Closing the Knowledge Gap: Exploring Generation Z Czech University Students' Awareness and Perceptions of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is increasingly becoming a part of everyday life. Despite this growing integration, public awareness of nanotechnology's functionality, benefits, and potential risks remains limited. This is particularly true for Generation Z, the first digitally native generation, which is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology and its applications. Given their position as future leaders and consumers, it is important to understand how Generation Z, specifically university students, perceives and understands nanotechnology. The primary aim of this study was to assess the current level of knowledge about nanotechnology among the Czech public, with a specific focus on Generation Z university students. This focus on Generation Z is particularly important as their views on new technologies, including nanotechnology, will likely shape public discourse and innovation trends in the coming decades. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using the Nano-Knowledge Instrument and a Sociodemographic questionnaire. The research sample consisted of 107 Generation Z university students aged 19-26, from diverse fields of study. The findings revealed knowledge gaps regarding the benefits and applications of nanomaterials. These results highlight the necessity for targeted educational initiatives to address these gaps, particularly within Generation Z, to ensure informed public engagement. Enhancing awareness among younger generations is essential for fostering responsible innovation and creating a supportive environment for the development of NT policies. The work was supported from ERDF/ESF project TECHSCALE (No. CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004587).纳米技术正日益融入日常生活。尽管这种融合程度不断加深，但公众对纳米技术的功能、益处及潜在风险的认知仍较为有限。这一点在Z世代（Generation Z）——首个数字原生代——身上体现得尤为明显；该群体被认为将在塑造技术及其应用的未来方面发挥关键作用。鉴于他们作为未来领导者与消费者的身份，了解Z世代，尤其是高校学生，对纳米技术的认知与理解情况至关重要。本研究的核心目标是评估捷克公众对纳米技术的认知现状，重点关注Z世代高校学生群体。将研究重点放在Z世代身上尤为关键，因为他们对包括纳米技术在内的新技术的看法，或将在未来数十年内影响公众讨论与创新趋势。本研究采用纳米知识测评工具（Nano-Knowledge Instrument）与社会人口学问卷开展了横断面线上调查。 研究样本涵盖107名年龄在19至26岁之间的Z世代高校学生，他们来自不同的学科领域。研究结果显示，受访者在纳米材料的益处与应用方面存在认知缺口。上述结果凸显了开展针对性教育举措以填补这类认知缺口的必要性，尤其需要针对Z世代群体开展相关工作，以保障公众能够基于充分认知参与相关事务。 提升年轻一代的认知水平，对于推动负责任创新以及为纳米技术（NT）政策的制定营造有利环境至关重要。 本研究得到欧洲区域发展基金/欧洲社会基金（ERDF/ESF）项目TECHSCALE（编号：CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004587）的资助。