Dr. Sharon Ku, Drexel University
Drexel University’s Department of History & Political Science
Time: 3:30 pm - 5 pm
Location: Hagerty Library – L33, Drexel University
Nanotechnology has been portrayed as powerful technology that possesses the ability of manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular scale. Since 2001, the US government has invested 20 Billion USD to support the “nanotechnology translation”, aiming to channel laboratory-based nanoscience to innovative R&D;that has economic and societal benefits. This talk examines the current knowledge translation discourse, through tracing the biographies of three nanoscale objects: NIST-certified NanoGold Reference Material, ASTM Inter-laboratory Studies, and a drinking supplement MESOGOLD. I will illustrate the socio-technical paths of gold nanoparticles throughout their entire life cycle, and point out underlying policy issues and opportunities for STS researchers to be engaged in these discussions.