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The adoption of nanotechnologies across a number of different markets is estimated to create up to 10 million manufacturing globally by 2014 (Lux Research, 2004), accounting for an 11% share of all manufacturing jobs. Two thirds of these jobs will replace existing manufacturing jobs, and require the (re-)training of (existing) technical supporting staff, while 2 to 3 million vacancies are anticipated to be created for highly skilled nanotechnologists (Roco, 2003).
Many Universities have recognised this need and are now offering Master’s Programmes in nanotechnology, often with significantly different emphases and core disciplines, making it nearly impossible for both perspective students and future employers to compare the many programmes on offer according to the training they deliver and the skills they aim to develop.
The Institute of Nanotechnology, in collaboration with a consortium of representatives from industry and academia industry, has addressed this information gap by creating an online Nanotechnology Master’s Programmes Recognition Scheme, which enables a ‘one-stop-shop’ comparison of courses with multi-disciplinary contents and aims. Since its launch in January 2007, many of Universities throughout Europe have entered the required details about their respective Nanotechnology Master’s Programmes.
References:
Lux Research, The Nanotech Report 2004, 2004.
Lux Research, Sizing Nanotechnology's Value Chain, October 2004.
Roco M. C., Converging science and technology at the nanoscale: opportunities for education and training, In: Nature Biotechnology Vol. 21, pp. 1247-1249, 2003.
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