UK invests in the nano world

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is one of seven agencies that distributes funding for research and postgraduate training on behalf of the UK government. The EPSRC invests around £500 million ($800 million) each year, with a view to sustaining and enhancing the UK's science and technology base. The Council's support for nanoscience and nanotechnology has almost tripled over the past four years. This is partly the result of targeted funding schemes, but also the appearance of more ‘nano’ proposals in the standard grant applications. The EPSRC now boasts a substantial and diverse research portfolio in nanoscience and nanotechnology.