Meridian Institute and the National Science Foundation (NSF) convened an informal dialogue among leading nanotechnology science policy representatives from 25 countries and the European Union on June 17-18, 2004. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together governmental representatives from countries with significant nanotechnology research and development (R&D) programs to enter into an informal dialogue about how best to ensure that such programs are carried out in a responsible manner.

The discussions were informal and exploratory in nature. Participants covered a broad range of topics, including issues related to regulation and governance, health and safety, the environment, and ethics, as well as issues unique to developing countries. One of the outcomes of the dialogue was an agreement to form a preparatory group to explore possible actions, mechanisms, timing, institutional frameworks, and principles for ongoing international dialogue, cooperation, and coordination in the area of responsible R&D of nanotechnology.

The meeting report is now available:

Final Report of the International Dialogue on Responsible Research and Development of Nanotechnology

Attachment F: Questionnaire Responses and Background Information