July 15, 2008

Nanotechnology conference to focus on the environment

Called Nanotechnology and the Environment, the sessions will feature the latest research on the subject and future business possibilities in nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is the design and production of materials that are less than 100 nanometers in size.

"Applications in this science are relatively new, so we are just now finding out some of the implications," said conference coordinator Natalie Carroll, a Purdue professor of youth development and agricultural education. "Materials made on this very small scale have been found to have very different physical properties from the same substances made in more traditional ways.

"The goal of this conference is to bring to light what is known about this technology and help inform those who must make decisions about future opportunities and acceptance of nanotechnology."

Anyone interested in the topic is welcome to attend, particularly those in industry, government and research. The conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. Rooms may be reserved by calling (317) 631-2221.

The conference fee is $200. The rate for government employees is $100. Registration is available at www.conf.purdue.edu/nano  or by contacting John Wellman at jmw@purdue.edu, (765) 494-0243 or (800) 359-2968.

Host for the event is Purdue's Assessment of Nanomaterials in the Environment project, one of the first research programs to investigate the interactions between nanoparticles and the environment. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, this conference also has support from the Nanotechnology Center and Center for the Environment in Purdue's Discovery Park.

Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu

Source: Natalie Carroll, (765) 494-8433, ncarroll@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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