Northeastern University School of Law, Boston, USA
May 7-8, 2010

Nanotechnology, the science of the very small, is becoming ubiquitous in industry and is being used in applications ranging from complex drug delivery systems, energy saving building materials, food products and cosmetics. However, nanotechnologies present hazardous risks to humans and the environment in an unprecedented form due to their novel physical and chemical properties. While existing regulations cover many substances used in nanotechnologies, these same materials in nanoscale raise new risks that remain undetected and unregulated.

The conference will bring together experts that are directly involved in the governance of nanotechnologies at the governmental level, in international organizations, in the industry and in non-governmental organizations. The presence and participation of representatives from emerging markets and producing countries, such as China, India and Korea will bring a truly global perspective to the proceedings.

This conference has three objectives:
(i) determining what is the applicable law, domestically and internationally
(ii) exploring what the regulatory framework should be
(iii) proposing governance models to achieve stakeholders’ objectives

This conference is addressed to regulators, industry stakeholders, consumer groups, lawyers and academics.