Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020


Book Description

This volume presents a comprehensive perspective on the global scientific, technological, and societal impact of nanotechnology since 2000, and explores the opportunities and research directions in the next decade to 2020. The vision for the future of nanotechnology presented here draws on scientific insights from U.S. experts in the field, examinations of lessons learned, and international perspectives shared by participants from 35 countries in a series of high-level workshops organized by Mike Roco of the National Science Foundation (NSF), along with a team of American co-hosts that includes Chad Mirkin, Mark Hersam, Evelyn Hu, and several other eminent U.S. scientists. The study performed in support of the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) aims to redefine the R&D goals for nanoscale science and engineering integration and to establish nanotechnology as a general-purpose technology in the next decade. It intends to provide decision makers in academia, industry, and government with a nanotechnology community perspective of productive and responsible paths forward for nanotechnology R&D.




Nanotechnology Research Directions: IWGN Workshop Report


Book Description

energy production, environmental management, transportation, communication, computation, and education. As the twenty-first century unfolds, nanotechnology's impact on the health, wealth, and security of the world's people is expected to be at least as significant as the combined influences in this century of antibiotics, the integrated circuit, and human-made polymers. Dr. Neal Lane, Advisor to the President for Science and Technology and former National Science Foundation (NSF) director, stated at a Congressional hearing in April 1998, "If I were asked for an area of science and engineering that will most likely produce the breakthroughs of tomorrow, I would point to nanoscale science and engineering. " Recognizing this potential, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have issued a joint memorandum to Federal agency heads that identifies nanotechnology as a research priority area for Federal investment in fiscal year 2001. This report charts "Nanotechnology Research Directions," as developed by the Interagency W orking Group on Nano Science, Engineering, and Technology (IWGN) of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The report incorporates the views of leading experts from government, academia, and the private sector. It reflects the consensus reached at an IWGN-sponsored workshop held on January 27-29, 1999, and detailed in contributions submitted thereafter by members of the V. S. science and engineering community. (See Appendix A for a list of contributors.




Nanotechnology for Sustainable Development


Book Description

The world is facing great challenges in meeting rising demands for basic commodities (e.g., food, water, and energy), finished goods (e.g., cell phones, cars and airplanes) and services (e.g., shelter, healthcare and employment) while reducing and minimizing the impact of human activities on Earth's global environment and climate. Nanotechnology has emerged as a versatile platform that could provide efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally acceptable solutions to the global sustainability challenges facing society. This volume is devoted to the utilization of nanotechnology to improve or achieve sustainable development. Recent advances are highlighted and opportunities of utilizing nanotechnology to address global challenges in water purification, clean energy, greenhouse gas management, materials supply/utilization and manufacturing are discussed. Also, societal perspectives are addressed and an outlook of the role of nanotechnology in the convergence of knowledge, technology and society for achieving sustainable development is provided. This book offers a thematic collection of papers previously published in the Journal of Nanoparticle Research.




Nanotechnology: Exploring the Nano Realm for Innovation and Sustainability


Book Description

Welcome to "Nano Revolution: Exploring the Frontiers of Nanotechnology." This book embarks on a journey into the captivating world of nanotechnology, a realm where science, engineering, and imagination converge to redefine the boundaries of human capability. Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular scale, has transcended the confines of scientific discourse to become a transformative force across diverse fields. From medicine to electronics, from environmental remediation to manufacturing, its impact is profound and far-reaching. In the following pages, we invite you to explore the intricacies of nanotechnology, from its humble beginnings to its boundless potential. We delve into the fundamentals of nanoscale science, unravel the mysteries of nanomaterials, and uncover the myriad applications that shape our present and shape the future. Throughout this exploration, we encounter the pioneers and visionaries who have propelled nanotechnology from the realm of theory into the realm of practice. Their ingenuity, perseverance, and passion illuminate the path forward, inspiring us to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. But this journey is not merely a celebration of technological prowess; it is also a reflection on the ethical, social, and environmental implications of our newfound capabilities. As we venture deeper into the nano-realm, we confront questions of responsibility, equity, and sustainability that demand our attention and collective resolve. As you embark on this voyage of discovery, we encourage you to approach each chapter with curiosity and open-mindedness. Whether you are a seasoned researcher, a budding enthusiast, or simply a curious soul, there is much to learn and contemplate within these pages. Ultimately, "Nano Revolution" is more than a book; it is a testament to the human spirit's boundless capacity for innovation and exploration. It is a call to embrace the unknown, to challenge convention, and to envision a future where the infinitesimal becomes the infinite. So, dear reader, we invite you to join us on this odyssey into the heart of nanotechnology—a journey that promises to captivate the mind, inspire the imagination, and shape the course of human history.




