the-BA : Nanotechnology and financial news

Tuesday 22 November 2005

How will popular journalism shape public debates over nanotechnology? Given the crucial role of financial institutions in the current and future development of nanotechnologies what role will the financial and business media play in the debate surrounding risks and uncertainties? Are there differences between how public risk and business risk are communicated and how does the interplay between nanotech companies, financial journalists, public relations and press officers affect the debate?

The potential outcomes of a research project looking at the influence of the financial media on the nanotechnology industry were discussed. One possible outcome of the research is a better understanding of perceived financial and technological risk of nanotechnology companies. Representatives from public relations, journalism and financial media institutions commented on the research project and highlighted the important issues which it raised. These included the importance of effective risk communication to avoid badly managed cases such as the debate about genetically modified food, the importance of public relations and the possible benefits of investing in nanotechnology industries.

Speakers:
Mary Ebeling
University of Surrey
and principal investigator on the ESRC-funded
'Spinning Science: the Nanotech Industry and Financial News'
Jim Giles
journalist, Nature
Chris Spink
journalist, Growth Company Investor
Jonathon Rees
financial Public Relations consultant
Proof Communication

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