Nanotechnology Will Encourage National Progress: Researcher

Yogyakarta (Antara) - Nanotechnology is expected to play an important role in national development in the future, Leonard F. Lindoy, a researcher at the University of Sydney, said on Monday. Speaking during an open lecture on knowledge and partnership at Gajah Mada University (UGM), Leonard stated that nanotechnology had many uses, from medical applications to aircraft construction to the development of new materials. He noted that Indonesia had natural resources in abundance and was supported by a lot of smart and talented people, who are expected to master the ever progressing nanotechnology. "In the future, nanotechnology will become an important part of human life, and therefore Indonesians must master such a technology instead of only being its users," Lindoy pointed out. Nanotechnology has been hailed for having the potential to boost the efficiency of energy consumption, help clean the environment and solve major health problems. It also allows a considerable increase in production at significantly reduced costs. Products resulting from nanotechnology will be smaller, cheaper, lighter and yet more functional and will require less energy and fewer raw materials to manufacture. Lindoy pointed out that nanoscience and nanotechnology involved the study and application of extremely small things that can be used across all other scientific fields, such as chemistry, biology, physics, materials science and engineering. (*)