Nanotechnology Research – Networks and Initiatives

The main objective of this FP7 project is a development and validation of technologies for the detection and analysis of single nanoparticles in complex environments. The project is based on the new experimental phenomenon discovered recently by one of the project partners: single sub-wavelength objects give rise to optical signals in surface plasmon resonance microscopy.

The main project goal is to develop innovative concepts and reliable methods for characterizing engineered nanoparticles in workplace air with novel, portable and easy-to-use devices suitable for workplaces.

Development of Novel Nanotechnology Based Diagnostic Systems for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis (NanoDiaRA). The main objective of this large-scale integrating project is the development of modified superparamagnetic nanoparticles as a diagnostic tool for the detection of early stages of arthritis. In addition to research, the project will consider the social, ethical and legal aspects of applying nanotechnology for medical purposes.

The European FP7 project NanoDiode, launched in July 2013 for a period of three years, establishes an innovative, coordinated programme for outreach and dialogue throughout Europe so as to support the effective governance of nanotechnologies. The project integrates vital engagement activities along the innovation value chain, at the levels of research policy, research and development, and the use of nanotechnological innovations throughout society.

NanoEnviCz integrates the infrastructure facilities of Czech research organizations for research in nanotechnology sciences. The program is focused on research in the field of nanomaterials and nanocomposites for environmental and related applications. Services include controllable syntheses of nanomaterials, their complex chemical, structural, morphological and surface characterization, tuning their functional properties, monitoring their potential toxicity and hazard.

The Nanoethics Group is a non-partisan and independent organization that studies the ethical and societal implications of nanotechnology.

The precursor to the Nanofactory Collaboration was informally initiated by Robert Freitas and Ralph Merkle in the Fall of 2000 during their time at Zyvex. Their continuing efforts, and those of others, have now grown into direct collaborations among 23 researchers or other participants (including 16 Ph.D's or Ph.D candidates) at 10 institutions in 4 countries (U.S., U.K., Russia, and Belgium), as of 2006.

The EU-funded NANOFLOC (Electro-agglomeration and separation of Engineered NanoParticles from process and waste water in the coating industry to minimize health and environmental risks) project was established to address the concerns over the health effects of breathable nanoparticles, which can be found in a number of end products such as paints.

NanoGagliato is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing global health, the field of nanomedicine, and community engagement in the nanosciences.

NANOGLOWA brings together universities, power plant operators, industry and SMEs. 26 organisations from 14 countries throughout Europe join the NANOGLOWA-consortium in order to develop optimal nanostructured membranes and installations for CO2 capture from powerplants. NANOGLOWA is funded by the European Commission under the 6th Framework Programme.

Nanogrowth is an international project, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council EPSRC, to investigate crystal growth mechanisms in nanoporous materials, such as zeolites. The project started in October 2006 and runs for three years. The project team consists of members from universities in the United Kingdom, Sweden and France together with our industrial sponsor in the USA.

Nanogune's mission is to address basic and applied research in nanoscience and nanotechnology, fostering high-standard training and education of researchers in this field, and promoting the cooperation among the different agents in the Basque Science, Technology, and Innovation Network (Universities and Technological Centers) and between these agents and the industrial sector.

The NanoHand project aims at developing a system consisting of micro/nano based subsystems for automatic handling of nanometer sized objects.

This multi-disciplinary research program develops novel material solutions for use in advanced wound healing based on nanofibrillated cellulose structures.

The nine partners involved in the EU-funded (FP7) NanoHouse project are generating missing data on the potential exposure levels and the hazard due to this chronic exposure for 2 nanoparticle types: nano silver and nano titanium dioxide contained in indoor and outdoor coatings and paints. Both direct and indirect exposures (through the environment to human: vegetables, drinking water) are considered.

The nanoICT Coordination Action activities reinforces and supports the whole European Research Community in 'ICT nanoscale devices' covering the following research areas expected to demonstrate unconventional solutions beyond the expected limits of CMOS technology.

NanoImpactNet is a multidisciplinary European network on the health and environmental impact of nanomaterials. NanoImpactNet will create a scientific basis to ensure the safe and responsible development of engineered nanoparticles and nanotechnology-based materials and products, and will support the definition of regulatory measures and implementation of legislation in Europe.

NanoInteract is a Specific Targeted Reseach Program (STReP) funded by the European Commission Research Directorate. The full title of this project is 'Development of a platform and toolkit for understanding interactions between nanoparticles and the living world'. The NanoInteract consortium consists of 8 academic partners in Europe, 1 US academic partner, 2 European reserach centres, and 6 industry partners representating the industry base where Nanotechnology will be important in the coming decades.

Europe-wide dialogue on benefits, risks and social, ethical and legal implications of nanotechnologies. The project has ended in early 2007.

The NanoMan project is an EU-funded research project to develop new technologies for handling and control of single molecules and nanostructures on the sub 10nm scale. The ultimate aim of the project is to develop techniques and protocols, based on atomic force microscopy (AFM), that enable manipulation of sub 10nm structures on insulating surfaces.

Within NanoMat three research centers of the Hermann von Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren, ten universities with natural and engineering science departments, one Max Planck Institute, an Institute of the Wissenschaftsgemeinschaft Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, three Fraunhofer Institutes, an Institute of the Polish Academy of Science, the DECHEMA and four major companies coordinate their research programmes. The theme of the research is 'Synthesis and investigation of nanostructured metals and ceramics, and investigation of the materials and applications which result from their nanoscale nature.'

A French site (in French) on nanomaterials and risks, maintained by the Ecrin Association, a nonprofit organization that is the offspring of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and the Commissariat à l'�?nergie Atomique (CEA). The letters E.C.R.I.N. stand for 'Exchange and Collaboration Research-Industry'.

An interdisciplinary and intersectorial, FP6-funded research and training network in the emerging field of nanoscience and -technology. The project aims at the development of tailored photo- and electro-responsive organic/ inorganic hybrid systems such as photovoltaic cells, LEDs, and electro-optic modulators, by combining the advantages of organic and inorganic materials.

The Nanomed Round Table is a 'Coordination and support action' in the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) Nanosciences. The Nanomed Round Table's main purpose is to provide to European stakeholders a set of recommendations to support decision making regarding nanomedical innovations.

The main objectives of the NanoMesh project are to understand the self-assembly processes leading to this highly interesting and non-trivial nanostructure, to find routes for controlling the mesh parameters and for mass production, and to demonstrate its prospects for future applications as a oxygen- and carbon-free template for the production of nanocatalysts, nanomagnets and for functionalized surfaces.