Nanotechnology Research Directions: IWGN Workshop Report


Book Description

This book documents recent dramatic breakthroughs and prospects for even more important future developments in a wide variety of fields and applications of science and technology related to `nanotechnology', all involving the control of matter on the nanometer-length scale, that is, at the level of atoms, molecules, and supramolecular structures. As the twenty-first century unfolds, nanotechnology's impact on the health, wealth, and security of the world's people is expected to be at least as significant as the combined influences in this century of antibiotics, the integrated circuit, and human-made polymers. The book covers fundamental scientific issues for nanotechnology and reviews progress in the development of the necessary tools for nanotechnology research and applications (e.g. theory, modeling and simulation, experimental methods, and instruments such as scanning probe microscopes). It also surveys a wide variety of current and potential application areas of nanotechnology, including: dispersions, coatings, and large surface area structures; nanodevices, nanoelectronics, and nanosensors; materials science and applications of bulk nanostructured materials with novel properties; biology, medicine, and healthcare; and energy, chemicals, and environmental science. The book incorporates the views of leading experts from U.S. government, academia, and the private sector. It reflects the consensus reached at a workshop held in January 1999, and detailed in contributions submitted thereafter by members of the U.S. science and engineering community. It describes challenges that are posed and opportunities that are offered by nanotechnology and outlines the steps that must be taken in order for humanity to benefit from the advances that are envisioned. This emphasizes three crucial areas: developing a balanced research and development infrastructure, advancing critical research areas, and nurturing the scientific and technical workforce of the next century.




Environmental, Ethical, and Economical Issues of Nanotechnology


Book Description

Nanotechnology is moving out of its comfort zone of scientific discourse. As new products go to market and national and international organizations roll out public-engagement programs on nanotechnology to discuss environmental and health issues, various sectors of the public are beginning to discuss what the controversy is all about. Nongovernmental organizations have long since reacted; however, now the social sciences have begun to study the cultural phenomenon of nanotechnology, thus extending discourses and opening out nanotechnology to whole new social dimensions. These dimensions and their newly constructed imaginings around nanotechnology intersect with the ecology, health, governance, economy, and illusory futures. There is always a need for more than just an ELSI (ethical, legal, and social implications) sideshow within nanotechnology. The collective public imaginings of nanotechnology include tangles of science and science fiction, local enterprises, and global transformation, all looking forward toward a sustainable future, while looking back on the past debates on science and nature. This book highlights the environmental health and economical concerns of nanotechnology and discusses its future research directions. It provides academia and industry a high-tech start-up that will revolutionize modern practices. With little and outdated literature available on the topic, this timely book will be helpful for the readers as it thoroughly covers the environmental, ethical, and economical issues of nanotechnology.




Nano Meets Macro


Book Description

This book explores the enormous diversity in social perspectives on the emergence of nanoscale sciences and technologies. It points to four nodes of interest where nano meets macro: in the making, in the public eye, in the big questions, and in the tough decisions. Each node draws attention to important lines of research and pertinent issues. The book is designed for interdisciplinary teaching, but the richness of issues and perspectives makes it of interest to all researchers, practitioners, and non-academics wanting an introduction to social perspectives on nanoscale sciences and technologies.










Nanotechnology: Societal Implications


Book Description

Advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology promise great technical breakthroughs in the coming decades. In this book, leading scientists, engineers, and social scientists review the possible uses of these impending technical developments in various industrial, medical, and national security applications. They also examine the corresponding ethical, legal, social, economic, and educational issues that these developments raise.