Despite a sluggish economy and fears of a swine flu outbreak, more than 250 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors from 67 countries filled the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston for NSTI Nanotech 2009, the largest event of its kind in the world. At the busy IEEE-SA ProductNEXT exhibit, discussion focused on the pressing need for new standards to enhance global research, collaboration and market development in what some experts are calling "the second industrial revolution."

Just 20 years ago the idea that someone could control and restructure material at the molecular level was ridiculed as science fiction.  Today Nanotechnology is employed in nearly all industries -- including agriculture, communications, health care, information technology and transportation -- to provide cleaner, safer and more efficient products.  Without standards, however, the vast potential of Nanotechnology to improve life for all people cannot be met.

As the world's largest standards development organization, IEEE-SA was very pleased to be a Gold Sponsor of Nanotech 2009.  We asked the hundreds of scientists, engineers, executives, innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs, who visited our booth to tell us how we can help promote continued responsible growth in Nanotechnology through new standards or standards-related products and services.  Many respondents said they wanted an easily accessible online database of all applicable Nanotech standards.  Others hoped for a more clearly defined international standards regimen in multiple languages to encourage Nanotech development across borders.  A sampling of some other suggestions included:

• Solar test and measurements standards;
• Standards for using technical software to process data and run instruments for characterization;
• Standards for Nanomaterials;
• Benchmarking for risk management process; and
• Health and safety Nano

We wish to thank everyone who took the time to stop by and complete a survey.  Rest assured we are currently working very hard to analyze and implement your ideas and insights.  We will certainly keep you posted on our progress.
If you did not have a chance to talk with us at Nanotech, please feel to share your thoughts by submitting a product idea or via the online survey.  Technology only works when we all work together.