ORIGINAL PAPER Visions of Brazilian Scientists on Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Noela Invernizzi Received: 29 September 2007 / Accepted: 2 September 2008 / Published online: 16 September 2008 # Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2008 Abstract This article examines the visions on nano- sciences and nanotechnologies (N&N) disseminated by a group of Brazilian scientists to legitimize this emer- gent field of research. For this purpose we analyzed reports on N&N published by the Journal of Science, edited daily by the Brazilian Society for the Progress of Science, from 2002 to 2007, covering the period in which the main events in domestic N&N research policy took place. Our analysis shows that researchers on N&N are spreading visions of progress, efficiency and competitiveness related to the advances in this field, giving little attention to issues such as potential risks, and economic, social and ethical implications of these technologies. Keywords Nanosciences . Nanotechnologies . S&T vision assessment . Scientific community . Visions of scientific progress Introduction Beginning in 2000, programs and funds for research into nanosciences and nanotechnologies (N&N)—the study and manipulation of matter at the atomic or molecular level—gained importance in science and technology (S&T) policies worldwide. 1 Brazil quickly became part of this trend. From late 2000 to 2004 the main events took place that would galvanize an active policy for the sector and culminated in the N&N Development Program (PDN&N) as part of the Multi-year Plan for 2004–2007 of the Ministry of Science & Technology. Soon after, in 2005, a more comprehensive initiative, the National Program of Nanotechnology, was launched. Introduced as revolutionary, N&N entered the arena of S&T policy and were presented to the media and the general public worldwide in a euphoria of visions of a future nanotechnological society. These visions are revolutionary not only in a technological sense but also in social and cultural terms. Their content is not just cognitive, but also involves interests, values, ideologies and concepts concerning the relationship between science, technology and society ([10]: 56). Let us consider for instance a report prepared for President Clinton entitled Nano- technologies: Shaping the World Atom by Atom [26]. Nanoethics (2008) 2:133–148 DOI 10.1007/s11569-008-0042-y N. Invernizzi Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil N. Invernizzi (*) Rua Sete de Setembro 357, ap 2, Alto da XV, Curitiba, PR, Brasil, 80050-100 e-mail: noela@ufpr.br 1 In that year, President Clinton launched the National Nanotechnology Initiative, soon followed by N&N programs in other developed countries.