A pioneering team of scientists at the University of Birmingham will join forces on Monday 21 March to further develop the new industrial revolution of nanotechnology - with the support of one of the world's leading chemists.
The Collaborative Research Network in Nanotechnology (CRNNT) is an elite group of scientists from across the university and external partners who are working in partnership to research and develop the commercial exploitation of nanotechnology - the "dwarf" technology where objects are measured not in millimetres or even microns, but nanometres - one thousand millionth of a metre. This cutting-edge science has the potential to make a huge impact on a range of industries, including medicine and food.
The launch, which is open to everyone, will take place from 4.15pm, in Lecture Theatre 101 at the School of Chemistry. The event will also feature the inaugural lecture of the CRNNT, given by the eminent chemist, Professor J Fraser Stoddart, FRS from UCLA, entitled: 'Nano Toys and Nano Art: How Fun and Beauty Inspire Creativity' . The lecture will focus on the design and fabrication of nanomachines and nanodevices.
Nanotechnology at Birmingham is among the most vigorous in the UK. The CRNTT is linked to the University's 12N Nanotech Centre - a virtual centre comprising various research laboratories that carry out research in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The CRNTT is the vehicle by which the individual laboratories comprising the 12N communicate and interact. The Network features scientists from across the whole range of science and engineering disciplines.
Professor Jon Preece, Academic Champion for the Collaborative Research Network in Nanotechnology, said: "The establishment of the Collaborative Research Network in Nanotechnology (CRNNT) at the University of Birmingham is an extremely exciting venture for the researchers involved in this activity on campus. Nanotechnology is an area that requires research and development across the breadth of the science and engineering disciplines. As such the CRNNT will provide not only a focus for researchers on campus to make new collaborative links from which new discoveries and developments will emerge, but also allow current and future industrial partners to have a clear view of the depth of research activity on campus. In particular, the CRNNT will be working closely with AWM and the Central Technology Belt to deliver world leading high technology start-up company ventures in the West Midlands region."
Nanotechnology is a key priority for both the region and for the government, who recently announced that, through the Department for Trade and Industry, it will establish a national Micro and Nano Technology Network to support the uptake of nanotechnology by UK industry.
Anyone interested in attending the official launch of the CRNNT should contact Professor Jon Preece on 0121 414 3528 or email j.a.preece@bham.ac.uk
