- Where does the idea of Nano Cafés come from? - Why do Nano Cafés? - What happens at a Nano Café? - Who sponsors the Nano Cafés? - Nano Cafés and CCoN in the news

Where does the idea of Nano Cafés come from ?

The Citizens' Coalition on Nanotechnology (CCoN) formed as a result of a Consensus conference on Nanotechnology organized at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in the spring of 2005.
This event provided a diverse group of citizens from the Madison-area an exceptional opportunity to work together and influence public policy on this important new technology. Their recommendations are summarized in a report.

Afterwards, several members of the citizen panel wanted to continue engaging with scientists and educating the public about nanotechnology. A professor involved in last spring's conference suggested the Science Café idea, having attended one in Europe.

The concept of the Café Scientifique originates in 1997 from France (where Cafés Philosophiques were already well established) and in 1998 from England.
Since then, Cafés Scientifiques have sprung up not only in Europe but also elsewhere across the world. Madison's Nano Cafés are slightly different however. They focus on nanotechnology.

Why do Nano Cafés?

Although still largely unfamiliar to most of us, nanotechnology will soon affect everybody's life and is considered the next industrial revolution. This emerging field offers incredible promises and possible dangers. The Nano Cafés give citizens access to the normally somewhat mysterious realm of nanotechnology research.

From potentially hazardous nano-sunscreens and cosmetics to privacy concerns raised by biosensors, from environmental and medical to military uses of nanotechnology, we want Madison-area residents to have a unique opportunity to exercise "that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found"*

What happens at a Nano Café?

The Nano Café provides a casual atmosphere in which people who want to know more about nanotechnology can listen to experts, ask questions and share ideas.

The Nano Cafés are held in different parts of the community -coffee shops, libraries, or community centers- in order to reach diverse audiences.

UW-Madison experts explain their work, answer questions and address concerns from members of the public as part of a lively conversation about the impact of recent research.
The focus of the event is definitely on the questions of those in attendance, most of whom are non-scientists. No science background is required!

In order for Nano Cafés to be as democratic and participative as possible, a growing number of citizens are actively involved in organizing Nano Cafes—helping to select topics, scientists, readings, and even presenting information about nanotechnology at the events.
Attendees are also asked to point out the themes they want to hear more about during the next Nano Cafés.

You are also invited to submit your questions/comments or join us and help organize future Nano Cafés.

Who sponsors the Nano Cafés?

The Nano Cafés are sponsored by members of the Citizens' Coalition on Nanotechnology.

Nano Cafés and CCoN in the news

See articles about our events in the news and on the web

• Nanotechnology Impacts Food and Food Processing by Madison Commons, 11 January 2008

• Perpetual Notion Machine - Dennis Schaffer, WORT 89.9 fm, 1 November 2007

• Find out what people really think about nanotechnology by Andrew Maynard, SafeNano Blog, 21 October 2007

• CCoN member about the rights & wrongs of nanotechnology & how nanotech is changing not just our understanding of reality, but reality itself by Lee Rayburn, The Mic, 92.1, Madison's Progressive Talk, 18 October 2007

• The pros & cons of nanotechnology being developed here in Madison by Lee Rayburn, The Mic, 92.1, Madison's Progressive Talk, 5 July 2007 (toward the middle of the track)

• Small Wonder: UW-Madison scientists are at the cutting edge of a technology with great potential and risks by Nathan J. Comp, The Isthmus, 5 July 2007

• Nanotech watcher Andrew Maynard assesses its risks by Nathan J. Comp, The Isthmus, 5 July 2007

• Citizen debates abroad by NanoExpo (France) - May-September 2007

• "A Public Affair" dedicated to nanotechnology, WORT 89.9 fm, 23 March 2007

• Nanotech dangers get full airing by Mike Ivey, Capital Times - 6 February 2007

• One Citizen's Voiceby Mike Treder on Responsible Technology Blog - 10 January 2007

• To the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, Written Submission from the Citizens' Coalition on Nanotechnology by CCoN, January 2007

• Madison resident's lone citizen voice in the Halls of Washingtonby Dietram Scheufele on NanoPublic Blog - 08 January 2007

• Public, Scientists Discuss Technology at Nano Cafés
  by Lynette Jandl on Madison Commons - 24 November 2006

• Affecting Everybody's Life
  by Mike Treder on Responsible Nanotechnology - October 20, 2006

• Engaging the interested
  by Dietram Scheufele on NanoPublic Blog - July 30, 2006

• The Nano Café
  by David Zaks & Chad Monfreda on Worldchanging - July 24, 2006 and on MicroRevolt Reblog - August, 6 2006

• Nano in your Coffee?
  by Mike Treder on Responsible Nanotechnology - July 29, 2006

• 7/11/06
  by TChemGrrl on NanoPants Dance - July 11, 2006

*"Whatever may be the limitations which trammel inquiry elsewhere, we believe that the great state university of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found" - The UW Board of Regents in 1894