"New technologies create new exciting opportunities but can also raise concerns and fears. The science and society agenda is about building a series of inclusive debates to explore the ethical, safety, health and environmental implications of emerging technologies," explained Lord Sainsbury, the Minister for Science and Innovation.
Known as Sciencewise, the grant scheme will fund projects that support dialogue between scientists and the public. In particular the grants will favour projects that encourage trust and security in the use of IT and the internet, nanotechnology, animals and medical research, increasingly intelligent computer systems, the understanding of brain processes and energy and climate change.
The scheme forms part of the Science and Innovation Framework 2004 –2014, published by the Treasury and the Department for Trade and Industry in July.
Details of the scheme and how to apply are due to be available from the Sciencewise site.