Citizens to help inform the future of nanotechnology in Europe

RMIT is a partner in a €2M research project focused on aligning future developments and applications of nanotechnology with societal needs.

The 10-member research consortium is led by the Danish Board of Technology Foundation and includes research centres, industry groups and universities in the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Norway, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland and Spain.

The project, which is named GoNano - Governing nanotechnologies through societal engagement, is funded through the Horizon 2020 (H2020) research and innovation scheme and was recently launched in September.

RMIT researchers Paul Wright, Arnan Mitchell and Bryce Feltis from the University's College of Science, Engineering and Health are involved in the three-year project.

Wright and Mitchell recently took part in the project's inaugural meeting in Copenhagen along with RMIT Europe's Research and Innovation Associate Industry 4.0 Boaz Kogon.

Kogon said that the project will improve the responsiveness of research and innovation processes to public values and concerns.

"Nanotechnology, which is the manipulation of matter at the atomic scale, has resulted in rapid advances across medicine, materials, electronics, food and technology.

"But its powerful potential also means that it needs careful governance – and with input from a wide group of stakeholders.

"The GoNano project will see engagement with citizens, civil society organisations, nanotech industry, researchers and policymakers to inform the future of nanotechnologies in Europe," he said.

One of the aims of the project, which is expected to run to 2020, is to demonstrate how researchers can effectively work with public and professional stakeholders to create novel suggestions for future nanotechnology products.

Expected outputs also include the co-creation of concrete product suggestions in food, health and energy as well as nanotechnology policy recommendations.

RMIT's contribution to the project will involve running stakeholder workshops and webinars, creating guidelines and electronic toolkits as well as delivering a postgraduate and research summer school.

The work will be delivered out of the University's European hub in Barcelona, RMIT Europe.

Story: Karen Matthews

GoNano is a Coordination and Support Action funded by the European Union under the NMBP Programme of Horizon 2020, Grant Agreement n° 768622.

Technology

28 November 2017

Technology

28 November 2017

Advanced Materials
RMIT Europe

Engage

Contact RMIT News

Find an expert

Study with us

Related News

New partnership with global infrastructure giant ACCIONA to advance sustainability

RMIT and ACCIONA have signed a partnership agreement to drive innovation and build skills for a sustainable future.

Enabling circular economy practices in sustainable metal production

Researchers in the DIAMETER project will develop digital platforms focused on augmented sustainability and circularity of additive manufacturing and machining processes.

RMIT and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) announce dual degree partnership for civil engineering students

A new strategic collaboration with UPM will allow students to enrich their academic experience in an international environment.

RMIT partners with London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham to boost cross-border tech innovation

The new agreement will connect the White City and Melbourne Innovation Districts to create new opportunities and strengthen economic growth.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information

Citizens to help inform the future of nanotechnology in Europe