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Paper short abstract:

The integration of RRI at the lab floor has been practiced in the frame of the Dutch research program NanoNextNL. We present our experiences from this program, the development of a toolbox that supports researchers to consider societal aspects, and the lessons learned from its practical application.

Paper long abstract:

In the Dutch nanotechnology research and innovation program NanoNextNL Responsible Research and Innovation is integrated in the form of RATA (Risk Analysis and Technology Assessment) - as a separate research theme and as an obligation for its participants to consider risks and societal dimensions of their research. However, technical PhD students are challenged by the limited time for such non-core activities, and the gap between the world of natural and social sciences. Therefore, we created a 'toolbox' that examines, describes, and categorizes various tools described in the literature and developed in the field of (Constructive) Technology Assessment and beyond, taking into account practical considerations of technical researchers. As part of the RATA obligation, we supported PhD students to apply some of these tools to their research projects enabling them to explore interesting research questions and possible applications in their project, or to consider socio-technical aspects of implementing a new technology. We are currently further applying these tools across different levels, from PhDs to seniors and groups of researchers, and to different fields such as health, electronics and energy.

We present our experiences with the RATA program in general, and more specifically, our lessons learned from various RATA activities and the application of our toolbox. Finally, we conclude with suggestions how such activities can be further implemented at the lab floor - towards mainstreaming of Responsible Research and Innovation.