Nanotechnology and Food Production

Rye has been an active campaigner for social justice for the last 25 years on a number of issues - she was involved with the women and peace movement in the late 70s and 80s, and campaigned against trafficking of women in the 90s. Recently she has become very concerned about the potentially devastating effect of nanotechnology on society, the environment and individual beings. Last year she was an invited speaker at the First International Risk Governance Council Conference in Zurich, and became a member of the UNESCO expert panel on Nanotechnology and ethics. Rye has a life long interest in technology and its effect on society and has worked extensively in the telecommunications industry. She has published numerous scientific articles and a book about the Internet. She holds an Honours degree in Entomology and Horticultural Science, and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence. Bob Phelps is Executive Director of Gene Ethics, founded in 1988. He is an educator, environmental campaigner, policy analyst and commentator on new technologies and their products, with thirty years’ experience in the Australian and global social change movements. He promotes public understanding and debate on the economic, environmental, social and ethical impacts of gene technology and its products. He was awarded a Federation Medal in recognition of his contribution to Australian society.