The World Conference on the Future of Science is a series of annual international conferences jointly organized by the Fondazione Umberto Veronesi, Silvio Tronchetti Provera Foundation and Fondazione Giorgio Cini. The eighth edition deals with a subject that is attracting increasing scientific interest, economically and politically on a global scale nanotechnology. Together with some of the biggest names on the global research presents a portrait of society nanotechnology: the benefits, risks, perspectives, cultural change. They talk about the strategic role of nanotechnology in improving the quality of life and the organization of daily life, thanks to advances in areas such as new materials, information technology, medicine and biotechnology. And together with the need to address problems with social implications, such as sustainability and health risks, are presented the potential benefits to society and the environment of this and much more is discussed in Venice from 16 to 18 September 2012 on 'Island of San Giorgio Maggiore.