Imagine being able to build a supercomputer the size of your fingernail, or a device that could travel through the human body to find and destroy cancer cells. Imagine designing clothes that clean themselves, or developing a way to quickly and inexpensively remove toxins or disease from the air we breathe and the water we drink.
Careers in nanoscience and nanotechnology
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. Endless new products which are smaller, lighter, faster, stronger, cleaner, cheaper, more reliable, smarter and, possibly, safer are on the horizon. Since it involves small amounts of raw materials, less labour, space and maintenance, nanotechnology is seen as a way to increase manufacturing production at a fraction of the cost and with less of a toll on the environment.
Careers in nanoscience and nanotechnology: A South African perspective
While nanotechnology is popular overseas, in South Africa it is still in its infancy. Many South African universities and scientific institutions are now doing research and development in this field. The scope and application of nanotechnology is overwhelming. It is one of the most diverse fields and the hottest topic for many scientists and engineers. The interdisciplinary nature of nanoscience and nanotechnology allows for study in many fields, such as chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, environmental science, agriculture, medicine, law, business, pharmacy, social science, e.g. ethics, etc. This has resulted in the opening of job opportunities worldwide.