Madison's Nano Cafés, Wisconsin, 2005-
The Citizens' Coalition on Nanotechnology (CCoN) formed as a result of a Consensus conference on Nanotechnology organized at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in the spring of 2005.Afterwards, several members of the citizen panel wanted to continue engaging with scientists and educating the public about nanotechnology. A professor involved in last spring's conference suggested the Science Café idea, having attended one in Europe. The Nano Cafés are held in different parts of the community -coffee shops, libraries, or community centers- in order to reach diverse audiences.
UW-Madison experts explain their work, answer questions and address concerns from members of the public as part of a lively conversation about the impact of recent research. The focus of the event is definitely on the questions of those in attendance, most of whom are non-scientists. In order for Nano Cafés to be as democratic and participative as possible, a growing number of citizens are actively involved in organizing Nano Cafes—helping to select topics, scientists, readings, and even presenting information about nanotechnology at the events. Attendees are also asked to point out the themes they want to hear more about during the next Nano Cafés.
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