Nanotechnology and Technology Assessment/Societal Implications - The Perspective of BMBF

1. Nanotechnology and Technology Assessment/Societal Implications - The Perspective of BMBF Dr. Dr. Bernd Hunger Division 511; Nanomaterials, New Materials Federal Ministry of Education and and Research (BMBF)

2. Outline • Nanotechnology funding of BMBF • Lead innovations • Accompanying Measures • Technology Assessment studies of BMBF • Strategy of BMBF with regard to nano-risks • Outlook

4. German Campaign for the Future of Nanotechnology Strategic reorientation of the national funding strategy focussing on 3 main objectives Conquer new markets to create new jobs Provide support for young scientists and promote education and training Consider social demands and ethical aspects Implementation of risk assessment and public dialogue

5. Lead Innovations Accompanying Measures Instruments for Implementation Clustering of Resources

6. BMBF-Lead innovations in nanotechnology • NanoFab Ultra-precision, high-throughput manufacturing for nano-electronics • NanoLux efficient light sources for innovative lighting applications • NanoMobilNano-materials and nanotechnology in the car • NanoforLifeNano-materials and nanobiotechnology for life sciences and health

7. BMBF-Lead innovation - NanoFab • 300 mm wafer technology - 143 Mio € • World leadership developed in Germany • Basis for the nanoelectronics industry in Saxony • Lithography (production technology) - 100 Mio € • - 157 nm lithography • - EUV lithography • European co-operation partners are becoming world market leaders • Mask technology - 80 Mio € • drawing American investors to Germany • combining research and production

8. BMBF-Lead innovation - NanoLux Nanotechnology for energy-saving lighting systems The aim of future lighting technology: More efficient lighting yield (conventional bulb: 95% of the energy is converted into heat) worldwide market volume for lighting: 12 billion € (in Germany 20%) Pictures: Osram Optosemiconductors GmbH , Regenburg

9. Sustainability Low-lubrication cylinders, PEM cell Corrosionprotection, EMC Catalytic, nano-porous filters Light weight con-struction, H2 storage Glare-free windowsAll-round glazing Easy-to-clean surface bodywork design Safety Comfort Sensors, vision,environment, interior Effect-switch paintTextile conditioning BMBF-Lead innovation - NanoMobil NanoMobil is 90 % Nano + Material +Chemistry Source and picture: Deutsche Automobilindustrie

10. Health is one of the most importantbasic social values BMBF-Lead innovation- NanoforLife Demographic changes and availability of new diagnostics and therapies are bringing about a cost explosion in the health system (in Germany 225.9 billion € in 2001). • Potentials of nanotechnology in medicine: • Development of new diagnostics and therapies (e.g. nano-particles for the treatment of cancer, improved imaging processes) • Reduction of undesired side effectsthrough specific material delivery and lower dosage (drug delivery system, “theranostics”) • Long-term: cost reductionsin health care through lower manufacturing costs, better prevention, longer-life implants Picture: Pictures of the future ( Siemens)

11. Accompanying Measures Nanotechnology • Innovation Supporting Measures • Young Scientist Competition • National Contact and Information Point • NanoTruck • Identifying Trend Qualifications in Nanotechnology • Nanochance-Programme

12. Examples of local and regional networks Research and sponsorship organizations Centers of Competence and other Organizations Centers of Competence

13. Technology Assessment (TA) 3 ongoing studies focussing on: Potential of nanotechnology for health Economic potential of nanotechnology Effects on sustainabilty by use and development of nanotechnology-based products Results will be Published in November 2004 !

14. 5 7 1 2 6 Sources : 1 - Teufelchen im Anflug: Der Spiegel 49/2002 2 - Gefräßige Nanobots: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, 29.11.2002 3 - Why The Future Doesn't Need Us: Wired, April 2000 4 - The Big Down: From Genomes to Atoms”: ETC Group, January 2003 5 - Nano Bug: Scientific American 285(2001) 3,69 6 - Future Technology, Today's Choices - Nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics; A technical, political and institutional map of emerging technologies. A report for the Greenpeace Environmental Trust: by Alexander Huw Arnall, Imperial College London, University of London, July 2003 7 - Beute (Prey), Michael Crichton, Blessing Verlag 2002 3 4

15. Recommendations of the Royal Society Report • Investigation of Life Cycle aspects • Research on toxicological and epidemiological aspects of nanoparticles • Establish interdisciplinary research center for nano-risks • Evaluation and if necessary amendment of existing legislation • Interdisciplinary research on societal and ethical aspects of nanotechnology

16. Strategies of the BMBF • Fostering information and communication (ITA, NanoTruck...) • Improving dialog and discourse with all stakeholders, public and scientists of all involved disciplines • Research strategy as core of strategy • Precautionary strategy: Prove existing regulations and if necessary adapt it, set limit values etc. • Utilization strategy: Support SMEs, establish data bases on chances and risks

17. Outlook • Expand accompanying measures • Lead innovations • Funding of „Nanocare“-Project • Investigate effect threshold values of nanomaterials • Establish broad spectrum of methods for characterization • Cooperation between government, public and industry • Not limited to specific materials but general view on treatment of nanomaterials • Investigate interactions of nanomaterials in the human body • Establish new screening methods for toxicological properties ...