Nanotechnology and Technology Assessment/Societal Implications -

The Perspective of BMBF

Dr. Dr. Bernd HungerDivision 511; Nanomaterials, New Materials Federal Ministry of Education and and Research (BMBF)

Nanotechnology funding of BMBF

Lead innovations

Accompanying Measures

Technology Assessment studies of BMBF

Strategy of BMBF with regard to nano-risks

Outlook

Outline

BMBF project funding in nanotechnolgy

Nanobiotechnology

Production technology

Nanomaterials, Nanochemistry, CCN

Nanooptics

Nanoelectronics

Microsystems technolgy

2003

20,3

5,4

25,2

25,0

7,0

0,8

88,2 Mio. Euro

Fe3O4

Up to nowNew approach:

market-driven and society-orientedsystems processing

Information &communication

4,0

German Campaign for the Future of Nanotechnology

Conquer new markets to create new jobs

Provide support for young scientists and promote education and training

Strategic reorientation of the national funding strategy focussing on 3 main objectives

Consider social demands and ethical aspectsImplementation of risk assessment and public dialogue

Clustering of Resources

Accompanying Measures

Lead Innovations

Instruments for Implementation

BMBF-Lead innovations in nanotechnology

NanoFab Ultra-precision, high-throughput manufacturing

for nano-electronics

NanoLux efficient light sources for innovative lighting applications

NanoMobil Nano-materials and nanotechnology in the car

NanoforLife Nano-materials and nanobiotechnology

for life sciences and health

BMBF-Lead innovation - NanoFab

300 mm wafer technology - 143 Mio €- World leadership developed in Germany- Basis for the nanoelectronics industry in Saxony

Lithography (production technology) - 100 Mio € - 157 nm lithography- EUV lithography- European co-operation partners are becoming world market leaders

Mask technology - 80 Mio €- drawing American investors to Germany- combining research and production

BMBF-Lead innovation - NanoLux

Nanotechnology for energy-saving lighting systemsThe aim of future lighting technology: More efficient lighting yield

(conventional bulb: 95% of the energy is converted into heat)worldwide market volume for lighting: 12 billion € (in Germany 20%)

Pictures: Osram Optosemiconductors GmbH , Regenburg

BMBF-Lead innovation - NanoMobil

Low-lubrication cylinders, PEM cell

Easy-to-clean surface

bodywork design

Effect-switch paintTextile conditioning

Sensors, vision,environment, interior

Glare-free windowsAll-round glazing

Catalytic, nano-porous filters

Corrosionprotection, EMC

Light weight con-struction, H2 storage

Safety

Comfort

Sustainability

NanoMobil is 90 % Nano + Material +Chemistry

Source and picture: Deutsche Automobilindustrie

BMBF-Lead innovation - NanoforLife

Potentials of nanotechnology in medicine:

Development of new diagnostics and therapies (e.g. nano-particles for the treatment of cancer, improved imaging processes) Reduction of undesired side effects through specific material delivery and lower dosage (drug delivery system, “theranostics”) Long-term: cost reductions in health care through lower manufacturing costs, better prevention, longer-life implants

Demographic changes and availability of new diagnostics and therapies are bringing about a cost explosion in the health system (in Germany 225.9 billion € in 2001).

Picture: Pictures of the future ( Siemens)

Health is one of the most importantHealth is one of the most importantbasic social valuesbasic social values

Innovation Supporting Measures

Young Scientist Competition

National Contact and Information Point

NanoTruck

Identifying Trend Qualifications in Nanotechnology

Nanochance-Programme

Accompanying Measures Nanotechnology

Research and sponsorship organizations

Centers of Competence and other Organizations

Centers of Competence Examples of local and regional networks

Technology Assessment (TA)

3 ongoing studies focussing on:

Potential of nanotechnology for health

Economic potential of nanotechnology

Effects on sustainabilty by use and development ofnanotechnology-based products

Results will be Published in November 2004 !

Sources :1 - Teufelchen im Anflug: Der Spiegel 49/20022 - Gefräßige Nanobots: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, 29.11.2002 3 - Why The Future Doesn't Need Us: Wired, April 2000 4 - The Big Down: From Genomes to Atoms”: ETC Group, January 2003 5 - Nano Bug: Scientific American 285(2001) 3,69 6 - Future Technology, Today's Choices - Nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics; A technical, political and institutional map of emerging technologies. A report for the Greenpeace Environmental Trust: by Alexander Huw Arnall, Imperial College London, University of London, July 2003 7 - Beute (Prey), Michael Crichton, Blessing Verlag 2002

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Recommendations of the Royal Society Report

Investigation of Life Cycle aspects

Research on toxicological and epidemiological aspects of nanoparticles

Establish interdisciplinary research center for nano-risks

Evaluation and if necessary amendment of existing legislation

Interdisciplinary research on societal and ethical aspects of nanotechnology

Fostering information and communication (ITA, NanoTruck...)

Improving dialog and discourse with all stakeholders, public and scientists of all involved disciplines

Research strategy as core of strategy

Precautionary strategy: Prove existing regulations and if necessary adapt it, set limit values etc.

Utilization strategy: Support SMEs, establish data bases on chances and risks

Strategies of the BMBF

Expand accompanying measures

Lead innovations

Funding of „Nanocare“-Project Investigate effect threshold values of nanomaterials

Establish broad spectrum of methods for characterization

Cooperation between government, public and industry

Not limited to specific materials but general view on treatment of nanomaterials

Investigate interactions of nanomaterials in the human body

Establish new screening methods for toxicological properties ...

Outlook