Nanotechnology Research – Initiatives, Networks and Associations

Research groups include: Biomembranes Group; Lipoproteins Group and Model Membranes Group.

A public funding programme for nanoscale sciences and nanotechnology. The annual public budget is EURO 15 m.

BioNanoNet is a bionanotechnology network in Austria that carries out innovative interdisciplinary research in the field of drug development. Within this network new agents, action and application strategies are being developed by using techniques of nanotechnology. Research efforts are aimed at finding new agents and new treatment strategies for chronic degenerative and infectious diseases.

ISOTEC (Integrated Organic Sensor and Optoelectronic Technologies) deals with new organic semiconductors and their application in opto-electronic components and sensors. The planning status for the setup of a nanotechnology centre for organic/inorganic opto-electronic and functionalised materials in Weiz (NanoTecCenter Weiz) was recently finished and the next step of actually constructing the research building is underway.

Establish and strengthen an international network of excellence in the field of Micro- and Nanotechnology with Austrian leadership

NANONET-Styria was founded as a Styrian nanotechnology network in autumn 2001. The network supports and focuses existing expertise and interests in the field of nanotechnology and seeks to establish nanotechnology in Styria on a long-term basis.

An ITA (Institute of Technology Assessment) Project - Integrative Analysis of the State of Knowledge Regarding Health and Environmental Risks of Nanotechnology. The heart of the research project is to continually survey, analyse and summarise the state of knowledge regarding potential health and environmental risks of nanotechnology.

Within the NILaustria project cluster the consortium will use Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL) to provide a versatile and cost efficient solution to achieve ultra high quality, large area nanostructures. The consortium brings together all Austrian research institutions using NIL and the two NIL-related companies in Austria, i.e. NIL equipment manufacturer EVG and IMS developing a novel method for NIL template fabrication.

WINN was founded to establish and promote nanotechnology in Western Austria and to provide the infrastructure necessary to develop this innovation potential.