Nanotechnology plan to drive Australian innovation

Cleaner, more efficient electricity, targeted drug delivery, smarter computing and improved food and water quality are just some of the possibilities outlined in a new plan to address national challenges and position nanotechnology as an economic driver.

The Australian Academy of Science’s National Nanotechnology Research Strategy was launched today by Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation, Senator Kate Lundy.

Prepared in consultation with Australia’s leading nanotechnologists, the plan identifies opportunities to improve community health and environmental stewardship, aid national security and revitalise Australian manufacturing.

“Australia’s nanotechnology sector has the potential to make an immediate impact in key areas of importance to the nation,” said Professor Chennupati Jagadish, Academy Vice President and Secretary for Physical Sciences.

“The global nanotechnology product market is projected to be worth $3 trillion by 2020: this plan will enable Australia to take full economic advantage of this technological revolution.

“The National Nanotechnology Research Strategy will also ensure that nanoscience research can improve our quality of life. This is a plan to help solve the grand challenges Australia faces and improve our ability to participate effectively in the Asian Century.”

Australian nanotechnology applications currently in development include:

• New devices for green energy and precision agriculture
• New electronics and photonics for computing, communications, and data storage
• Higher performance membranes for water purification and desalination
• Better sensors for food quality, safety, and security
• Novel membrane technologies for filtering and capturing pollutants
• Higher performing sensors for security screening and border protection
• Advanced medical bionics: bionic ear and eye; scaffolds for prosthetics

“To realise our vision of a nanotechnology empowered economy, it is essential that multidisciplinary research in nanoscience and nanotechnology is supported through project funding, resourced networking and critical research infrastructure,” Professor Jagadish said.

“Concerted effort must also be put into promoting Australian nanotechnology capability on the international stage.

“We recommend that industry, academia and government form an alliance to maximise the potential economic, social and environmental gains made possible through nanotechnology.”

The Academy gratefully acknowledges the financial support received from the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education that has enabled us to produce the publication.

The report is available at www.science.org.au/node/128