The European Commission has announced the ways in which it intends to keep Europe at the forefront of the fast-moving field of nanotechnology in a safe and responsible way. Applications of nanotechnology – activities at the level of atoms and molecules – are bringing a range of benefits including more effective ways of delivering drugs to treat diseases, faster computer processors and more efficient solar cells. An action plan proposes measures to be taken at national and European level to strengthen research in this area and develop useful products and services.

European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potocnik said “Europe needs to invest in knowledge to maintain its competitive edge in the global economy. Nanotechnology is a key area where Europe is in the lead, and we must ensure that we stay there. Nanotechnology has enormous potential for European industry and for society in general, so a clear strategy and decisive action is needed for research in this area. At the same time, we must take into account any possible health, safety and environmental risks and address them as early as we can.”

Measures in the action plan include:

• Boosting funding for nanotechnology in the Seventh Framework Programme, including specific support for research into the impact on human health and the environment, and fostering technology platforms in certain key nanotechnology sectors such as nanomedicine, nanoelectronics or sustainable chemistry;

• Developing world-class competitive infrastructure for research and poles of excellence through investment, exchange of best practice and access to existing infrastructure;

• Creating favourable conditions for EU industry to turn research into useful products and services, such as workshops on commercialisation, increased industrial involvement in research and working on common standards. A library of data and a patent monitoring system would be additional useful tools.

• Ensuring that ethical principles are always respected and citizens' concerns and expectations are taken into account, through studies, information material and dialogue and the creation of an EU-level co-ordination point.

• Addressing public health, safety and environmental risks at the earliest possible stage, building risk assessment into the research and developing guidelines for such risk assessment. There will be a reassessment of existing EU legislation to ensure that the specific nature of nanotechnology is fully addressed. The Commission will also support the creation of a free and open archive of scientific and technical publications in the field;

• Promoting the inter-disciplinary education & training of researchers and engineers, focussing on the practical applications of nanotechnology as well as wider implications for society. This will include a workshop and development of courses and curricula. A European Award for nanotechnology would help to highlight best practice;

• Strengthening international dialogue on common issues such as nomenclature and toxicology.

Those interested in finding out more about nanotechnology are invited to visit the “Nanotruck” a mobile exhibition on nanotechnology which will be in Brussels Parc du Cinquantenaire between 14 and 16 June. Commissioner Potocnik will visit the truck, an initiative of the German Federal Science Ministry, on 15 June at 16.00.

Nanotechnology will continue to be high on the agenda this year, with the second EuroNanoForum conference and expo to be held on 6-9 September 2005 in Edinburgh. This major international event, which is supported by the EU, will focus on ‘Nanotechnology and the Health of the EU Citizen in 2020'. It will include a 3-day conference programme with the world's leading researchers, public discussions and outreach events, as well as a series of dedicated press briefings on nanomedecine and nanotechnologies for healthcare.

Notes

Patrick Vittet-Philippe
Press and Information Officer
DG Research, European Commission
Tel: +32.2.2969056
Mobile + 32 477 274663
Email: patrick.vittet-philippe@cec.eu.int

Renzo Tomellini
Head of Unit
Nanosciences and nanotechnologies
DG Research, European Commission
Tel: +32.2.296 0136
E-Mail: renzo.tomellini@cec.eu.int