In cooperation with the European Commission, Nanoforum hosted a survey to determine the community’s attitude towards all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology development. This online questionnaire, including participants from 32 European states, is one of the largest in Europe. The survey encompassed opinion on the impact, the relative standing of Europe compared to other regions, funding and infrastructure, public concerns, health and safety. Most people agreed that there should be an integrated and responsible approach to nanodevelopment. The survey revealed some common attitudes. It’s common understanding that nanotechnology will have strong impact on the European industry and its citizens within ten years. Europe is perceived to be far behind the USA in both nanoscience and the transfer of nanotechnology to the industry. Chemistry and materials, information and communications technologies, and healthcare are thought to be the key areas in which nanotechnologies will have an impact. And there should be a significant increase in research funding. Moreover, there is a lack of European infrastructure, requiring the supporting of the creation of facilities at European level in, for example, nanomedicine, nanomaterials, etc. Europe may face a shortage of skilled research staff in 5 to 10 years, where there is a need for interdisciplinary skills. Health, safety and environmental risks should be integrated early into research, and there is need to address knowledge gaps about free nanoparticles (they are highly toxic). Not to be forgotten: Europe should take account of the public impact of nanotechnology from an early stage. Cooperation with other countries seems very important. Full details of the survey are available at the Nanoforum report “Outcome of the Open Consultation on the European Strategy for Nanotechnology”, that can be downloaded from the website. Nanoforum is a pan-European network funded by the EU. It is led by the Institute of Nanotechnology (UK) and partners include VDI-TZ (Germany), Cientifica (Spain), CEA-Leti (France), MTV (Netherlands), BIT (Austria), METU (Turkey), Unipress (Poland), and the Monte Carlo Group (Bulgaria).
EPP EUROPE 412
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