The National Nanotechnology Initiative At Five Years

Represents the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology’s (PCAST) first assessment of the Federal Government’s nanotechnology research efforts. Examines four primary concerns: Where do we stand?; Is this money well spent and the program well managed?; Are we addressing societal concerns and potential risks?; and How can we do better?

The Pres. Council of Advisors on Science & Tech. (PCAST) first assessment of the Fed. Gov. multi-agency Nat. Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). PCAST examined 4 primary concerns: (1) Where Do We Stand?; (2) Is This Money Well Spent & the Program Well Managed?; (3) Are We Addressing Societal Concerns & Potential Risks?;& (4) How Can We Do Better? The U.S. holds a leadership position in nanotech., but it is being aggressively challenged by many nations. The Fed. invest. to date has been money well spent, & the NNI program is well managed. Several improvements are recommended to the program, incl. the need for the NNI to increase coord. with the States as avenues of econ. dev't., & for the program mgmt. to remain flexible in this field. Illustrations.

An authoritative examination of the present and potential impact of nanoscale science and technology on modern life Because truly transformative technologies have far-reaching consequences, they always generate controversy. Establishing an effective process for identifying and understanding the broad implications of nanotechnology will advance its acceptance and success, impact the decisions of policymakers and regulatory agencies, and facilitate the development of judicious policy approaches to new technology options. Nanoscale: Issues and Perspectives for the Nano Century addresses the emerging ethical, legal, policy, business, and social issues. A compilation of provocative treatises, this reference: Covers an area of increasing research and funding Organizes topics in four sections: Policy and Perspectives; Nano Law and Regulation; Nanomedicine, Ethics, and the Human Condition; and Nano and Society: The NELSI Imperative Presents differing perspectives, with views from nanotechnology's most ardent supporters as well as its most vocal critics Includes contributions from professionals in a variety of industries and disciplines, including science, law, ethics, business, health and safety, government regulation, and policy This is a core reference for professionals dealing with nanotechnology, including scientists from academia and industry, policy makers, ethicists and social scientists, safety and risk assessment professionals, investors, and others. It is also an excellent text for students in fields that involve nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology (NT) -- a term encompassing the science, engineering, and applications of sub-micron materials -- involves the harnessing of unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of nanoscale substances in fundamentally new and useful ways. The economic and societal promise of NT has led to substantial and sustained investments by governments and co. around the world. In 2000, the U.S, launched the world's first national NT program. From FY 2001 through FY 2010, the fed. gov't. invested $12.4 billion in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology through the NNI. Contents of this report: Intro.; Overview; NNI; Selected NNI Reports and Assessments; NT Legislation in the 111th Congress. Illus. A print on demand report.

Nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, often referred to simply as "nanotechnology," is the understanding, characterization, and control of matter at the scale of nanometers, the dimension of atoms and molecules. Advances in nanotechnology promise new materials and structures that are the basis of solutions, for example, for improving human health, optimizing available energy and water resources, supporting a vibrant economy, raising the standard of living, and increasing national security. Established in 2001, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is a coordinated, multiagency effort with the mission to expedite the discovery, development, and deployment of nanoscale science and technology to serve the public good. This report is the latest triennial review of the NNI called for by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003. It examines and comments on the mechanisms in use by the NNI to advance focused areas of nanotechnology towards advanced development and commercialization and on the physical and human infrastructure needs for successful realization in the United States of the benefits of nanotechnology development.

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) was created in 2000 to focus and coordinate the nanoscience and nanotechnology research and development (R&D) activities being funded by several federal agencies. The purpose of the NNI is to marshal these research activities in order to accelerate responsible development and deployment of nanotechnology for economic benefit and national security. To take stock of the progress of the NNI, Congress, in P. L. 108-153, the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, directed the National Research Council to carry out a review of the program every three years. This report presents the results of the first of those reviews, which addresses the economic impact of nanotechnology developments and provides a benchmark of U.S. R&D efforts relative to those undertaken by foreign competitors. In addition, the report offers an assessment of the current status of responsible development of nanotechnology and comments on the feasibility of molecular self-assembly.

The volume contributes to the ongoing nanoethics debate in four topical areas. The first part tackles questions of what could be called ‘meta-nanoethics’. Its focus lies on basic concepts and the issue of what - if anything - is truly novel and special about the new field of nanoethics or its subject matter. The second part of this volume presents a selection of interesting perspectives on some of the opportunities and challenges of nanotechnology. Part three takes a more in depth look at one of the most pressing current concerns: how to deal with the risks and uncertainties surrounding nanotechnology in a responsible manner. In its fourth and final part the volume touches on issues of public debate and policy.