Introduction

Nanotechnology is the study of phenomena and fine-tuning of materials at atomic, molecular and macromolecular scales, where properties differ significantly from those at a larger scale. Products based on nanotechnology are already in use and analysts expect markets to grow by hundreds of billions of euros during this decade. These advances can contribute to the European Union’s growth, competitiveness and sustainable development objectives and many of its policies including public health, employment and occupational safety and health, information society, industry, innovation, environment, energy, transport, security and space.

Nanotechnology research portal of the European Commission

CORDIS website portal on nanotechnology research on European level

It offers website access to funding opportunities and EU funded projects, information on international co-operation, financing and innovation, education and mobility, health, environment and safety aspects, and communication and debate. The site also includes publications and events in nanotechnology, the latest nano-related news, and press material on nanotechnology in general and on specific funded projects. It also presents information on the European Strategy and the Action Plan on nanotechnology.

The FAQ section now has answers to frequently asked questions in five languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish

Second Implementation Report 2007-2009
DE | EN | FR ( (54 KB)

Accompanying Staff Working Document (containing detailed information)
EN (  534 KB)

The Communication on Regulatory Aspects of Nanomaterials
EN - FR - DE (  70 KB)

Accompanying Staff Working Document (summary of legislation)
EN (  207 KB)

Substantial support to nanotechnology from FP7 during its first year (2007)
Link

New section with answers to frequently asked questions
Link

A code of conduct for responsible nanosciences and nanotechnologies research
A Commission Recommendation of 07/02/2008 - EN -FR - DE (  100 KB)

Past Events

12/11/2009

On completion of the term of the European Commission’s ‘Nanosciences and nanotechnologies: An action plan for Europe 2005-2009’, nearly 100 delegates met in Brussels, under the auspices of the Swedish EC Presidency, to consider the way ahead, with particular regard to the issues of nanotechnologies in relation to sustainable development.
Summary report ( 125 KB – contains links to presentations: 100 KB – 17 MB)

7-8/05/2008

First conference on the Recommendation on a code of conduct for responsible nanosciences and nanotechnologies research

05/12/2007 (Brussels)

Debate on Governance Initiatives for the European Nanotechnology Community in the Public and Private Sectors.

06/09/2007

European Commission Communication: "Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies: An action plan for Europe 2005-2009. First Implementation Report 2005-2007".