Nanotech

"SCALING DOWN TO A NANO-MATERIALS WORLD …………………..

"Nanotechnology" features in the Frontiers programs embraced by Governments of industrialized nations. Universities and research organizations worldwide now have "Nano-" badges on their premier institutes.

There is no doubt that there are clear advantages posed by entrepreneurial developments based on nanosciences. We cannot, for example, sustain the waste and waste management associated with current levels of metals and materials exploitation. Nanoscience will increasingly offer us means to achieve many of the effects society expects with significantly less material consumed and discarded.

Mimicry of the structures and function in the bio-world, a world intrinsically built on units in the nanosize range, again offers us exciting opportunities. Nanoscience is central to the development of biosensors, biochips and bioplatforms that couple the great advances of medical research to improved quality of health and medical care for us all.

So, how do we implement this spectacularly bright future offered us by nanoscience? What are the challenges facing our 21st. technologists who will "engineer" our nanoscale future? How do we move from an almost "science fiction" level towards real world outcomes in nanotechnology?

The conference brings together a cohort of scientists from around the world who are playing a central role in the development of nanoscience and technology. They will highlight the challenges facing scientists and engineers in the manufacture of nanoparticles and nanomaterials, the management of the flow of particulate and other fluids in nanoscale films, the use of nanosize droplets reactors, the construction of nano-networks of biofilms that mimic biostructures and the assembly of nano-scale photonic components and electronic devices of all kinds.

In addition the conference will highlight a cohort of outstanding young Australians, all of whom are all making significant contributions to nanoscience and technology.