Key themes in Nanotech Europe 2009

Electronics

This theme will consider nearer-term applications, such as nanomagnetism and ultra-dense magnetic recording for storage, and future approaches to creating electronics; using carbon nanomaterials, molecular electronics and quantum computing. Interaction with micro-scale devices is also covered under Nanoelectromechanical Systems (NEMS).

Photonics

Nanophotonics involves the manipulation of light at sub-wavelength light scales. Topics covered included metamaterials with novel optical properties, photonic structures and components, and optoelectronics devices. Photonics also features the exciting area of plasmonics.

Health and Bio

Applications of nanotechnology in health and bio range from improved sensors and diagnostic tools, novel biomaterials, and new methods of drug delivery and tissue engineering. The theme covers the latest developments in these fields.

Materials and functional surfaces

The materials theme specifically considers the synthesis and use of nanomaterials, from carbon nanotubes to nanoparticles. The theme also looks at the characterisation, processing and applications of functional surfaces.

Instrumentation

Advances in nanotechnology are enabled by developments in instrumentation. This theme will look at tools for characterisation of nanostructures, whilst also considering developments in modelling and simulation.

Energy

Energy is a point at which the potential of nanotechnology meets an urgent societal challenge. Applications include novel methods of creating solar cells, with organic materials and quantum dots and new energy storage technologies. Nanotechnology also has an impact on existing energy sources, improving exploration and recovery of fossil fuel sources.

Safety

It is important that the effects of engineered nanomaterials on people and the environment are well understood, and that any risks are managed in a comprehensive and transparent manner. This theme will address toxicological studies of nanomaterials, as well as considering risk management and regulatory issues.

Investment

The Investment theme considers all aspects of the business of nanotechnology, including the impact of public funding, venture capital investments, and commercialisation of nanotechnology.