Speaker Abstract: S-28
National Nanotechnology Initiative: Benefits and Responsibilities
Celia Merzbacher, Ph.D., Agency Representative, National Science and Technology Council, Executive Office of the President
Nanotechnology-the ability to control matter at the nanometer scale and to create materials and devices with novel properties and function that result from nanoscale dimensionality-promises to lead to advances in almost every field, including diagnosis and treatment of disease. The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is the multi-agency program aimed at coordinating the federal investment in nanotechnology research and development. The President's budget for FY 2005 requests nearly $1 billion for nanotechnology research across 10 agencies in support of fundamental and applied research, infrastructure development-including user facilities and networks that are broadly available to investigators from all sectors of the scientific research community-and education and training of a skilled nanotechnology workforce for the future. In addition, the NNI continues to support activities aimed at assessing the societal implications of nanotechnology, including ethical, legal, health and environmental effects. At the same time as the federal funds are directed toward the development of nanotechnology for beneficial purposes, federal regulatory agencies must assess risks and, if warranted, take actions to protect public health and the environment. Interagency efforts are underway to coordinate and facilitate these research and regulatory ctivities.
2004 FDA Science Forum | FDA Chapter, Sigma Xi | CFSAN | FDA
Last updated on 2004-MAY-28 by frf