Nanotechnology benchmarking report

This project pilots a benchmarking methodology for assessing emerging areas of science and technology in Australia by assessing Australia's capability in nanotechnology.

It identifies strengths, gaps and strategic opportunities for national advancement.

The study found that Australian nanotechnology researchers are producing high-quality work across all areas of nanotechnology, but there is evidence that Australia is not advancing our capabilities as quickly as the rest of the world. The findings also suggest that Australia may fall further behind in the future unless nanotechnology is maintained as a national research priority and funded accordingly. It is recommended that Australia's nanotechnology research performance be regularly evaluated using the methodology established in this study. 

This project was funded under the Australian Research Council's (ARC) Learned Academies Special Projects grant scheme.

Preliminary findings of the benchmarking project were presented at the Sir Mark Oliphant Conference 'Scaling down to a nano-materials world' in Melbourne on 1–4 December 2003.