Monday, February 6, is the start of a weeklong rolling webchat sponsored by the US Department of State entitled, "Nano-stuff: What is it and Will There Be Policy Implications?"

Leading the online discussion will be the Department's Jefferson Science Fellow, Professor Edward T. Samulski (pictured).

Professor Samulski is a professor of chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill working on the structure and dynamics of liquid and polymer crystals, but in this weeklong webchat he will step back and discuss the "bigger picture" of nanotechnology with the general public, spending part of each day discussing and answering questions submitted by the public about nanotechnology

Samulski also serves as co-director of the Biologically Inspired Materials Institute (BIMat) - funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. At the BIMat, Samulski and other researchers strive to make advances in materials used in aerospace vehicles. The scientists are studying the work of nature, looking for clues about how they can create synthetic materials with desired capabilities.

During the weeklong webchat, Samulski will answer questions periodically starting at 9 a.m., February 6, and ending at 5 p.m., February 10. Participants may ask questions in advance, or at any time during the week.
You can register for this webchat by sending an e-mail to iipchat@state.gov. You can also e-mail questions and comments directly to iipchat@state.gov, in advance and at any time throughout the week. After you register, you will receive information about where to log in for the webchat.

I'll be taking part, and I hope you will too. This kind of public forum provides both an opportunity to learn more about nanotech and an opportunity for you to contribute to public input on government policy.