Every second year, EuroNanoForum (ENF) convenes industry leaders, academics, policy makers, and various stakeholders in an inclusive forum to explore advancements in nanotechnologies. This conference, organised in the country with the presidency of the European Union at the time, has established a strong reputation and attracts a large audience. 

In 2023, EuroNanoForum took place in Lund (Sweden) from 11th to 13th of June, was organised by the University of Lund, in collaboration with the CHALMERS University of Technology (Area of Advance NANO). EuroNanoForum 2023 provided a platform to discuss important transformations related to the Green Deal, twin transition, and the resilience of our societies and economies, particularly also in terms of Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) approaches. These changes play a critical role in how European research programs can contribute to and enhance these transformations.

Advanced materials and nanotechnologies have been recognized as a pivotal Key Enabling Technology for the past five years. Rather than considering technologies in isolation as “key enablers,” the focus has shifted to global competition among industries driven by new technologies worldwide. Furthermore, emphasis has been placed on the value-added aspects of these technologies, enabling citizens to actively support their integration into daily life. Given this context, the discussions in the plenary and parallel sessions during the conference aimed to prioritize the research and innovation goals for advanced materials and nanotechnologies. The parallel sessions were dedicated to addressing the associated challenges and fostering meaningful dialogue.

Session topics included:

> Green Energy – European sustainable energy harvesting, storage, and use

> Nanomedicine – Nanomaterials to achieve innovation in healthcare

> Semiconductors and new materials for future chips

> Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design and Environmental Nanosafety

> European Flagships for an innovative Europe

> Quantum Technologies – Europe’s major role

> Advanced Materials and Manufacturing for a sustainable and resilient Europe

> European Infrastructures – From fundamental science to industrial applications

The NMBP-15 projects ASINA, SABYDOMA, SAbyNA and SbD4Nano and the NMBP-16 projects DIAGONAL, HARMLESS and SUNSHINE jointly organized a booth to raise awareness and create interest in Safe-by-Design (SbD) by explaining the concept, its impacts in the society and bringing it closer to the community. Under the name “Safe & Sustainable by Design for Europe”, all NMBP-15/16 projects showed their synergies and commonalities through several joint posters and roll-ups that were presented at the booth.