OSTP initiates ANSI Establishment of Nanotechnology Standards Panel

Following contact by OSTP, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has announced the formation of the ANSI Nanotechnology Standards Panel (ANSI-NSP), a new coordinating body for the development of nanotechnology standards in support of academics, various industries, the investment community, and government agencies involved with nanotechnology.

The panel will first convene September 29-30, 2004, at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD, to develop a plan for its work on nanotechnology nomenclature and terminology.

To find out more about ANSI-NSP, to register for the meeting, or to indicate interest in participating in the associated Steering Committee (for which nominations are due August 20, 2004), click here [insert link to the following webpage]

http://www.ansi.org/standards_activities/standards_boards_panels/nsp/overview.aspx?menuid=3

According to Dr. John H. Marburger, Director of OSTP, “As new materials, structures, devices and systems are developed that derive their properties and function due to their nanoscale dimensions, it will become increasingly important to the . . . stakeholders to have an agreed upon nomenclature with which to communicate.”