Nanotechnologies
Latest news
- 20 February 2009: Summary note of the 17th meeting of the Nanotechnologies Research Co-ordination Group (PDF 16 KB)
- 19 January 2009: NERC Propose Major Joint Research Effort with the US on the Behaviour and Effects of Nanomaterials in the Environment
- 6 October 2008: Summary note of the 16th meeting of the Nanotechnologies Research Co-ordination Group (PDF 20 KB)
- 26 September 2008: Summary note of the 11th meeting of the Nanotechnologies Stakeholder Forum and associated presentations
- 6 August 2008: Seventh quarterly update on the Voluntary Reporting Scheme for engineered nanoscale materials published (PDF 10 KB)
- 27 June 2008: Summary note of the 10th meeting of the Nanotechnologies Stakeholder Forum and associated presentations
- 12 March 2008: Updated guidance for the Voluntary Reporting Scheme for engineered nanoscale materials issued (PDF 150 KB)
- 4 March 2008: Statement on Nanotechnologies issued by the UK government's Ministerial Group on Nanotechnologies. Full statement available at www.dius.gov.uk/policy/documents/statement-nanotechnologies.pdf
A Summary statement is also available at www.dius.gov.uk/policy/documents/summary-statement-nanotechnologies.pdf - 15 February 2008: Summary note of the 13th meeting of the Nanotechnologies Research Co-ordination Group
- 19 December 2007: Characterising the potential risks posed by engineered nanoparticles - a second UK Government research report
Defra and nanotechnologies
Defra is working to promote the responsible development, use and fate of nano-scale materials. Our primary roles in this respect are to manage any potential risks to the environment and to maximise the environmental benefits of nanotechnologies.Introduction to nanotechnologies
Nanoscience studies how the arrangement of atoms and molecules (the basic units of everything) affects the properties of materials. Nanotechnology is the application of nanoscience with the aim of designing and producing new or enhanced materials or products. Further background information can be found in the Defra science note on nanoscience and nanotechnology. (pdf, 400 KB) Nanotechnologies have the potential to bring significant benefits to consumers, society, the environment and the economy through a range of applications. Examples include in health care, electronics and IT, food, environment, sport and clothing. Further information can be found at:Contact
For more information: nano.technology@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Page last
modified: 20 February 2009
Page published: 21
October 2005