whether they turn their sights now on this micro scale technology.  Prince Charles, the man  with a quote for all seasons, has already ventured into the field with predictable opposition.

Potentially, within the next decade or two, there could be millions of nanotechnology applications, and there will need to be sufficient safety tests before each is implemented.  There will be work aplenty for PR people. But what will the NGOs do? Perhaps the success in the meantime of biotechnology will warn them off. Only time will tell.   

 

Comments

[avril]

I watched the professor's video on http://tv.theiet.org/technology/electronics/1245.cfm and recommend it as an introduction to a fascinating technology.

[avril]

I watched the professor's video on http://tv.theiet.org/technology/electronics/1245.cfm and recommend it as an introduction to a fascinating technology.

[Cliff]

This is certainly food for thought - and although it would be tautologous to add to it, I couldn't resist adding this comment - and to extend my hearty approval to the whole schtick, blogwise.

[Cliff]

This is certainly food for thought, and although it feels tautologous to add to it, I couldn't resist making this comment, and extending my hearty approval to the whole shtick, blogwise.