What is Horizon 2020?
Horizon 2020 is the European Union's largest research and innovation program, with nearly €80 billion of funding available over seven years (2014 to 2020). The program aims to drive economic growth and create jobs by fostering innovation in various fields, including
Nanotechnology. Horizon 2020 is designed to bring together researchers, industry, and policymakers to tackle societal challenges and improve Europe's global competitiveness.
How does Horizon 2020 support Nanotechnology?
Horizon 2020 provides extensive support for nanotechnology through dedicated funding, collaborative projects, and strategic initiatives. The program emphasizes the development and application of
nanomaterials and
nanoscale devices to address critical issues in health, energy, environment, and industry. Some key areas of focus include:
Graphene Flagship: A large-scale research initiative aimed at exploring the potential of graphene and related materials in various applications, from electronics to biomedical engineering.
NanoReg: A project focused on developing regulatory frameworks and safety guidelines for the safe use of nanomaterials in industrial and consumer products.
NanoFutures: A collaborative platform that brings together stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to identify future research priorities and opportunities in nanotechnology.
Funding Opportunities: Access to substantial funding for research and innovation projects.
Collaborative Networks: Opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers, industry partners, and policymakers across Europe and beyond.
Interdisciplinary Research: Support for interdisciplinary research that combines nanotechnology with other scientific fields, such as
biotechnology,
materials science, and
information technology.
Market Access: Assistance in bringing innovative nanotechnology products and solutions to the market.
Safety and Regulation: Developing frameworks to ensure the safe use of nanomaterials and nanoscale devices.
Standardization: Establishing standards for the characterization and measurement of nanomaterials.
Societal Acceptance: Promoting public understanding and acceptance of nanotechnology through outreach and education initiatives.
Environmental Impact: Assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of nanotechnology applications.
How can researchers and organizations participate in Horizon 2020?
Researchers and organizations can participate in Horizon 2020 by responding to
calls for proposals published by the European Commission. These calls cover a wide range of topics and are open to participants from academia, industry, and the public sector. Interested parties can form consortia and submit project proposals for evaluation. Successful proposals receive funding and support to carry out their research and innovation activities.
Conclusion
Horizon 2020 has played a pivotal role in advancing nanotechnology research and innovation in Europe. By providing funding, fostering collaboration, and addressing key challenges, the program has helped to unlock the potential of nanotechnology to address societal needs and drive economic growth. As Horizon 2020 transitions to its successor program, Horizon Europe, the nanotechnology community can look forward to continued support and new opportunities for breakthrough discoveries and applications.
