Australia

Australia is respected around the world for the dedication of its government and institutions to research and development in the newest fields in STEM, nanotechnology in particular, benefiting applications in agriculture, IT, health, transportation and energy. As such, it is an attractive partner for nanotechnology research.  

Australia’s strong GDP and commitment to investment in robust nanotechnology research and manufacturing (ranked 8th in the last decade for NT investment) supports an innovative and robust ecosystem, making it one of the world’s most established players in nanotechnology. Australia also boasts an enterprising population, supportive government, and stringent IP protection – all conditions which are ideal to develop and advance nanotechnology and its applications.  

University of Sydney Institute for Nanotechnology (Sydney Nano)

WIN has initiated a very exciting partnership with The University of Sydney Institute for Nanotechnology, or Sydney Nano. Sydney Nano is an excellent partner for WIN with well-defined objectives, research output and grand challenges set out for its membership very similar to those of WIN. 

A virtual/physical workshop in November 2020 with Australia, Japan and Netherlands covered the following core topics: 

  1. Nanotechnology and Society, Policy and Science Diplomacy (UNSDG: #17 Partnership for the Goals) 

  2. Industry & Innovation (fundamental technology, structural materials, new materials discovery with ML/AI) (UNSDG: #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; #11 Sustainable Cities & Communities) 

  3. Energy & Environment (energy harvesting and storage, carbon capture, climate change) (UNSDG: #7 Affordable & Clean Energy; #13 Climate Change) 

  4. Devices & Technology for Healthcare and Communications (UNSDG: #3 Good Health & Well-Being; #9 Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure; #11 Sustainable Cities & Communities) 

  5. Resource Management and the Circular Economy (UNSDG: #6 Clean Water & Sanitation;  #11 Sustainable Cities & Communities; #12 Responsible Consumption & Production; #13 Climate Change; #17 Partnership for the Goals

Sydney Nano is also a co-founding institution of the International Network for Sustainable Nanotechnology (N4SNano) and a joint secretariat for the network for 2021-22.