• What would you say are the hot topics this year?
The biggest growth area is related to energy. Issues like global warming, climate change and concern about future energy needs have made this conference grow faster and larger than we anticipated. Many of the innovations and developments in clean technology are happening with the aid of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. We've spun-out a whole new event at the show called Cleantech 2007. The programme addresses the use of emerging technologies to accelerate the drive towards a more ecologically sustainable economy and a lot of this relates back to energy.
Other areas on the rise include medical, pharma- and bionanotechology. Our CancerNano symposium has almost doubled in size and there are many new agencies and universities involved this year.
The re-creation of a special symposium on carbon nanotubes chaired by Clayton Teague, director of the US National Nanotechnology Co-ordination Office, is set to be another highlight. Experts will tackle the challenges involved in the manufacture of single-wall carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube composites, one of the biggest issues in nanotechnology today. Top scientists from Boeing, NIST, Dupont, NASA, Zyvex, MIT and Lockheed Martin will spearhead the talks.
• Are there any special events that visitors should look out for?
We have over 100 organizations participating in an innovation showcase on Wednesday evening, which should be fascinating. On a lighter note, a hands-on "nano in golf" display and driving range will debut at this year's expo event. We'll also have a range of alternative-energy vehicles on display that feature nanotechnology-based fuel cells.
NSTI NanoTech 2007 takes place Sun 20 – Thu 24 May at the Santa Clara Convention Center, California, US.
To get the inside view, click on nanotechweb.org's SHOW BLOG.