National nanotechnology research strategy
This research strategy highlights Australia’s research strengths across a broad range of nanotechnology disciplines and identifies opportunities for these strengths to be leveraged over the coming decade. It includes eight recommendations and 10 case studies.
Nanotechnology is transforming industries and everyday life by exploiting unique properties of materials at the nanoscale, enabling breakthroughs in medicine, electronics, energy, water treatment, and manufacturing.
The technology offers solutions to national challenges such as healthcare, clean energy, food security, and defence.
Progress depends on overcoming barriers such as sustained funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, international partnerships, and effective translation of research into industry, alongside addressing safety and ethical concerns.
Recommendations
- Maintain and expand Australia’s nanotechnology research infrastructure (human and capital) through the provision of stable, long-term financial support.
- Foster and support interdisciplinary research.
- The Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council need to be provided with additional resources to facilitate their expanded role of supporting interdisciplinary research.
- Promote Australian nanotechnology on the international stage.
- Establish an expert panel (comprising academia, industry and government) to develop a national framework for translating nanotechnology research.
- Expand training and reskilling programs to support and develop new nanotechnology-based industries in Australia.
- In the interest of ‘ethically responsible science’ the nanotechnology research community should establish mechanisms to effectively engage with the public on the benefits and risks of nanotechnology, including social impact, regulation and ethical issues.
- Establish and fund a national nanotechnology coordinating body to provide leadership for the discipline at all scales and a mechanism for implementing the preceding recommendations.
About the strategy
The National nanotechnology research strategy was launched by Senator the Hon Kate Lundy on 7 December 2012.
Preparation of the strategy included broad consultation with the research community, including release of an exposure draft and hosting stakeholder engagement workshops around the country.
The strategy was prepared by the Academy with funding received from the National Enabling Technologies Policy Section in the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education.
