Nanotechnology Research Directions: IWGN Workshop Report. Vision for Nanotechnology R&D in the Next Decade

Abstract

That document provided a basis for the Federal government to assess how to make strategic research and development (R&D) investments in this emerging field of nanotechnology through the formulation of national R&D priorities and a strategy for state, local, and Federal government support.This IWGN Workshop Report, Nanotechnology Research Directions, builds upon the foundation provided in the first report and incorporates a vision for how the nanotechnology community -Federal agencies, industries, universities, and professional societies --can more effectively coordinate efforts to develop a wide range of revolutionary commercial applications. It incorporates perspectives developed at a January 1999 IWGN-sponsored workshop by experts from universities, industry, and the Federal government. This report identifies challenges and opportunities in the nanotechnology field and outlines the necessary steps on how advances made in nano-science, engineering, and technology can help to boost our nation's economy, ensure better healthcare, and enhance national security in the coming decade.Preparing for the challenges of the new millennium requires strategic investments. Nanotechnology Research Directions will help our nation develop a balanced R&D nanotechnology infrastructure, advance critical research areas, and nurture the scientific and technical workforce of the next century. Nanotechnology Research Directions: IWGN Workshop ReportVision for Nanotechnology Ri&D in the Next Decade EXECUTIVE SUMMARYNanotechnology is the creation and utilization of materials, devices, and systems through the control of matter on the nanometer-length scale, that is, at the level of atoms, molecules, and supramolecular structures. The essence of nanotechnology is the ability to work at these levels to generate larger structures with fundamentally new molecular organization. These "nanostructures," made with building blocks understood from first principles, are the smallest human-made objects, and they exhibit novel physical, chemical, and biological properties and phenomena. The aim of nanotechnology is to learn to exploit these properties and efficiently manufacture and employ the structures.Control of matter on the nanoscale already plays an important role in scientific disciplines as diverse as physics, chemistry, materials science, biology, medicine, engineering, and computer simulation. For example, it has been shown that carbon nanotubes are ten times as strong as steel with one sixth of the weight, and that nanoparticles can target and kill cancer cells. Nanoscale systems have the potential to make supersonic transport costeffective and to increase computer efficiency by millions of times. As understanding develops of the way natural and living systems are governed by molecular behavior at nanometer scale, and as this understanding begins to be felt in science and medicine, researchers seek systematic approaches for nanoscale-based manufacturing of humanmade products.All natural materials and systems .establish their foundation a...

Innovative and Responsible Governance of Nanotechnology for Societal Development

“…Changes in the vision over the last 10 years Nanotechnology has been defined as ''a multidisciplinary field in support of a broad-based technology to reach mass use by 2020, offering a new approach for education, innovation, learning, and governance' ' (Roco et al 1999). The governance of nanotechnology development for societal benefit is a challenge with many facets ranging from fostering research and innovation to addressing ethical concerns and long-term human development aspects.…”

“…Addressing grand challenges for societal development Nanotechnology may allow us to build a sustainable, society-focused technology through up-front design rather than retroactive problem solving, use of molecular medicine and personalized health treatment, increased productivity, and early and continuing emphasis on multidisciplinary education (see Roco et al 2010).…”

“…The 2004 meeting inspired a series of loosely coordinated activities: The U.S. NNI agencies, followed by the EU, Japan, and Korea, have taken a multipronged approach to funding ELSI projects, which has yielded significant progress over the past decade. International perspectives reflecting opinions from over 35 countries are presented in the ''Nano 2020'' study (Roco et al 2010). Table 2 lists a number of reference websites with ELSI materials addressing the nanoscale.…”

“…As the scale and scope of nanotechnology innovations picks up over the coming decade, there will be significant implications for employment and training (addressed in detail in the chapter Developing the Human and Physical Infrastructure for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, in Roco et al 2010). The pervasive, general-purpose nature of nanotechnology means that impacts will be seen across all industry sectors.…”

Carbonic nanoparticles and C-S-H insertion into cementitious nanocomposite

“…A closer look at this assertion reveals that nanotechnology has indeed been sought for material enhancement in specific applications [3].…”