Overview
Title
National Nanotechnology Initiative Meetings
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office is having online and in-person talks where people can learn and share ideas about tiny tech called nanotechnology. These talks will happen throughout the year, and you can find out more and sign up to join by visiting their website.
Summary AI
The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) is organizing a series of public discussions on nanotechnology topics, held through workshops, webinars, and teleconferences. These events are planned to take place between the publication date of this notice and December 31, 2021. Participants will discuss matters like strategic planning, nano-related environmental issues, education, and more. Details about the events, including registration and locations, will be available on nano.gov. Special accommodations for meeting access can be arranged by contacting the NNCO.
Abstract
The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO), on behalf of the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the Committee on Technology, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), will facilitate stakeholder discussions of targeted nanotechnology topics through workshops, webinars, and Community of Interest meetings between the publication date of this Notice and December 31, 2021.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register announces a series of public meetings organized by the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) on behalf of the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee. These meetings will focus on discussions about various aspects of nanotechnology and are to be held from the publication date up to December 31, 2021. They will take the form of workshops, webinars, and teleconferences, and aim to cover a range of topics including strategic planning, environmental, health, and safety issues related to nanomaterials, as well as nano-education and nanomanufacturing.
General Summary
The NNCO meetings are designed to engage stakeholders from different sectors in matters related to nanotechnology. By facilitating dialogues, the NNCO aims to gather input and promote outreach. The events will be part of a coordinated effort to meet the requirements set by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, which underscores the importance of public engagement in nanotechnology advancements.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One of the significant concerns with this notice is the lack of specific details regarding the number, dates, or specific topics of the planned workshops and webinars. This lack of information could create confusion or make it difficult for interested individuals to plan their participation effectively. Furthermore, the notice mentions that these events will have limited capacity, with registration on a first-come, first-served basis, which may exclude some interested participants.
Another issue is the ambiguity surrounding the function and scope of the "Communities of Interest." Since these groups are not meant to provide advice or recommendations to any government agency, there may be uncertainty about what objectives or actionable outcomes these discussions will achieve.
Additionally, the document utilizes several different web pages for information and registration, which could potentially lead to confusion for those trying to access relevant details. Stakeholders may find it cumbersome to navigate through multiple sources for comprehensive information.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, the initiative signifies an opportunity to observe or participate in cutting-edge discussions related to nanotechnology, potentially influencing policy and innovation directions. It provides a venue for learning and contributing to topics that have far-reaching implications for health, safety, and technological advancements.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For stakeholders directly involved in nanotechnology—such as researchers, educators, and businesses—the meetings could offer valuable insights and networking opportunities. These groups may benefit from discussions on environmental, health, and safety issues, which are crucial for sustainable development and regulation of nanomaterials.
Conversely, the limitations regarding participation might inhibit the contributions of some stakeholders who wish to have input in these discussions but cannot due to registration caps. Furthermore, the lack of detailed themes may hinder stakeholders' ability to assess the relevance of participating in specific events.
Overall, while the NNCO's efforts to facilitate widespread engagement in nanotechnology issues are commendable, more clarity and detailed planning would enhance stakeholder participation and contributions.
Issues
• The document does not specify the exact number or dates of the workshops, webinars, networks, and teleconferences, which could lead to confusion or lack of clarity for stakeholders planning to attend.
• There is a potential issue regarding space limitations for the workshops and webinars, as registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and capped, which could result in excluding interested participants.
• Ambiguity in how 'Communities of Interest' will operate since they are not intended to provide any government agency with advice or recommendations, potentially leaving the scope of their discussions and outcomes unclear.
• The use of different websites for workshops and webinars registration, as well as Communities of Interest information, might confuse users who have to navigate multiple sources for complete details.
• The notice lacks concrete details on the specific topics or themes that will be addressed in the workshops and webinars, making it difficult for stakeholders to determine the relevance or benefit of participation.