Dayna Broun and Janelle Allison (University of Tasmania )

In the ‘Emerging Technologies’ session, the results of empirical research and conceptual reflections on a variety of emerging fields of science and technology were presented, including outcomes of research projects at EU and national levels. The presentations covered emerging technologies in such areas as synthetic biology, security, food, mining, nanotechnology, human whole genome sequencing, neurodevices and biocybernetic adaptation. Shared challenges of technology assessment activities on emerging technologies were discussed by the presenters and other participants in the session.

The abstracts of the session can be read here.

Presentations of the session:

• M. Bonfanti / J.C. Burbiel / S. Goymann / E. Mordini / R. Schietke

Holistic technology assessment in security: The ethical dimensions of critical and emerging technologies

• B. Wepner / G. Huppertz

Identification of emerging technologies with security implications: Experience and results from the ETCETERA project

• J. Allison / D. Broun

The rise of new manufacturing: Transitioning skills and technologies into the future

• M. Steinfeldt

Precautionary design of new nanomaterials

• B. Giese / S. Königstein / C. Pade / H. Wigger / A. von Gleich

Assessing and influencing an emerging technology – The case of synthetic biology

• H. König / C. Coenen / D. Frank / R. Heil

Science, technology and the state: The quest for knowledge-based governance in synthetic biology

• R. van Est / D. Stemerding

Making perfect life: Bio-engineering (in) the 21st century