NANO Programme

Programme contact(s)


Summary of the Programme

Duration: 2000 - 2008
Total Budget: EUR 6,700,000
Total Expenses: EUR 6,521,578
Total Projects Funded: 6

The NANO programme aimed at creating a European Centre specialised in the characterisation of materials on the nanometre scale. The characterisation of a material (plastic, metal, glass, and biological tissue or cell) can be analytical, morphological or functional.

In order to reach the nanometre resolution necessary to the development or the study of these new materials, it is necessary:

  • to have available a series of scientific devices developed very recently by a few manufacturers (Spectrometers of Secondary Ion Mass devices, under development notably for Harvard Medical School or NASA), devices that analyse the nanomechanical properties of surfaces, methods compatible with measurements on individual cells like bio-impedance
  • to optimise / to modify these devices according to the fields of application and materials to be analysed
  • to develop new analysis technologies

These techniques are very recent and widely stem from European fundamental research.

The final evaluation of the NANO Programme was undertaken by the Technopolis Group, with the help of a nanotechnology expert and experienced evaluators. It was concluded that the scientific quality of the projects is in line with the international level and that the objectives of the projects have been achieved in most cases. The projects focussed on instrumental development, development and preparation of probes, imagery and (practical) applications in diverse domains. As a result, these projects helped to reinforce the SAM (Science and Analysis of Materials) department’s position. The results of NANO generated follow-up projects with national and international partners in both the private and public sectors. The projects contributed to reinforcing international collaboration. The continuation of the activities started around the NANO programme is now guaranteed within the CORE programme.

Closed Projects