Science in the Savannah
Nanotechnology and Engineered Human Environments

This conference is symbolically set on the foothills of Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa, and on the wild Savannah where early humans survived. The underlying theme of the conference is frugal science and cognitive diversity – rethinking our scientific approach in new ways that overcomes the effect of engineered human environments.  This is inspired by previous US-Africa conferences where the convergence of diverse scientists is complimented by a symbolic setting. The goal of this Gordon conference style meeting on nanoscience and nanotechnology is to bring together a cognitively diverse group of primarily U.S. and African scientists- plus a select group from other countries, with the goal of introducing frugal science and innovation as a critical pillar in nanoscience and nanotechnology innovations. The themes of simplicity will be emphasized throughout the conference to promote efficient use of human and capital resources in nanoscience research. Most importantly, the impact of nanoscience on the environment and the effect of the engineered human environment on the nanoscientist will be deliberated. The historical and current reality of the Amboseli savannah will be contrasted with on-going deliberations.