Nanotechnology: a new regime for the public in science?

Bernadette Bensaude-Vincent

doi:10.1590/s1678-31662012000500005

Abstract

"Public engagement in science" is one of the buzzwords that, since 2000, has been used in nanotechnology programs. To what extent does public engagement disrupt the traditional relations between science and the public? This paper briefly contrasts the traditional model of science communication - the diffusionist model - that prevailed in the twentieth century and the new model - the participatory model - that tends to prevail nowadays. Then it will try to disentangle the assumptions underlying the public dialogue initiated about nanotechnology, and conclude that nanotechnology actually develops a managerial model of society.

Highlights

Throughout the twentieth century, there was a one-way traffic between science and the public, from the scientific communities toward the society at large
In the context of the crisis about BSE, and controversies about genetically modified food, there seems to have emerged a new model of relations between science and the public that can be captured by the ideal of citizen science
For science policy makers at the European Council nanotechnology provides a niche for implementing the “knowledge-based economy and society”, the keyword of the strategy decided by the European Council meeting in Lisbon in March 2000

Summary

Introduction

Throughout the twentieth century, there was a one-way traffic between science and the public, from the scientific communities toward the society at large. Since 2000, this movement has been illustrated by the nanotechnology initiatives that have recommended engaging with the public upstream from the outset, long before technological applications enter the market. This has led to experimentation with a whole spectrum of procedures that are designed to involve the public: public consultations, citizen juries, consensus conferences, focus group, hybrid forums etc. I point to the limitations of efforts to open science to the public

Diffusionist and participatory models

Nanotechnology and public engagement

Democratic governance?

A managerial model

Concluding remarks