Institute of Nanotechnology in the UK announces new Chair

Posted: May 8, 2008
Institute of Nanotechnology in the UK announces new Chair
(Nanowerk News) The Institute of Nanotechnology (http://www.nano.org.uk ) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Richard A.L. Jones FRS as the new Chairman of its Advisory Group. Professor Jones, from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Sheffield (http://www.shef.ac.uk/physics/people/rjones/) and author of the well-received book 'Soft Machines: Nanotechnology and Life' (http://www.softmachines.org) brings his unique expertise in nanotechnology as well as his communication skills and long-standing interest in public engagement. Professor Jones is currently Senior Strategic Advisor for Nanotechnology for the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the lead funding agency for nanotechnology research in the UK.
Professor Jones commented that he was delighted with his new role, especially as the Institute had now established its position as one of the most important and highly respected nanotechnology networking and information dissemination organisations in Europe. This is evidenced by IoN recent successes in FP7, as co-ordinator of two significant projects, one of which is to create a nano observatory for Europe, and as a partner in three more.
He also congratulated his predecessor, Dr Jim Darwent, vice-president of corporate research at Unilever, for his unfailing and energetic support of the Institute over the past two years, with great result.
On behalf of the Institute, Professor Jones also expressed his gratitude to two other retiring members, Professor Derek Chetwynd from Cranfield University, who has been a member of the Advisory Board since the Institute was formed in 1997 and who has greatly contributed to its growth and consolidation, and Dr Michael Pitkethly from the Centre for Process Innovation, CPI, who has served for five years, providing valuable input from a nanobusiness perspective.
Ottilia Saxl, CEO of the Institute of Nanotechnology, expressed her pleasure that Professor Jones had accepted the role of Chairman. "Richard Jones will enhance the Institute's reputation though his international standing in the nanocommunity and well-documented activities in both outreach and identifying key commercial opportunities for nanoscience".
More information:
Ottilia Saxl CEO Institute of Nanotechnology Tel: (+44) 01786 458011 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nano.org.uk
About the Institute of Nanotechnology
The Institute of Nanotechnology grew out of the Centre in Scotland for Nanotechnology which was established in 1994, partly funded through the DTI’s National Initiative on Nanotechnology. The Institute was registered as a separate company in January 1997, and shortly afterward obtained full charitable status. Its aims are to raise awareness of nanotechnology and all the issues surrounding the field. Specific areas of interest include applications for industry, sustainability, healthcare, and the less-developed world. IoN is also the co-ordinator of two EU FP7 projects, and a partner in three others. http://www.nano.org.uk

Source: About the Institute of Nanotechnology