Communicating Risk about Nanotechnology in the 21st Century
INSTRUCTOR:Prof. David Berube, University of South Carolina
DATES: June 20-22, 2007 [3 Day Course]
LOCATION: Washington, DC
This course will examine some of the unique features of applied nanoscience and the research on communicating risk which is relevant to developing a communication algorithm for different audiences. The course rewrites risk management formulae to compensate for "new" media (internet based) and for some of the societal concerns expressed in public outreach including but not limited to environmental health and safety.
TUITION: US$1900.00
REGISTRATION: Closes May 18, 2007 or when full.
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COURSE DETAILS:This course examines some of the unique features of applied nanoscience and the research on communicating risk which is relevant to developing a communication algorithm for different audiences.
Risk analysis examines hazard against exposure and dosage. This calculation which may be sufficient to risk management decision making in an industrial setting is insufficient to designing a public outreach strategy. The course rewrites risk management formulae to include public outreach and participation by examining additional relevant heuristics and variables.
The next step involves including some variables specific to new ways information about science and technology are communicated, such as blogs, podcasts, sliver TV (YouTube), etc.
The final step is to consider some of the unique characteristics of nanoscale applications, such as the lack of a focal industry per se, and determine how best to develop strategies and tactics to include the public as legitimate stakeholders.
On the first day, the course involves lectures and discussion. The lecture format is used to summarize findings in research in science and risk communication relevant to the task at hand. Discussion is used to unbundle the research findings.
On the second day, characteristics of nanoparticles and how they interface with societal issues are presented in a lecture and discussion format as well. Also on that day, an examination on new media based science communication is presented and discussed in terms of their engagement with similar societal issues.
On day three, a series of gaming exercises are used to connect the risk communication material to plausible applied nanoscience scenarios and situations to discover the best practices in communication nanoscience including control banding as well as other strategies and tactics. These applied learning exercises will involve participants confronting hypothetical situations which can be particularly challenging to risk communicators.