Back in 2007-11 I researched the field of “nanotechnology” and the social and political dynamics of nanotechnology development and policy in the Australian context. I re-read some of my thesis on the other day from the perspective of my doctoral research (see here, here). The case contains some key lessons which, although fairly straight-forward, I … [Read more…]
The last couple of days I’ve been pondering the divergent, competing and – to a limited extent – evolving visions expressed in sustainability discourses and debates. A striking example is found in a recent paper by UTS physicist Prof Geoff Smith called “Green Nanophotonics” which highlights the potential for new technologies to reduce energy use … [Read more…]
A new whitepaper entitled ‘Simply no Substitute? Assessing and Enabling Realistic Potential Alternatives to Key Strategic Materials in Critical Technologies’ has been released by Cientifica, together with Material Value Consultancy and a senior editor of journal Nature Materials. It highlights increasing consideration of the potential for rare earth metals and other critical materials to limit … [Read more…]
In early June I attended an innovative dialogue in Brisbane that brought together the public, scientists and other ‘informants’ (of which I was one) that was organised by the Federal Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRT). The dialogue is one of many being conducted for a new community engagement project that … [Read more…]