Groundbreaking research and development in nanotechnology has been taking place in Scotland since the 1980s. We can boast an array of nano ‘superstars’ who head up world-renowned research groups at Scottish universities, not to mention the companies ranging from home-grown spin-outs to international players, who operate in Scotland.
Nanotechnology directory
The Nanotechnology in Scotland Directory provides an up-to-date snapshot of the breadth of nanotechnology research and development in Scotland today. University spin-outs, international firms, university departments and trade bodies are featured, complete with contact details for people working in the sector. This information is intended to assist you in identifying organisations and individuals across Scotland, whether for contact or collaboration.
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"Scotland has been at the forefront of nanoscience and nanotechnology for nearly 30 years, producing many of the breakthroughs that have underpinned the growth of the electronics industry. Scottish engineers, chemists and physicists are now turning their attention to the life sciences, joining forces with their world renowned colleagues in this field, to produce innovations that will have important global applications and implications, particularly in the fields of medicine and healthcare.
"As an expatriate Scot, who benefited from the stimulating intellectual environment in that country, I welcome the publication of this directory which gives the rest of the world some insight into the wealth of talent that exists in this small, but scientifically highly influential country."
Sir James Fraser Stoddart
Pioneering work in the area of supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology,
Fred Kalvi Chair in NanoSystems Sciences,
Director, California NanoSystems Institute.
"Nanotechnology is now the major challenge of the 21st Century. This directory illustrates some of the areas where Scotland can safely claim to lead the world."
Prof James T Gimzewski
Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department UCLA,
1997 Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology
The scope of the Scottish nanotechnology industry
Scotland has world leading academic and commercial expertise in nanofabrication, nanomedicine and nanomaterials, with strong convergent technology areas. The life sciences, photonics and semiconductor communities work well together, something that has enabled Scottish companies to capture new opportunities in the global marketplace.
Internationally recognised schools in product design and technology management provide a strong and available pool of graduate talent. The Institute of Nanotechnology, formed in Scotland in 1997, underpins and supports Scottish activity in the sector.
Commercial strengths
Scotland has pioneered technological development in nanotechnology and has a thriving nanotech community supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure.
- Scotland has a strong science base in many areas of micro and optoelectronics, photonics, the biosciences and healthcare.
- Important links with international optoelectronic, electronic and medical companies working at the nanoscale can be exploited.
- A number of advanced facilities have strengths in thin films, nanofabrication and photonic crystals, and ultra-fast transistor development.
- The first-rate academic sector produces a high number of engineering, pure and life science graduates.
Research and development
Nanotechnology research carried out in Scotland is having a major impact on areas such as electronics, optoelectronics, cancer research, genomics and cell engineering. Around 200 scientists are currently involved in nanotechnology in Scotland, with specialist nanotechnology centres based at universities across the country.
The University of Edinburgh’s:
- Integrated Micro and Nano Systems and Materials and Processes Group are working with the Scottish Microelectronics Centre to integrate the micro and nano world with microelectronics.
- The Chemistry department is conducting extensive research into a variety of projects with commercial potential, including the growth of nano-particles for applications in recording and information storage.
Contact us to discuss the range of services available to companies and organisations working in nanotechnology, and other electronics sectors in Scotland
The University of Glasgow’s Department of Electrical Engineering is developing methods which allow the manipulation and measurement of single biological molecules.