The UK Government has commissioned the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering to conduct an independent study to examine in detail the benefits and risks of nanotechnology.

The study will:

summarize the current scientific knowledge on nanotechnology;

identify applications of nanotechnology, both currently and potentially, with indications of when they might be developed;

consider environmental, health and safety, ethical and social implications of the technology, both now and in the future; and

suggest areas where additional regulation should be considered.

Press release