Swallowed by ‘grey goo’

There has been little or no dialogue to determine how society would wish nanotech to be applied or regulated. This smacks of technocratical arrogance and “we know what’s best for you”. Also, most nanotech research is publicly funded, but the results are likely to be privately appropriated.

These concerns add up to a perception of loss of control and freedom for the public to determine how technologies are used - which is likely to generate concern and resistance, calls for regulation and even moratoria (loss of public sanction for the technology).

Failure to consult society’s wishes and values is a major reason for technology rejection. If Australia aspires to be a leading player in the introduction and application of nanotech then it must ensure there is:

• effective public dialogue and consultation on the technology and how it is used;
• much better communication - what nanotech is, what it does or can do, and what its drawbacks are;
• transparency and opportunity for public scrutiny (especially of applications);
• independent (not in-house) ethical oversight;
• proof that science is investigating potential risks and downsides;
• adequate regulation and oversight to reassure the public, without hampering application; and
• regular consultation on how the public would like to see the technology applied for their benefit (which, incidentally, would lead to far greater commercial benefit for industry than flooding the market with unwanted technologies).

While researchers dismiss the “grey goo” hypothesis as unscientific, alarmist and totally unlikely, there is misunderstanding about what is really behind it - a desire by the public to comprehend the implications of this "disruptive" technology before it is foisted upon them.

Alarmist it may be, but “grey goo” is perfectably capable of being used as a pretext to ban nanotech until public concerns are satisfied and the public gives permission for it to proceed - as has been the case with nuclear energy for two generations, GM food for a decade and aspects of stem cell science.

An effective dialogue will put Australia at the world forefront in nanotech application and adoption. The absence of one may cripple our endeavours.