UK nano under the microscope...again

A nanostructure under pressure

The review will look at government actions since it set out its policy views on the field in February 2005.

"How the Government is handling issues of nanotechnology and nanoscience will influence the UK's competitiveness in this rapidly growing field, and the public's confidence in Government science policy," said John Beringer, who is leading the review.

"We will be taking a close look at what the government has done, whether it has responded quickly enough, and how well prepared it is for new developments in nanotechnology."

Comments welcome

Comments are being invited on the extent to which the government has acted on commitments in the February 2005 policy document; the timeliness and effectiveness of those actions; and whether there have been significant developments in
nanoscience/nanotechnology since February 2005 which raise new issues.

The CST is the UK government's top-level advisory body on science and technology policy issues, appointed by the Prime Minister.

Written submissions will be accepted until 2 October 2006 and the review will be published in spring 2007.

The government’s attitude to nanotechnology is largely informed by a report published in  July 2004 by the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering, entitled "Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties".

It was emphasised that the CST will not be discussing wider arguments on the use of nanotechnology in society, nor looking at whether the commitments made by government were the correct course of action – unless new evidence suggests compelling reasons for doing so.