International Workshop on Nanotechnology for a Sustainable Future

On the 19-20th November, 2020, the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) will host the “International Workshop on Nanotechnology for a Sustainable Future”. This virtual workshop will bring together world leaders in nanotechnology to address current global issues, to meet United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) in nanotechnology & society, policy and science diplomacy, industry & innovation, energy & environment, devices for healthcare & communications, and resource management and the circular economy. 

Researchers and governmental officials from four continents will present at this workshop including representatives from Japan’s Science & Technology Agency (JST), The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano) in Australia, and Nanotechnology research hubs in the Netherlands, and WIN members, researchers from other Canadian universities, and Canadian funding agency representatives.

The participating institutions have well-defined priority theme areas for 2020-21 each having excellent overlap, and will be discussed in the following five technical sessions:

• Session 1: Nanotechnology & Society, Policy and Science Diplomacy (UN SDG #8, 10, 16, 17)
• Session 2: Industry & Innovation (UN SDG #9, 11)
• Session 3: Energy & Environment (UN SDG #7, 13)
• Session 4: Devices & Technology for Healthcare (including COVID-19) and Communications/Photonics (UN SDG #3, 9, 11)
• Session 5: Resource Management and the Circular Economy (UN SDG #6, 11, 12, 13, 17)

To view the full conference agenda and register for the conference, please use the links below.

Following the workshop, roundtable discussions will be held to identify areas of common strength, synergy and vision to support joint project and collaboration, and to set the foundations for a Network4Sustainable Nanotechnology consortium spanning the four continents and beyond.

WIN is constantly striving to be an exemplar in cross-disciplinary research and breaking down barriers to bring together traditionally dissimilar research areas for a 360o view of critical research problems. This workshop will serve to define the technological challenges and societal impacts, and assemble well-balanced teams to tackle global challenges to lead to a just and sustainable society.