LamprouMemo18

Memo 18 The study I am proposing will last 3 years (June 2009 – May 2012), and it is consistent with the doctoral program outlined in the graduate handbook for STS students. My dissertation project consists of a comparative study of the setting of nanotechnology standards in the US and EU. I will interview key figures involved in standards formation and nanotechnology policy making, and I will participate as an observer in the deliberations of the EU workshop and ANSI panel. In more detail the plan is as follows: Spring 2009: Finish comprehensive exams. Summer 2009: Conduct extensive documentary and literature review; Research and analysis of policy documents; Develop dissertation proposal; Identify key informants. Fall 2009: Defend dissertation proposal; Continue research and analysis of policy documents; begin pilot interviews in US; apply for NSF dissertation improvement grant; adjust pilot questions. Spring 2010: Continue interviews in US; participant observation of ANSI panel; present preliminary findings at IASTS conference. Summer 2010: Complete interviews and participant observation in the US; Continue analysis of the US case; Initial approach of my EU research field, first trip in Brussels. Fall 2010: Conduct interviews in Europe; participant observation in the EU Workshop; present findings from the US research at 4S; submit article manuscript on the same findings. Spring 2011: Analysis of EU case; write up and submit article manuscript on the EU research findings. Summer 2011: Dissertation writing Fall 2011: Dissertation writing Spring 2012: Defend dissertation