FP7 gives substantial support to nanotechnology during its first year of implementation (2007)

The EU recognizes nanotechnology as strategic for the benefit of its citizens and its industrial competitiveness. In this context, the European Commission (EC) is active on two main fronts: The development a policy framework for the integrated, safe and responsible development of nanotechnology, and the funding of research.

Over the last few years, European nanotechnology research has benefited from considerable financial support, from both the EC and EU Member States, complemented by increased coordination in relevant policy areas. Under the 6th Research Framework Programme (FP6) funding of almost EUR 1.4 billion was provided to more than 550 projects in nanosciences and nanotechnologies (N&N). Over its lifetime, FP6 accounted for almost a third of total public expenditure in Europe for N&N.

FP7 will similarly provide a major funding source for nanotechnology research in the period up to 2013 expectedly more than doubling the funding attributed by FP6. In 2007, the first year of FP7 implementation, the European Commission allocated around EUR 600 million to projects for research and development in nanosciences and nanotechnologies. Around EUR 75 million has been allocated to "nano" within the Marie Curie action. Some EUR 20 million is allocated to research on health, safety and environmental aspects of nanomaterials, particularly on the possible impact of nanoparticles on health and the environment. Moreover, some EUR 8 million is allocated to projects to promote debate and measures for the good governance of nanotechnology, such the creation of an observatory on the development and use of nanotechnology.

Over the last months, the Commission adopted two policy documents, namely:

- First Implementation Report of the Commission's Action Plan for Nanotechnology; and

- Recommendation on a Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Research.

Furthermore, upon request of President Barroso, the European Group of Ethics of sciences and new technologies has provided the Commission with an opinion on nanomedicine.

The Commission services involved in nanotechnology policy and funding collaborate closely within an Interservice Group, and there are further close interactions with the competent offices in Member States and international organisations, such as OECD, ISO or UNESCO, on issues including indicators, research, standardisation, metrology or ethics, with the European Patent Office and other stakeholders.

A compilation of the main EU policy documents:

ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/nanotechnology/docs/eu_nano_policy_2004-07.pdf

Information on EC activities related to nanotechnology:

http://ec.europa.eu/nanotechnology/index_en.html

Information on EC-funded nanotechnology research:

http://cordis.europa.eu/nanotechnology/

Contact: christos.tokamanis@ec.europa.eu