What is Horizon 2020?
Horizon 2020 is the European Union's largest research and innovation program, running from 2014 to 2020 with a budget of nearly €80 billion. The program aims to drive economic growth and create jobs by funding research and innovation across various sectors, including
nanotechnology.
Why is Nanotechnology Important in Horizon 2020?
Nanotechnology is a key enabling technology that has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, from healthcare to energy. Horizon 2020 recognizes this potential and has allocated significant resources to support
nanotechnology research and its applications. The goal is to foster innovation, enhance competitiveness, and address societal challenges.
Funding Opportunities: Grants and financial support for research projects and collaborations.
Collaborative Projects: Encouragement of partnerships between academia, industry, and research institutions.
Innovation Hubs: Establishment of centers of excellence for nanotechnology research and development.
Regulatory Frameworks: Development of standards and regulations to ensure the safe and responsible use of nanotechnology.
Graphene Flagship: A 10-year, €1 billion initiative to commercialize graphene, a revolutionary nanomaterial.
NanoReg: A project focused on developing regulatory frameworks for nanomaterials to ensure their safe use.
SmartNanoTox: Research aimed at understanding the toxicological impact of nanomaterials.
What are the Future Prospects?
As Horizon 2020 transitions to
Horizon Europe, the focus on nanotechnology will continue to grow. The new program aims to build on the successes of Horizon 2020, with increased funding and a stronger emphasis on addressing global challenges through innovation. Nanotechnology will remain a cornerstone of these efforts, driving advancements across multiple sectors and contributing to a sustainable future.
