A small but enthusiastic group of engineers, material scientists and interested professionals recently participated in a Brisbane-based Nanotechnology luncheon through a video-link up.

The Gladstone group was linked via video to Brisbane to listen to, and participate in, two talks given by respected leaders in environmental-related Nanotechnology (the science of manipulating extremely small matter).

The Brisbane event was organised by Future Materials, a federally-funded organisation set up for the promotion of research and development in materials science and engineering.

The aim of this luncheon was to facilitate the interaction between industry, government and academia and to provide some information about the types of Nanotechnology research presently being undertaken.

Central Queensland University’s Foundation Professor in Industrial Materials, Professor Richard Clegg, said the video-link to Gladstone was organised to demonstrate that more interaction between Brisbane and regional areas was achievable and beneficial for all.

“Technology such as CQU’s access-grid and video conferencing facilities means that it is very achievable for our researchers and industries to network on a regular basis with those in cities and other regional areas.”.

“Both presenters were extremely interesting and it was an excellent opportunity for us to hear from leaders in the field without having to travel outside of Gladstone,” said Professor Clegg.

One of the presenters was a lawyer working with the Canadian National Institute for Nanotechnology. Lori Sheremeta’s work is focused on the legal, ethical and social issues surrounding genetic technologies, stem cell technologies and nanotechnology.

The second talk was from the head of Research and Development at a company called Plantic, which has developed a plastic made form plant products (starch). The plastic is durable until it comes into contact with water and dissolves.

Professor Clegg said there were a number of other Nanotechnology talks in the near future which CQU hopes to be able to link in to.