Press Release: Creating new knowledge in nanotechnology and turning it into better quality of life, competitiveness and jobs

The European Commission adopted on 12 May 2004 a European Union strategy to help Europe to become world leader in the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology, the science of the infinitely small. Nanotech applications include atom-scale 'nano-robots' that can be injected in the human body to cure diseases, electronic 'nano-chips' that can store and process much more information than today's microchips, 'nano-fibres' for better and always-clean clothes, and 'nano-materials' for high-performance coatings, for instance in aircraft and spaceships. The Communication, 'Towards a European strategy for nanotechnology', provides a series of recommendations and initiatives on how to strengthen European Research and Development (R&D) in the field. It proposes an integrated approach to strengthen Europe's R&D in nanosciences and help turn nanotechnologies into commercially viable products for the benefit of society. Key actions required to achieve these aims include boosting R&D investment and infrastructure, improving training for research personnel, enhancing technology transfer in Europe and its financing, taking into account the impact of nanotechnology on society and increasing international co-operation towards a responsible approach to nanotechnology R&D globally.

http://www.cordis.lu/nanotechnology/ http://www.cordis.lu/nanotechnology/

---