NaPa - Emerging Nanopatterning Methods
Two examples illustrate the potential arising from the expected results of NaPa: - Defined nano-patterned catalytic surfaces that may help to implement micro-reaction technologies towards better controlled chemical processes. ,- The integration of bio molecules with nano-structured surfaces that promises new functionalities and cost/sample volume reductions in biotechnology and medical sciences. NaPa will build a multi-disciplinary skill base among scientific and technical personnel providing organisational forms for stronger interactions between industrial and academic research. This integration of expertise constitutes the foundation for innovations leading to breakthroughs in the field of nanofabrication, thus, paving the way to efficient exploitation of the potentials of nanotechnology. NaPa, will build upon the know-how acquired in different countries and in several projects funded within FP5. The critical mass of integrated research effort in the EU is vital in order to ensure standardisation, sustainability and cost-efficient manufacturing. The tools to be developed within NaPa will be less capital-intensive, and the processes are envisioned to be environmentally friendly. The key outcome from NaPa will be standardisation of processes for nano-patterning, forming the basis of a library. Such a library will resemble current ones available for complementary metal/oxide semi-conductor technology. The NaPa project addresses the Community socio-economic objectives from many vantage points. In response to the need for the transformation of industry towards higher added-value operation, the consortium benefits from each industrial participants, which ensure that the nature of nano-patterning addresses future demands of the integrated circuits technology, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, health and medicine sector. Moreover, the project encourages the combination of academic education and industrial training, thereby promoting uptake of results emerging from nano-science and nano-engineering. In this way it opens opportunities for new industrial products. Through the educational activities of the consortium, a genuine enthusiasm for science and its applications will be nurtured. The increasing demands of European industry and research for qualified human resources in these areas are addressed in this project by several means. For example, about 60 persons will be employed and trained during the project in leading European industrial and research laboratories. This training will be enhanced by exchange visits between laboratories within the consortium to carry out joint research, strengthening the integration within the ERA. For further information, please visit: http://cordis.europa.eu/nanotechnology For information on the project, please contact:,Dr.Tech. Jouni AHOPELTO, NaPa co-ordinator ,e-mail: jouni.ahopelto@vtt.fi