Nanotechnology Research – Initiatives, Networks & Associations

Thre training website MNT Academy delivers MicroNanoTechnology skills development and life long learning for business and technical functions including CEOs, Technical Directors, Marketing and Business Development Managers, Designers, Technicians, Production engineers and Operators.

The aims of this MNT Europe are to integrate the Micro and Nano Technology (MNT) research capabilities in Europe into the form of a distributed platform for research and development.

A three-year project undertaken by an international consortium of researchers covering 3 continents which could help bring to mass market organic light emitting devices (OLEDs), which could have far reaching technological implications and cut the cost of lighting by billion of pounds each year. The Modecom consortium will work on the molecular level and also look at the workings of the device as a whole.

Modelling for Nanotechnology (M4nano) is a WEB-based initiative leaded by four Spanish Institutions: Phantoms Foundation, Parque Cientifico de Madrid (PCM), Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (UAM) and Universidad Complutense to maintain a systematic flow of information among research groups and therefore avoid that research efforts in Nanomodelling remain fragmented.

Molecular Frontiers is a global effort to promote the understanding and appreciation of molecular science in society.

A chapter of the National Space Society, the group's mission is to promote nanotechnology as a means to facilitate the settlement of space.

The MONA project (Merging Optics and Nanotechnologies) has been launched in June 2005 by the European Commission in order to bridge the gap between photonics and nanotechnologies. The ultimate objective of the project is the development of a European roadmap for photonics and nanotechnologies.

The CARBIO partners apply a multidisciplinary approach to exploit the potential of multi-functional carbon nanotubes (CNT) for biomedical applications, in particular to act as magnetic nano-heaters, drug-carrier systems and sensors which allow a diagnostic and therapeutic usage on a cellular level.

MULTIPROTECT is an Integrated Project within the thematic priority of 'Nanotechnology and Nanosciences, knowledgebased multifunctional materials and new production processes and devices' of the 6th Framework Programme of the European Commission. The consortium aims to provide a generally applicable, highly innovative, heavy metal free, multifunctional and corrosion preventing surface technology on the basis of smart nanocomposite materials with new nanoparticles as functional design elements.

The European MUNDIS project will develop an angular position contact-less sensor, using an innovative approach to BMR based on the development of Multiple Nanocontact Devices (MUNDs), that will improve the performance of current contactless sensors with a lower price.

Project ambition: Creating the technological environment to develop a new sustainable industry of organic electronics to finally improve the quality of life of European citizens. Scientific objective: NAIMO will create cost and energy-effective processing and manufacturing methods for assembling nanomaterials onto flexible polymer films.

Nano Øresund aims at bringing together nanotechnology strengths in innovation, education, research and laboratory infrastructure on the Danish and Swedish sides of Øresund, to bring out the full potential of the region in this field. A primary objective is to provide the base for all aspects of nanotechnological co-operation in the region, where academia and industry participate, and also to communicate Øresund's capacity in these terms internationally.

The aim with the nano&me site is to provide balanced information about nanotechnologies and be the hub of debate for everyone to discuss the important issues which arise from its use.

'Nanocomposites with High Colouration Efficiency for Electrochromic Smart Plastic Devices' (Nano Effects) is a three-year Specific Targeted Research Project (2004-2006) funded by the European Commission to research inorganic-organic (hybrid) nanocomposites.

A German initiative to promote the entrepreneurial autonomy of young scientists in nanotechnologies.

Nano Grind, a project funded by the European Community under the 'Competitive and Sustainable Growth' Program aims at producing cheap, smooth and curved optical surfaces (in glass, ceramics or hard metal) using an innovative grinding machine tool with electrolytic in-line dressing (ELID). Nano Grind will give a significant machining cost reduction with equal specs on dimensional accuracy and surface quality.

The aim of NANORF is to take advantage of the unique mechanical and electrical properties of Carbon Nanotubes (as RF NEMS) to hybridize with CMOS electronics for RF applications (1-5GHz).

Run by the Swiss Innovation Society, the activities support their mission of assessing, communicating and reducing the environmental and health risks associated with nanotechnology in order to promote a safe and successful use of nanotechnology in the future. Contains a reports database: Safety and risks of nanotechnology.

NSTC works to create a platform conducive for the growth, promotion and partnering in the field of Nano Science and Technology taking together industries, academics and government through consultative, advisory and educative processes which will provide growth platform for organizations, academics and governments for harnessing the Nano potential at Global level.

Nano Cluster Bodensee is a nanotechnology interest group in the economic area around Lake Constance.

The UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in collaboration with leading design houses, chip manufacturers and ECAD vendors has given funding of GBP5.3M ($9.1M) to apply e-Science and Grid technology to tackle some of the fundamental challenges facing nano-CMOS design.

The Nano-LICHT project is a European project started in June 2007 that was founded by the NanoSci-ERA Network. The scope of the present project is to design new nanoscale architectures (coaxial-nanowires - cNW) able to mimic the processes by which the photosynthetic organism harvest sunlight and convert its energy to more useful forms.

An organization devoted to promoting nanotechnology in Northeast Ohio.

The Nano-Network of New Mexico supports the exchange and dissemination of knowledge vital to people and organizations interested in the commercialization of nanotechnologies emanating from New Mexico-based knowledge-capital and organizations.

NATAL is a specific targeted research project (STREP) supported by the European Commission under the Sixth Framework Program. The project is coordinated by the Optoelectronics research Centre. The project aims to develop compact light sources for the visible and UV wavelengths with applications in a broad range of fields including nano/micro materials processing, medicine, RGB full-color displays and UV lithography.