New nanotechnology era for Ukraine
Nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies are priorities for regional scientific development in Europe. To achieve this, the EU is increasing collaboration in the nanosciences among European Research Area (ERA) institutions. The EU-funded NANOTWINNING (Increase in opportunities for strategic collaboration in the field of nanotechnology via twinning of IOP with institutions of European Research Area) initiative aimed to promote international collaboration at the Institute of Physics (IOP) of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine in the field of nanotechnology. Project efforts focused on stimulating cooperation between Ukrainian scientists and European representatives of science, education and business. Researchers wanted to strengthen scientific collaboration and simultaneously improve industrial-academic cooperation. The project organised two international nanotechnology conferences in 2013 and 2014, as well as three summer schools to train young scientists. NANOTWINNING also arranged technology meetings to showcase Ukrainian nanotechnology to international industry members. Project partners created an international nanotechnology laboratory in 2012. Setting this up involved the purchase of a micro-Raman spectrometer, making it possible to create new nano-structured substrates and nanocomposites, as well as new nanobiotechnologies in the future. Lastly, NANOTWINNING set up a number of strategic alliances among universities to ensure that the IOP's scientific capacity improves in the field of nanotechnology. This was aided by the IOP's adoption of EU practices with regards to creating and commercialising nanotechnology. With these measures in place, the IOP is set to become a new powerhouse for nanotechnology research in the ERA.
Keywords
Nanotechnology, Ukraine, scientific development, European Research Area
