Institute of Nanotechnology's EuroNanoForum 2007 analysis

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The Institute of Nanotechnology has just released a short report discussing the main points of EuroNanoForum (ENF) 2007, which took place in Dussledorf, from the 19th to 21st June. This was the third in a series of biennial events aimed at providing the European Community with an overview of nanoscience and nanotechnology developments within the EU, including government strategies.

ENF2007 took as its theme “Nanotechnology in Industrial Applications”, and according to the organizers (VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH) attracted some 800 participants from across the globe.

Some clear messages were evident throughout the course of ENF2007.

It was recognised that there is a need to have integrated development, ensuring that the EU profits from each part of the value chain (from scientific discovery through IPR to commercial application).

There is also a need for development to be responsible, ensuring that potential risks are identified and appropriate actions taken, and that nanotechnology developments do not place an increased burden on the environment (i.e. that life-cycle analyses are performed on new products and processes) or lead to a “nano-divide” between developed and developing countries.

Throughout ENF 2007 it was evident that scientists, industrialists and government recognised the need to engage with the wider community and to develop nanotechnologies in a responsible manner. This included specific EU-funded projects such as Nanoforum and NanoDialogue. NanoDialogue has created a mobile museum exhibition to present and allow the discussion of nanotechnology advances. 706 people completed a questionnaire made available throughout the 6 months travelling in 8 different countries. 60% had a positive view of nanotechnology (only 3% were negative) and believed that the greatest risks were to national security and economy. Encouragingly, 88% felt that attending the NanoDialogue exhibition had increased their understanding of nanotechnology.

See the full report at: http://www.nano.org.uk/reports/EuroNanoForum2007.pdf







Story posted: 2nd July 2007