They are talked about a lot, by scientists, decision makers, financiers, engineers, politicians, militants, environmental activists, philosophers, journalists, development technicians… Nanotechnologies are the subject of many new debates, discussions, controversies. But what are we talking about when we talk about “nanotechnologies”?

We talk about science, about the atomic world, about the infinitely small. We talk about technologies too, as one of their specificities is to be able to observe and manipulate the atoms, which opens up new perspectives in the fields of medicine or energy control for example.

We discuss applications and therefore economics and markets. Because nanotechnologies are announced by some as the next “industrial revolution”, a powerful innovation and development power.   But we also talk about risks, misuses and fears. Which precautions should be taken in front of technologies which seem to concern every aspect of everyday life?

Technologies of the infinitely small, the nanotechnologies are challenging us.