More than £2m for nanoscience research
28 March 2007
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) welcomes the review of progress in Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies, published yesterday by the Council for Science & Technology.
In recognising the importance of this emerging technology, NERC set up the Environmental Nanosciences Initiative in 2005 with partners Defra and the Environment Agency.
Dr Steven Wilson, Director of Science and Innovation at NERC, said, "The Royal Society / Royal Academy of Engineering report on nanotechnology in 2004 alerted us to the potential significance of nanotechnology to the environment. Since then NERC has actively promoted research to explore these uncertainties."
Under the Environmental Nanosciences Initiative, £550,000 has been allocated for fundamental research into the fate, behaviour and ecotoxicology of engineered nanoparticles in the natural environment. The grants will be awarded at the end of April 2007.
In the last two years, around £750,000 has been awarded in responsive mode grants and studentships to explore the behaviour and toxicology of nanoparticles in the aquatic environment and their effects and impact on aquatic animals.
Virtually nothing is known about the interaction of manufactured nanoparticles with natural
nanoparticles in water, how they might become modified and what their fate might eventually
be. The studies currently being undertaken will address these issues, as well as assessing
risks to the health of fish and animals.
Through the Environment & Human Health programme, eight new exploratory
projects relevant to nanoscience are being awarded a total
of £880,000. They cover a range of research including the hazards
of nanoparticles to health and the environment, the effects
of being exposed to nanoparticles in contaminated environments and
the impacts of inhaling nanoparticles in the atmosphere.
NERC will continue to drive forward this important research through the Environment, Pollution & Human Health theme of its new strategy, which will be launched later in the year.
Further information
NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215
Notes
1. More information about Environmental Nanosciences Initiative.
2. The Environment & Human Health programme is a joint three-year interdisciplinary, capacity building programme supported by NERC, Defra, the Environment Agency, the Ministry of Defence, the Medical Research Council, the Economic & Social Research Council, The Wellcome Trust, the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council, the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council and the Health Protection Agency.
3. NERC funds world-class science, in universities and its own research centres, that increases knowledge and understanding of the natural world. It is tackling the 21st century's major environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity and natural hazards. It leads in providing independent research and training in the environmental sciences.
Press release: 10/07
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