Abstract:

Public acceptance of nanotechnologies is of utmost importance to the future success of this enabling technology as a key component to solving some of the most burning societal challenges (such as the fight against climate change in general and the need for a low-carbon energy technology and improving energy- and resource efficiency in particular, as well as allowing for the healthy aging of a growing population), and to restore growth in the European market through securing its industrial competitiveness and creating jobs in its industries.

A growing number of studies into the public understanding of nanosciences and –technologies in particular, and into responsible science-, technology- and risk communication in general show that a lack of understanding creates fear, so that an increased public awareness built through detailed balanced information on the nature and functionality of nanosciences and –technologies is always the first step to the potential creation of acceptance of the same.

To address this issue - and to explain what one can't see -, the SeeingNano project has created Novel Visualisation Tools for Enhanced Nanotechnology Awareness which provide the public with an ability to ‘seeing at the nanoscale’, and an understanding and awareness for the breadth of nanotechnologies, and the uncertainties and potential risks connected to them.

Used in Museums and Science Centres across Europe, the SeeingNano provides science educators with a toolset for a large range of audiences.

SeeingNano is funded by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union.

Keywords:

nanotechnology, education, nanoscale, seeing, tools, app, games, activities