Commission takes stock of nano progress
The European Commission has become the world's largest public investor in nanotechnology, and has improved the standards, metrology and patenting environment for nanotechnology research. However, private investment remains low in comparison with that of Europe's competitors, and duplication is becoming a real risk now that more Member States are introducing national initiatives. These revelations are made in a Commission communication detailing the progress made on implementing the EU's Action Plan on nanosciences and nanotechnologies (N&N). The Action Plan runs from 2005 to 2009, and this is the first report analysing how much momentum there has been since its inception. 'Nanotechnology is an area where Europe is an acknowledged world leader. This is an opportunity we must grasp with both hands,' said EU Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik. The implementation report notes that advancements have been made in all areas, from funding, infrastructure and training to the societal dimension, safety, international cooperation and the elaboration of a coherent European strategy. Highlights include the increase in EU funding for nanotechnology and nanosciences. Having allocated €1.4 billion to 550 research projects under the Sixth Framework Programme (2002 to 2006), the European Commission has become the world's largest public investor in nanotechnology, accounting for one-third of public funding in this area. Funding is set to increase still further under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The Commission supported N&N infrastructures in FP6 with €40 million, and will continue to do so under FP7. Of course the responsibility for any research infrastructure lies mainly with the EU Member States, but a roadmap produced by the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) identified a pan-European infrastructure for nanostructures and nanoelectronics as a priority facility. The Commission is also looking into the viability of an infrastructure for nanobiotechnology. Education and training in N&N has moved forward with the launch of Masters degrees in various aspects of the disciplines, and the awarding of Marie Curie Awards to researchers working in N&N. The Commission has also been very active in the related areas of societal acceptance and safety. Knowledge gaps remain in relation to the effects that nanoparticles could have on the environment and human health. Uncertainty here is fuelling public distrust of N&N, although the Commission report does state that surveys 'show that public confidence in European public authorities' ability to ensure good governance for nanotechnology is higher in Europe than elsewhere'. The Commission has funded or published a wide range of information, aimed at a variety of audiences, in order to inform the public about N&N, while simultaneously funding research to fill current knowledge gaps on health and safety implications. A review of current legislation is ongoing in order to establish whether current legislative frameworks offer sufficient protection, and a consultation is underway on attitudes towards a Code of Conduct on N&N. The Code of Conduct would comprise a set of basic principles on precaution, inclusiveness and integrity. The consultation is an attempt to gather feedback on the principles outlined in the Code, willingness to sign up to it and ideas for additional steps. Responses received thus far appear to be in favour of such a Code, and have provided new ideas on how to improve it, according to the Commission. The Commission has also issued a call for proposals for the establishment of an observatory to provide decision-makers with dynamic assessments of scientific and market developments. One proposal received has been recommended by the evaluating panel of external experts, which means that the observatory could be up and running next year, according to Renzo Tomellini, Head of Unit within the Commission for 'Nano science and technology - convergent science and technology'. The Commission recommends that in the coming years, particular attention be devoted to the development of interdisciplinary infrastructures, appropriate conditions for the safe and effective use of nanotechnology, and a shared understanding of the responsibility of researchers within an ethical framework. The next implementation report on the N&N Action Plan will be submitted before the end of 2009.