DETROIT — Wayne State University is hosting a seminar on legal and regulatory issues associated with nanotechnology on Monday, April 11, 2011, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Bernath Auditorium, located in the David Adamany Undergraduate Library. The seminar is free and open to the public; registration is required due to limited seating. Those that should consider attending include nanoscientists; manufacturers of items using nanomaterials; persons associated with nanotechnology commercialization; or anyone interested in nanoscience and its products.

Seminar Description
Effective risk management is essential to the responsible and successful development and commercialization of nanotechnology. Because the science of nanotechnology is dynamic and largely unexplored, risk management models based on past experiences with new technologies may be imperfect guides. Instead, a flexible and comprehensive approach is needed that takes into account the promise of nanotechnology, the uncertainties surrounding it, and the wide range of stakeholders who are vital to its success.

Among the relevant questions are: What risks are we trying to manage? Who are the relevant stakeholders? What are their concerns? Do we have the information to answer these questions? What should we do in the absence of necessary information? In considering these and other questions, a central lesson learned from the roll-out of other new technologies is that these are rarely purely scientific issues that can be objectively resolved. Rather, the path forward will likely include an often messy combination of science, policy, law and communications.

Through a discussion format, the speakers and the audience will explore the primary legal and business risks of nanotechnology and suggest strategies to address those risks. By thinking about risk management now, researchers and developers can reduce the likelihood of barriers and be prepared when risks materialize.

Speakers Christopher Bell, Michael Lisak and James Mizgala are all members of Sidley Austin LLP's Nanotechnology Practice team.

The seminar is free; however, registration is required. To register, please visit http://events.wayne.edu/2011/04/11/nanotechnology-legal-and-regulatory-issues-30692/

For additional information regarding this seminar, please contact WSU's Office of the Vice President for Research at (313) 577-5600.

About Sidley Austin LLP
Sidley Austin LLP's highly regarded practice teams work together to provide clients involved in nanotechnologies with a full range of legal services. From initial investment through production, distribution, use, and end-of-life, Sidley can help clients understand and protect their intellectual property in nanomaterials and processes. Sidley also helps clients navigate and negotiate complex regulatory schemes overseen by the FDA, EPA, OSHA, and European Commission, and advises on investments and international and commercial trade issue. In addition, Sidley can help companies prepare for and assess risks of litigation involving nanotechnology, and represents companies facing litigation. For more information about Sidley Austin LLP, visit http://www.sidley.com/ourpractice/servicedetail.aspx?service=922&FullDescription=yes

About Wayne State University
Wayne State University is one of the nation's pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world. For more information about research at Wayne State University, visit http://www.research.wayne.edu