Thailand's National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Institute of Metrology (NIMT) and Ministry of Science and Technology have announced that they would form the country's first research collaboration to build Thailand's capabilities in providing quality infrastructure in areas related to nano-scale measurement, calibration, and nanometrology.

 

Italy's programme of research and development in nanotechnology continues to expand, with many dedicated centres across the country.

 

Research, industry and government in the Netherlands are making the most of the country’s strong scientific position in nanotechnology and establishing itself, through a highly integrated and cooperative NanoNed network, as a world leader in small science while paving the way for accelerated commercialisation. The four-year NanoNed initiative has seen massive investment and the success that can be achieved by working together under a common agenda.

Australian industry is beginning to capture the benefits of an exciting array of nanotechnologies, supported by a sophisticated soft and hard infrastructure. Tina Rankovic and Peter Binks explain the coordinated approach Australia is taking to identify and unlock the potentials of these new technologies.

Japan has long been recognised as a world leader and key player in global advances in science and technology and recent investment and progress is establishing the country’s place in the global nanotechnology arena.

In this issue of NANO we explore new technologies for energy generation, disease prevention and water purification that have the potential to change the developing world and save millions of lives.

South Africa is the richest and most scientifically advanced country in sub-Saharan Africa. This is embodied by its GDP of US$282 billion which experienced year-on-year growth of 5.1% for 2007 and its world class research in areas such as astronomy (South African Large Telescope), catalysis (Fischer Tropps) and nuclear technology (Pebble Bed Modular Reactor).

CEA-Leti is the nanotechnology backbone of France. Dr. Jean-Christophe Gabriel, along with more than 20 other program managers, explores investment, research and development at the Grenoble-based centre.

Nanoparticles for new vaccines, nanostructures on credit cards, microscopy and spins are just some of the range of research projects currently underway at institutions across Switzerland.

Increased textile performance is desirable in many modern applications ranging from personal protection from hazards and severe environments to extreme sports. But nowhere are textiles subjected to more severe testing than in the healthcare sector where they may be required to survive within the human body or provide barriers to highly infectious and pathogenic agents.

The United States loves to lead the world, and science and technology are no exception. For decades, the US has invested heavily in research and development and pioneered new technologies and scientific advances that have had global impact. In nanotechnology, America continues to lead by example.

Italy has an intense programme of research and development in nanotechnology that spans research institutions and industries across the country. A recent census by the country’s main nanotech-coordinating centre, AIRI/Nanotec IT (www.nanotec.it) estimates that as many as 200 different organisations – including public and private companies, research institutes and centres – are involved in nanotechnology research and development. This R&D is supported by investment approaching 70 million euro per annum.