Australian Research Council Nanotechnology Network

The Australian Research Council Nanotechnology Network (ARCNN) is established for the purpose of enhancing Australia's research outcomes in the field of nanotechnology. This establishment brought together some 70 national work groups in nanotechnology located in The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), and Australian National Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), as well as various Australian universities, and other related areas. It formally began operations in late 2004 and receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and other contributing partner institutions.

The partner institutions are the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Western Australia, the University of New South Wales, Macquarie University and the University of Melbourne. The Australian federal government has committed funding via the Australian Research Council (ARC) to the advancement of research projects with the main of building and transforming Australian industries with the help of frontier technologies. ARCNN is housed at the Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Australian National University, Canberra.

The basic vision of the network is to coordinate Nanotechnology research efforts in Australia. The ARCNN strives to achieve its aim by bringing different groups—working in nanotechnology and other related areas—in close cooperation with each other. The network encourages forums for postgraduate students and early career researchers, promotes better nanotechnology infrastructure, seeks international links with United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Netherlands, and many others, and struggles to promote awareness of existing infrastructure among researchers and people.

The network has made great strides and has contributed significantly toward nanoscience research. For instance, Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering, ANU is the only commercial source of boron nitride nanotubes in the world. Australian researchers have developed breakthrough products like ultra fine zinc additives used in sunscreens and self cleaning paints. The groundbreaking work has been possible because of the tremendous facilities that are offered, namely, nanofabrication, modeling and simulation tools, growth and synthesis facilities for nanostructures, and other device testing opportunities. Although there are tremendous applications in agriculture, health, electronics, and energy production, to mention a few, the work philosophy of the network is a balancing act between progress and careful assessment of potential risks and dangers to the workers in nanotechnology itself and the final consumers of the products.

A research base in electronics/photonics is provided by the ARC Centres for Nanostructured Electromaterials, Quantum Computer Technology and Quantum Atom Optics along with various Australian universities that has attracted interest and investment from major U.S. computer firms. The Wark™, a leading Center for particle science and mineral interfaces aids the endeavors of ARC Special Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces and the Nano and Biomaterials Centre by attracting extensive overseas collaboration.