Event Explores New Approaches to Safe and Sustainable Technology Innovation

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Technology innovation is critical to economic revitalization, but to implement new innovations safely and effectively, it is critical that government and industry work in concert to handle real and perceived human health risks associated with emerging technologies, experts say.

A two-day international symposium at the University of Michigan Risk Science Center on Sept. 20-21 will address these issues. The event, called "Risk, Uncertainty and Sustainable Innovation," features more than 40 leading experts from industry, government, academia and nongovernment sectors. These experts will talk both individually and in panels on the opportunities and challenges of technology innovation, new approaches to ensuring sustainable development, and how to respond to perceived and real health risks posed by emerging technologies.

"In today's technologically complex and hyper-connected world, technology innovation will only succeed if we are equally innovative in how we ensure its safe and sustainable development," said Andrew Maynard, director of the Risk Science Center and professor in the U-M School of Public Health. Maynard is also chair of the symposium. "This is a unique opportunity to work together to think outside the box about risk, sustainability and new technologies."

The event will held in Palmer Commons on the U-M campus, 100 Washtenaw Ave., 4th Floor, Ann Arbor.

Registration: http://umriskcenter.org/symp.htm.

Program: http://www.sph.umich.edu/riskcenter/11symposium/agenda.htm

Speaker bios: http://www.sph.umich.edu/riskcenter/11symposium/speakers.htm

Maps: http://palmercommons.umich.edu/mapsdirectionsparking

The University of Michigan Risk Science Center is an interdisciplinary center dedicated to supporting evidence-informed and socially relevant decision-making on existing and emerging human health risks. Drawing on experts from multiple disciplines, the center brings a unique and integrative approach to balancing sustainable social and economic growth while addressing health risks associated with technological, social and economic change. To learn more, visit http://umriskcenter.org

The University of Michigan School of Public Health has been promoting health and preventing disease since 1941, and is ranked among the top five public health schools in the nation. Whether making new discoveries in the lab or researching and educating in the field, our faculty, students, and alumni are deployed around the globe to promote and protect our health. http://www.sph.umich.edu/

SOURCE University of Michigan