Products made using nanotechnologies can be significantly stronger and lighter. Use of them can offer economic benefits, however there are also concerns about their toxicity to humans and impact on the environment.

Between October 2014 and September 2015, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) ran a public dialogue, supported by the Sciencewise programme, to explore public opinions on the potential benefits and risks of use of nanotechnologies in four specific circumstances.

The project was delivered by OPM and evaluated by URSUS Consulting.

Having been conducted upstream in the policy process, this public dialogue provided valuable insight for policymakers on this developing area which can be used to inform future regulation, frameworks and policy.