Current EU Projects

In Framework Programme 7, IoN has been successful in winning several prestigious contracts. It is the lead partner in two major projects, with a combined funding of 5.3 M€, and a partner in five other projects. 

The most important European project, observatoryNANO , www.observatorynano.org is specifically about providing the European Commission and member states with expert analyses of the social and economic impacts of new nanotechnologies. This valuable information will support future nanotechnology policy decisions.  We have 16 partners from across the EU who will be working with us in this task.

The other key project IoN is leading is ICPCNanoNet , www.icpc-nanonet.org which concerns the provision of an open-access repository of all nanoscience publications. This is aimed at making scientific information available to all; rich and poor alike, across the EU and further afield, will be able to access leading edge scientific papers. 

IoN are partners in:

FramingNano , www.framingnano.eu  - a consensus-seeking exercise on nanotechnology governance, involving the major players;

NanoCharM , www.nanocharm.org - about promoting and developing non-destructive characterization of nanomaterials using ellipsometry and polarimetry. Characterization is an area of critical importance to industry and the use of nanotechnologies across the EU. This project received the highest evaluation and was the first FP7 project to be signed off by the Commission.

ENRHES - on establishing the risks associated with engineered nanoparticles, and knowledge gaps;

eICOON - an investigation into nanomaterials for energy generation and storage;

NANO-TV - the production of a series of 14 short films on FP5 and FP6 research results in nanotechnology.

 

IoN's own nanotechnology initiatives

 

 

NanoMedicine Network

•  A NanoMedicine Network, www.nano.org.uk/nanomednet which offers modular training courses in many aspects of nanomedicine, and links clinicians with industrial and academic researchers. The training courses are organised in collaboration with Cranfield University .

Contact Richard Moore: richard.moore@nano.org.uk

NanoChina

• A bilingual website www.NanoChina.cn which provides an English-language window into nanotechnology developments in China , and global news in Mandarin for Chinese organisations.

Contact Andrew Stewart: andrew.stewart@nano.org.uk

The NanoMicroClub

• A club for nano and microtechnology start-ups that offers free mentoring and access to investment and legal support.  Members meet in small, regional groups so they can also network and learn from each other.  See: www.nanomicroclub.com

Contact Del Stark:del.stark@nano.org.uk

Nanotechnology Masters Courses Directory and Recognition Scheme

• The IoN has developed the Nanotechnology Masters Courses Directory and Recognition Scheme in collaboration with a consortium of course-providing academics and industry representatives. Many international Institutions are now also participating in the scheme.

Contact Kshitij Singh: kshitij.singh@nano.org.uk

Independent spin-out companies

ION Publishing ION Publishing produces the popular international magazine 'NANO', see www.nanomagazine.co.uk.

ENTA The European Nanotechnology Trade Alliance (ENTA), www.euronanotrade.com, which has a membership base that spans Europe and provides a voice from industry to policy makers, including the EU and the OECD.   Contact Del Stark:del.stark@euronanotrade.com

Technolgy Transfer Centre / Nanoposts The Technology Transfer Centre ( TTC) which provides commercial market reports on nanotechnology to blue chip companies and other organizations, and its sister organization, NanoPosts www.nanoposts.com , which links technology providers to technology users. Contact Andy Garland: andy.garland@nanoposts.com

The IoN and the IET: A joint venture

The IoN and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) have created a joint Microsystems and Nanotechnology (MNT) Network to share knowledge and promote the understanding and application of nanotechnology. The IET already operates a Microsystems and Nanotechnology Network and is looking to revitalise its activities in the nanotechnology space; and the IoN firmly believes that by uniting its extensive network of members with those of the IET a substantial community of interest will be created, accelerating the progress of nano and micro technologies to the benefit of UK plc. A joint IoN – IET Executive Team consisting of experts in the field from both industry and academia has been established that will outline the scope of the MNT Network, set its objectives and develop the programme for the future. Ottilia Saxl, chief executive officer of the IoN said: “By bringing together the members of the IET and IoN that share a common interest in nano and micro technologies, we will create a group of highly qualified individuals who will not only learn about leading edge developments in this fast growing field, but will also contribute to them.” Robin McGill, chief executive of the IET said: “This is an exciting joint initiative in a fast growing and very important area of technology. Both organisations will retain their independence but by working together we will be able to create a global community who can not only share knowledge but stage dynamic and important events.”

 

Overseas Links

The Institute’s activities are continuing on the European front, but it is extending its reach to new countries and continents in an effort to foster nanotechnology developments and partnerships all over the globe.

With her great interest in collaboration, IoN CEO Ottilia Saxl’s aim to advance nanotechnology beyond the Western world has recently led to collaborations with similar organizations in Japan, Korea, Australia and China. “We have developed great relationships with these countries and we’re working on closer links with other countries,” she says. “There has been a huge investment from the global community in nanotechnology and we are now in the first stages of seeing tangible benefits.” The current emphasis is on new biomedical and engineering applications, but she also envisages ecological developments that could provide environmentally-friendly energy for the less-developed countries and allow for more conservational manufacturing practices.