Nanotechnology 'will be developed ethically'

Lord Sainsbury has set out the government's response to a report on the use of nanotechnologies.

The science minister said ensuring the safe and ethical development of new technologies so their benefits can be gained quickly is a priority for government.

Speaking at the launch of the Science Museum's nanotechnology exhibition, Lord Sainsbury said: "The UK needs safety and regulatory systems that address public aspirations and concerns and which command public confidence during the development of nanotechnologies."

Nanotechnology is a huge and varied field, covering technological developments on the nanometre (one billionth of a metre) scale.

Proponents say nanotechnology has huge potential in areas as diverse as drug development, water decontamination, information and communication technologies, and the production of stronger, lighter materials.

Critics say it could grow beyond our control and turn the planet in to a "grey goo".

However, nanotechnology is attracting rapidly increasing investment from governments and businesses.

Lord Sainsbury highlighted measures to be taken by the government to ensure the new technology is used safely and ethically.

Current safety regulations will be reviewed to guarantee that safeguards for people's health and the environment are robust.

And a new cross-government group will co-ordinate all aspects of research into nanoscience to underpin safety assessments.

The DTI's new Sciencewise scheme aims to establish dialogue to help the scientific community and the public to explore issues relating to the regulation of nanotechnologies.

Lord Sainsbury said: "People in this country have a positive view of the benefits of science but are concerned that with the rapid development of new technologies, government does not have time to put in place any necessary new regulations.

"Starting at an early stage with nanotechnology, we will be able to ensure the safe and ethical development of this major scientific area of research, which is likely to bring important benefits to people in many different fields."