Nanotechnology Advances in Europe

Nanotechnology is currently an area of research focus in most developed nations. The effort in research and development in Europe is the largest, in terms of publications, in the world. The research conducted in Europe covers all of the main nanotechnology research areas and varies from country to country, due mainly to the historical manufacturing base. The issues raised concern the lack of availability of suitable staff and students, a lack of accessible information about networking possibilities (for those new to the field) and concerns over the public perception of nanotechnology. The movement to larger research grants also concerns many as this is seen as potentially a move from emphasis on fundamental research to more short term goals. The generation of large collaborative centers of excellence concerns those who are not involved as they foresee the danger of politicisation, more difficulties in getting funding and further difficulties in getting staff. Funding for networking opportunities was criticised as being spread too thinly, though networking was described as adequate, by those who have been in the research field for a number of years. The lack of suitable staff and students from within Europe is a major concern. The development of undergraduate and postgraduate training packages directed at nanotechnology was seen as beneficial, but the lack of funding for these initiatives was a concern. The perception of nanotechnology by the general public was seen as dangerous for those conducting the research. Too much emphasis was placed on sensational reporting of nanotechnology that is unlikely to impact on people's lives in the near future, while nanotechnology with direct impact on people's lives was left largely unreported. The gap between the awareness and reporting of science in the US and Europe was a concern for some who felt that although they are conducting first class work there is little publicity for it in Europe.