Nanotechnology Research - Initiatives and Networks in UK

This virtual centre of expertise brings together leading edge academic research and expertise in applied materials chemistry at the universities of Bolton, Liverpool, Manchester and the molecular modelling capabilities of the Science and Technology Facilities Council at Daresbury, all in the UK. KCMC aims to drive industrial growth for the UK chemistry-using industries through the coordination, development and exploitation of leading edge materials chemistry research.

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.

The Environmental Nanoscience Initiative was set up by NERC, Defra and the Environment Agency in the UK to begin to answer some questions of basic nanosciences research; into fate and behavior, ecotoxicology and ecological effects of engineering nanoparticles.

SAFENANO at the Institute of Occupational Medicine is the UK Micro and Nanotechnology Centre of Excellence providing nanotechnology safety services to industry, academia and government.

SnIRC is based on existing collaborations between the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Edinburgh, Napier University, Aberdeen University, Edinburgh University and the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

The network brings together well established research groups and industrial concerns in complementary fields of precision engineering and nanometrology in the UK.