In this issue NanoNews-Now Editor Rocky Rawstern and contributing writers Judith Light Feather and Pearl Chin cover nanotechnology education. We also surveyed several leading academic institutions to see how nanotechnology has changed their programs, and spoke with several other experts in their fields.

Here are a few selected quotes:

"Universities such as Rice, Harvard, MIT and Cornell offer nanotechnology specializations at the graduate level. A full Ph.D. in nanotechnology is available from the University of Washington. In the UK, Cranfield and Leeds offer a Masters of Science in nanoscience and nanotechnology, and in Australia, Flinders and the University of New South Wales offer a Bachelors of Science, just to name a few.

However, is it really feasible or necessary to offer a degree in nanotechnology? Nanotechnology represents the interdisciplinary nexus of all the science and engineering disciplines, which are already being taught. Except as a way we attract new students, why do we need new degree program?" Dr. Pearl Chin, Managing General Partner, Seraphima Ventures

"Nanotechnology education has at least two unique challenges. First, the topic covers so many fields that it requires students to become familiar with fields they could previously have neglected and it requires that teachers address students from many different backgrounds. Second, there is great time pressure to train students and workers to fill positions in research and industry that will soon be created in the nation's push to excel in nanotechnology." Adams Group

Question: "What do you see as the major issues we as a society face in regards to advanced technology? Are we adequately addressing those issues? If not, what must we do?"

A: "The biggest issues are whether "radical" nanotech will be possible, and if so whether we should subsidize research into that area. Unfortunately, what has happened is that the mainstream powers have decided to declare that the radical scenarios (e.g., "nanobots") are impossible, in order to avoid possible public opposition such as biotech has suffered. Each person gives a different description of what these radical scenarios are, and a different reason why they are impossible. The only common element is that they are whatever it is that ordinary people are afraid of." Robin D. Hanson, Assistant Professor of Economics, George Mason University.