Social science research (under the guise of SEI [societal and ethical implications]) in association with nanotechnology infrastructure networks (in this case, the Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network) is challenging due to the unique function of an infrastructure network. Infrastructure networks share laboratory resources and make available to the user in the early stages in the technological process. As such, characterization and fabrication activities demand fine-tuned social science tools appropriate to the subject instant. This article examines the application of a process of “deep assessment” akin to grounded theory that examines a subset of societal and ethical issues derived from assessing activities proximate to users as they interface with the network. It presents assessment data over the last 5 years that is being used to design the research questions and research hypotheses that answer some of the most important societal concerns of the infrastructure network. These highly valued SEI activities are contextually relevant to the operation and management of the facilities in the infrastructure.

由于基础设施网络的独特功能，与纳米技术基础设施网络（在本例中为三角形三角研究网络）相关的社会科学研究（以SEI为幌子）。基础设施网络共享实验室资源，并在技术流程的早期阶段向用户提供。因此，表征和制造活动需要适用于主题瞬间的经过微调的社会科学工具。本文研究了类似于基础理论的“深度评估”过程的应用，该理论研究了社会和道德问题的子集，这些问题是由于评估用户与网络接触时的活动而衍生的。它提供了过去5年的评估数据，这些数据用于设计研究问题和研究假设，以回答基础设施网络中一些最重要的社会问题。这些备受推崇的SEI活动与基础结构中设施的运营和管理相关。