Nanotechnology Research – Networks and Initiatives

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 project MUST aims at providing new technologies based on active multi-level protective systems for future vehicle materials. 'Smart' release nanocontainers will be developed and incorporated in commercial paints, lacquers and adhesive systems to prepare new products exhibiting self-healing properties.

The NADINE project aims at the development of a diagnostic tool able to detect in blood as early as possible, and at a cost compatible with large scale screening, an emerging neurodegenerative disease, and thus aid in the selection the best treatment. The project involves a multidisciplinary consortium of technology developers, three leading biomedical groups in clinical neuroscience for definition of specifications and end-user pre-clinical validation, three research-oriented SMEs in biotechnology, nanosensing and microfluidics and a pharmaceutical company.

The Namur Nanosafety Center involves several research teams including physicists, chemists, biologists and pharmacists. Each team will fulfil a specific mission in order to obtain an integrated view of nanomaterials physico-chemical properties and interaction with biological systems.

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

NHECD is a free access, robust and sustainable web based information system including a knowledge repository on the impact of nanoparticles on health, safety and the environment. It includes unstructured data (e.g., scientific papers and other relevant publications). It also includes a mechanism for updating its knowledge repository, thus enabling the creation of a large and developing collection of published data on environmental and health effects following exposure to nanoparticles .

The focus is on basic research in the three areas of metal-, semiconductor-, and molecular/atomic-based spintronics with the visionary goal of developing nanoscale spintronic devices based on a detailed knowledge of the underlying atomistic spin-dependent interactions and processes.

Nano-Tera is a Swiss federal program funding scientific projects. The Nano-Tera initiative aims to bring Switzerland to the forefront of a new technological revolution, using engineering and information technology to improve the health and security of humans and the environment in the 21st century.

A career network for young female scientists involved in the fields of nanotechnologies.

The project's goal is to develop advanced nanocomposites materials used in civil constructions with antibacterial, selfcleaning properties and solar energy concentrators integrated structures for ambiental improvement.

The project aims to support SMEs, their suppliers, service suppliers and research institutes in their decision making when developing and producing polymeric nanobiomaterials for drug delivery by implementing a Safe-by-Design (SbD) approach. Moreover, the regulatory framework for the topic at hand and safety aspects during the product's life-cycle are included.

NanoCap is a European project that is set up to deepen the understanding of environmental, occupational health and safety risks and ethical aspects of nanotechnology. Therefore a structured discussion is organised between environmental NGOs, trade unions, academic researchers and other stakeholders. NanoCap is the acronym for 'Nanotechnology Capacity Building NGOs'. This project will enable environmental NGOs and trade unions to participate in a debate on nanotechnology at European level.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

This European FP7 project aims to establish a panel of read-out systems for the prediction of the toxic potential of existing and emerging engineered nanomaterials.

The main goal of the project consists in establishing an accredited laboratory for nanometric scale morphological characterization and analyses of material surfaces. The laboratory would have the capability to provide characterization services for research and/or production of materials whose surfaces have a nanometric scale structure, ex: optical surfaces (in optical components), biocompatible metals and ceramics, materials for semiconductor industry, coating and protection films etc.

An EC financed project to examine the role of micro and nanoparticles in inducing pathologies.

NANoREG is the first FP7 project to deliver the answers needed by regulators and legislators on EHS by linking them to a scientific evaluation of data and test methods. Based on questions and requirements supplied by regulators and legislators, NANoREG will: (i) provide answers and solutions from existing data, complemented with new knowledge, (ii) Provide a tool box of relevant instruments for risk assessment, characterisation, toxicity testing and exposure measurements of Manufactured Nano Materials, (iii) develop, for the long term, new testing strategies adapted to innovation requirements, (iv) Establish a close collaboration among authorities, industry and science leading to efficient and practically applicable risk management approaches for Manufactured Nano Materials and products containing Manufactured Nano Materials.

An initiative under the EU's 6th Framework Program: The overall aim of NANOSAFE2 is to develop risk assessment and management for secure industrial production of nanoparticles.

The EU NanoSafety Cluster is a DG RTD NMP initiative to maximise the synergies between the existing FP6 and FP7 projects addressing all aspects of nanosafety including toxicology, ecotoxicology, exposure assessment, mechanisms of interaction, risk assessment and standardisation. Participation in the NanoSafety cluster is voluntary for projects that commenced prior to April 2009, and is compulsory for nano-EHS projects started since April 2009.

NISE brings researchers and informal science educators together to inform the public about nanoscience and technology.