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Can Nanotechnologies Contribute to Living a Longer and more Productive Life?

A progressively ageing population is placing an increasing and heavy strain on health services but, at the same time people want to take control of their lives by adopting preventative measures and accessing therapeutic treatments to prolong independent living. As life expectancy rises in the developed world (between 2010 and 2030, the number of Europeans aged over 65 is expected to rise by nearly 40%), so too does the demand for elderly citizens to better manage their lifestyles and medical conditions on their own terms.

The panel will be chaired by the Guardian’s Science and Environment Correspondent, Alok Jha, and will discuss how nanotechnologies might contribute to supporting a healthier and more independent ageing population, a Grand Challenge for global society, and what the wider implications of adopting nanotechnologies-based solutions might be.

Panelists:

• Mr David Willetts, UK Minister of State for Universities and Science

• Prof Mark Miodownik, Materials Scientist and Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Dept, UCL

• Prof Pete Dobson, Academic Director of Oxford Begbroke and Chief Strategic Adviser to RCUK for nano

• Prof Shervanthi Homer Vanniasinkam, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Leeds General Infirmary; Clinical Sub-Dean, Leeds University Medical School; Professor of Translational Vascular Medicine, University of Bradford; and Honorary Chair, Division of Surgery & Interventional Sciences, UCL

• Prof Leonard Fass, Visiting Professor Imperial College Department of Bioengineering and Director of Academic Relations, GE Healthcare

• Prof Kostas Kostarelos, Chair of Nanomedicine and Head, Centre for Drug Delivery Research, University College London

Join the debate at www.nanoit.org.uk/nanochannels and tweet us using the hashtag #debatenano

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