| Summary: |
This report from the Australian Academy of Science summarizes the state of Australian nanotechnology in 2009, including a survey of research trends and collaboration networks, as well as an analysis of Nanotechnology Stakeholder Day (September 25, 2009) where forty attendees met to discuss nanotechnology research in Australia. From the input of the nanotechnology community, the report makes eight recommendations to support future Australian nanotechnology research: The Australian Government should lead a National Strategic Plan for Nanotechnology Research developed in consultation with stakeholders, long-term funding should be allocated to an integrated nanotechnology network representing research and industry needs and whose participants would develop and implement the National Strategic Plan for Nanotechnology Research, there should be a single national support system for international collaboration, all levels of government should fund nanotechnology infrastructure and equipment, funding agencies should expand beyond supporting basic research and should also encourage market-driven research, the Australian Government should establish a nanotechnology entrepreneurial fellowship scheme, all levels of government should maintain support and funding mechanisms for Australian-based nanotechnology collaborations, and all levels of government should continue their efforts to develop science-based regulation. |