What is nanotech?
Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale to create new materials of any size that have new properties and functions.
Careers in nanoscience
A career in nanoscience and nanotechnology puts you at the cutting edge of scientific discovery and at the forefront of technological developments which hold the potential to change the world we live in.
Nanotechnology and energy
Nanotechnology, and in particular, nanofabrication, offers a variety of tools to contribute to solving the energy crisis, since creating materials and devices smaller than 100 nanometers (nm) offers new ways to capture, store, and transfer energy.
Nanotechnology and water
Nanotechnology offers an opportunity to refine and optimise current techniques to purify water, and to provide new and novel methods of purifying water. The unique and novel properties of nanoparticles make them well suited for treating water.
Nanotechnology and health
Nanotechnology is being used to develop nanodevices and nanostructures to prevent, treat and monitor disease.

Experiencing Nano behind the scenes at UFS and Mintek facility tours
Members of the public had the opportunity to see nanotechnology in action during a tour of the facilities of two top-class South African research groups in this field of science. The tour’s aim was to bring nanotechnology closer to society, was arranged by the Nanotechnology Public Engagement Programme and SAASTA in collaboration with the University of the Free State (UFS), and Mintek’s Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC).

Shoot and share your science with SA Science Lens competition
South Africa plays an important role in the ‘Hydrogen Economy’ in an effort to establish clean and reliable alternative energy sources. Hydrogen energy is being considered as one of the most plausible choices for alternative energy and as an energy-carrier, due to the abundance of elemental hydrogen on the planet.

Greater Solar Energy Harvesting with Nano Electronics
A variety of sources are available for energy collection in natural world. One of the available renewable energy resources is solar energy, which is by far the most abundant. More energy is provided to the Earth by sunlight radiation within one hour than is consumed yearly by the entire human civilisation across the world.
Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, to create new materials of any size that have new properties and functions. The Nanotechnology Public Engagement Programme (NPEP) disseminates information to enhance the public’s knowledge and understanding of nanotechnology.
NPEP overview
The Nanotechnology Public Engagement Programme (NPEP) is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and implemented by SAASTA, a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF).
Contact NPEP
Email: info@npep.co.za
Tel: 012 392 9300
Address:
Didacta Building, 211 Nana Sita Street, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001