A Big Discussion About Small Things, With Kim Hill

It is claimed that nanotechnology has the potential to solve the world’s energy needs, to cure cancer, and to eliminate poverty. If New Zealand businesses could harness new nanotechnologies in a way that gives a competitive edge, the knowledge economy could become a reality. But there are many hundreds of ‘low tech’ products on the market containing various types of nanotechnology, including commonly available sunscreens and cosmetics, which might cause significant health, environmental and social issues. What are the pros and cons of this technology, and how will it affect you?

Kim Hill will host a discussion with a panel of experts that includes business commentator Rod Oram, nano safety campaigner Georgia Miller, nanotechnology expert Shaun Hendy, environmental chemist Sally Gaw, Maori scientist Jamie Ataria, and nanotechnology regulator Lynne Waterson. The panel represents a diversity of views on nanotechnology, and we anticipate a lively and entertaining discussion.

The participants are:

· Kim Hill is one of New Zealand's best-known broadcasters and journalists, having been host of “Nine to Noon” on National Radio for many years and also the “Face-to- Face” programme on TVNZ. She is currently host of the Saturday Morning Programme on National Radio.

· Rod Oram is a well known and influencial business commentator and passionate advocate of the need to adopt new technology as a way for New Zealand to grow its economy. He is currently a columnist for the Sunday Star-Times and Good Magazine and a regular broadcaster on radio and television.

· Georgia Miller is Coordinator of the Friends of the Earth Nanotechnology Project and a passionate campaigner on the dangers of products containing nanomaterials. She is co-author of the report 'Out of the Laboratory and on to our Plates: Nanotechnology in Food and Agriculture'.

· Dr Shaun Hendy is an internationally renowned nanotechnology expert and Deputy Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. Shaun works at Industrial Research Ltd and Victoria University and is a regular blogger on a variety of technology related subjects.

· Dr Sally Gaw is a Lecturer in Environmental Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Canterbury. Sally has worked for many years in the field of eco-toxicology.

· Dr Jamie Ataria works for Landcare Research in the Sustainability and Society group. He has a PhD in ecotoxicology and is actively involved in researching Maori views of new technologies

· Lynne Waterson is the Environmental Risk Management Authority’s nanotechnology expert and represents New Zealand on the international OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials.

This event is free but tickets are limited and must be downloaded from http://bigdiscussion.eventbrite.com/

Event listed by joangladwyn

View their other events or contact promoter