Science Policy
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SCIENCE POLICY Incorporating WASHINGTON NEWS and policy news from around the world.
NSF Grants Awarded to Inform the Public and Explore the Implications of Nanotechnology The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a series of initiatives that will greatly expand efforts to inform the general public about nanotechnology and to explore the implications of this fast-moving field for society as a whole. NSF has selected the Museum of Science in Boston (MoS), in partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Exploratorium in San Francisco, to lead a $20 million effort to form a national Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) of multiple science museums and research institutions. The NISE Network will collaboratively develop and distribute innovative approaches to engaging the public in nanoscale science and engineering education, research, and technology. The $20 million award for the five-year effort is the largest award NSF has ever given to the science museum community. “The nanotechnology field is rapidly evolving, with fundamental advances in physical and life sciences being seen in all areas of our society from medicine to manufacturing, and outcomes with technological, economic, social, environmental, and ethical implications that may change our world,” said Mihail Roco, key architect of the National Nanotechnology Initiative and senior advisor for nano-
technology at the National Science Foundation. “An increased understanding of nanoscale science and engineering is vital to create an informed citizenry and a competitive workforce for this broadbased technology, and we recognize the substantial role of science museums and other informal science education institutions in pioneering innovative science learning experiences, supplementing K–12 school-based science education, and engaging adult audiences.” Leading educators and researchers will closely collaborate in this endeavor, steered by an experienced science museum group. Larry Bell, vice president for research, development, and production at the Museum of Science and project lead for the NISE Network, said, “Building the network will be an outstanding opportunity for the nation’s science museums to collaborate and leverage their creative efforts for greater overall educational impact, while also providing opportunities to strengthen ties between informal science educators, the scientific research community, and K–12 curricula developers.” In addition, NSF has selected the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Arizona State University in Tempe, to create two new Centers for Nanotechnology in Society. The Santa Barbara center will receive about $5 million over five years to focus on the historical context of nanotechnology, on the innovation
South Africa’s Africa’s CSIR CSIR Celebrates Celebrates 60th 60th Anniversary Anniversary with with Renewed Renewed South Focus on on Research Research and and Innovation Innovation Focus
October 5, 5, 2005, 2005, marked marked the the 60th 60th anniversary anniversary
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