title: Scientists' perception of ethical issues in nanomedicine: a case study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Research and development in nanomedicine has been accompanied by the consideration of ethical issues; however, little is known about how researchers working in this area perceive such issues. This case-study explores scientists' attitude towards and knowledge of ethical issues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected by semi-structured interviews with 22 nanomedicine practitioners and subject to content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that scientists reflect with ambiguity on the reputed novelty of nanomedicine and what the ethical issues and risks are in their work. Respondents see no necessity for a paradigm shift in ethical considerations, but view ethical issues in nanomedicine as overlapping with those of other areas of biomedical research. Most respondents discuss ethical issues they faced in scientific work with their colleagues, but expect benefit from additional information and training on ethics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings that scientists are motivated to reflect on ethical issues in their work, can contribute to the design of new strategies, including training programs, to engage scientists in ethical discussion and stimulate their responsibility as nanomedicine practitioners.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal. helena.costa@kit.edu
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Silva Costa
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sethe
authors.forename: Ana P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Pêgo
authors.forename: I Anna S
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Olsson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods*; D036103:Nanotechnology; D010465:Perception; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult