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Converging Technologies NBIC Coordination: Jordi Aguiló . UAB/CNM-IMB CNM-IMB – IIBB – IIIA - CSIC |
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if you would like a copy of the actual publication,
(spanish language only) please contact: jordi@nbic.org.es
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Executive Summary
This report takes NBIC Converging Technologies to be the interdisciplinary study of interactions between living and artificial systems in different scales (nano-macro) for the design of artifacts that improve or expand human cognitive and communicative capabilities, health and social well-being. The distinctive character of NBIC resides in the synergistic effect of Nanotechnology over the highly complementary disciplines of Biotechnology, Information Technologies and Cognitive Sciences in their study of interactions of human and artificial systems.
The NSF 2002 report “Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance (Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science)” [5] describes the scientific and technological advances of NBIC, their key role in new scientific and industrial fields and their likely economic and social impact. The EU, in a matching document [1], states that NBIC R&D priorities cannot be dissociated from the European cultural and social perspectives, and that the study of the ethical problems that arise in this field is essential. Furthermore, it invites member states to identify their needs, strengths and opportunities.
To answer that call, CSIC requested the CNM, IIBB and IIIA an appraisal of the strategic positioning of the CSIC research institutes, their scientists, and their academic environments and what its action guidelines could be.
The report is based on:
Four workshops “Converging Technologies and Neurotechnology”, “Converging Technologies and Information Technology”, “Converging Technologies and Genomics” and “Education and Converging Technologies” where Spanish and foreign scientists discussed those specific topics.
A “Converging Technologies Forum 2005”, where academics, enterprises as well as officers from the EU K2 office and NSF made public presentations on NBIC issues.
In-depth interviews to heads of Spanish research centers.
A survey of the opinions of directors and scientists of CSIC centers, and deans of research of some Spanish universities.
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This report contains:
