SWS Academic Research eLibraryEarth & Planetary Sciences

Scholarly record

SHAPING THE FUTURE: UNIVERSITY STUDENT?S PERCEPTIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY RISKS AND BENEFIT

Marika Svrčková, Simona Dobešová Cakirpaloglu, Ondřej Holý, Jarmila Zimmermannová, Tereza Schovankova

First published: 2024-12-15https://doi.org/10.5593/sgem2024v/6.2/s23.05View metrics

Abstract

Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in the development of innovative products, yet public apprehension regarding its potential risks remains a significant barrier to its acceptance. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and fears associated with nanomaterials among university students in the Czech Republic, aiming to inform policy formulation that aligns with public interests. Focusing on this demographic is essential, as university students are poised to influence future public discourse and innovation trends. Utilizing a cross-sectional online survey, we assessed perceptions of risks and benefits related to nanotechnology while considering sociodemographic factors such as gender and field of study. The sample comprised 107 university students aged 19-26 from diverse academic backgrounds. Our findings reveal a moderate overall familiarity with nanomaterials, while attitudes toward nanotechnology were generally positive. These insights highlight the necessity for targeted communication and educational strategies to address diverse viewpoints within society. As future decision-makers, understanding university students' perspectives is crucial for developing public policies that promote the responsible advancement and regulation of nanotechnology. Further research is needed to explore the underlying factors influencing these perceptions and to enhance public understanding of nanotechnology's benefits and risks.

Publication Impact Profile

PlumX
  • Captures
  • Mendeley - Readers: 3
PLUMX see details
Dimensions ID: pub.1187057647

Publication details

Title
SHAPING THE FUTURE: UNIVERSITY STUDENT?S PERCEPTIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY RISKS AND BENEFIT
Authors
Marika Svrčková, Simona Dobešová Cakirpaloglu, Ondřej Holý, Jarmila Zimmermannová, Tereza Schovankova
Proceedings
24th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Proceedings SGEM 2024, Nano, Bio, Green and Space: Technologies for Sustainable Future, Vol 24, Issue 6.2
Publisher
STEF92 Technology
Year
2024
Pages
35-42
SWS Citekey
Svrckova2024253542
ISSN
1314-2704; 13142704
ISBN
9786197603781
Language
en
Publication type
Conference Paper
Proceedings contents
Open official contents
Keywords
NanotechnologyPublic perceptionRisk-benefit analysisUniversity studentsSociodemographic factors
References10

  1. Brossard D.A., Nisbet M.C., Deference to Scientific Authority Among a Public Engaged in Controversial Science: The Case of Nanotechnology, Public Understanding of Science, UK, vol. 16/issue 3, pp. 279-295, 2007.

  2. Byrnes J.P., Miller D.C., Schafer W.D., Gender Differences in Risk Taking: A Meta-Analytic Review of Behavioral and Social Science Research, Psychological Bulletin, USA, vol. 125/issue 3, pp. 367-383, 1999. DOI: 10.1037//0033-2909.125.3.367

    View DOICrossrefGoogle ScholarWeb of ScienceScopusOpenCitations

  3. Gaskell G., Wright D., Public Perceptions of Nanotechnology: A Review of the Evidence from 2006 to 2014, NanoEthics, Netherlands, vol. 9/issue 2, pp. 145-157, 2015.

  4. Joubert C., Consumer Reactions to Unfamiliar Technologies: Mental and Social Formation of Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Nano and GM Products, Journal of Risk Research, UK, vol. 23/issue 9, pp. 1175-192, 2020.

  5. Kahan D.M., Carl S., The Cultural Cognition of Scientific Consensus, Journal of Risk Research, UK, vol. 14/issue 2, pp. 147-174, 2010. DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2010.511246

    View DOICrossrefGoogle ScholarWeb of ScienceScopusOpenCitations

  6. Mobasser A., Firoozi M., Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes of Medical Residents Towards Nanomedicine: Defining the Gap, BMC Public Health, UK, vol. 21/issue 1, pp. 1-8, 2017.

  7. Pelaz B., Perceptions of Risk from Nanotechnologies and Trust in Stakeholders: A Comparative Study on Public Attitudes Towards Nanotechnology in Food and Cosmetics, BMC Public Health, UK, vol. 15/issue 1, pp. 179-189, 2017.

  8. Peters H.P., The Role of Public Engagement in the Governance of Emerging Technologies: The Case of Nanotechnology in Europe, Technology in Society, Netherlands, vol. 30/issue 3, pp. 192-203, 2008.

  9. Roco M.C., Bainbridge W.S., Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance: Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology, and Cognitive Science, National Science Foundation, USA, vol. 1/issue 1, pp. 1-468, 2005.

  10. van der Sluijs J.P., Risk Perception of Nanotechnology: A Comparative Study Among Different Stakeholders in Europe, Journal of Nanoparticle Research, Switzerland, vol. 12/issue 8, pp. 2673-2688, 2010.

View or Download full articleAccess options
Full paper accessChoose SWS login, librarian support, or instant article download.

SWS access login

Login as SWS Scientific Committee

Authors and approved SWS contributors will read and export their own linked papers after identity matching by SWS profile, email and SGEM GlobalID.

For librarian assistance: [email protected]

Purchase Instant Access

48-hour online accessComing soon
Online-only accessComing soon
Download the full article in PDF formatEUR 35
  • Article can be downloaded after successful payment.
  • Article may be used according to SWS library access terms.
  • Article cannot be redistributed.
Get full paper

Back to publication list