'Less than satisfactory' - CST publishes analysis of Government Policy Progress on Nanotechnologies.
The Government's leading advisers on science and technology fear that Britain may be falling behind in its engagement with the fast developing field of nanotechnologies. On March 27th, the Council for Science and Technology (CST) released their review into progress on Government Commitments to Nanotechnology. They concluded that although the Government had performed well in some areas, there was a lack of progress in fundamental areas such as research into potential risks associated with nanotechnology development and their management.
The report highlighted progress that the Government has made toward setting standards and metrology for nanotechnology, as well as commending the valuable dialogue that has been established with industry and the public engagement initiatives that have been conducted. However, the Council stressed that without a suitable framework to ensure the safe handling of nanotechnology the progress of the UK as a leader in the field was significantly hindered.
The CST called for a balance to be reached between research to develop new nanotechnology applications, and research into the toxicology, health and environmental effects of nanomaterials. In order to establish this, their major recommendation was implementation of a strategic programme of Government spending with targeted funds directed at the most pressing research needs.
The report may be viewed in full at:
http://www2.cst.gov.uk/cst/business/files/nano_review.pdf