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The WNEC serves as a focal point for those at all places in the value chain involved in moving nanotechnology out of the lab and into the marketplace. It will examine in depth both how these technologies can become commercialized as well as how they will impact industries after they have been adopted. The conference sessions will feature keynote presentations, as well as vertical industry tracks and discussions. The agenda will also present high profile opportunities to highlight the experience, expertise and services of the sponsors. Cientifica's expertise and experience means the WNEC events are uniquely positioned to address the most topical issues surrounding the commercialization of nanotechnologies. The conference programme will be developed by the highly experienced conference staff following close consultation with sponsors and senior figures within the industry. The topics chosen for discussion represent those of critical interest and importance to the delegate audience driving attendance. Again, this year the conference program of the WNEC has been entirely
developed by Cientifica-the leading consulting company on nanotechnology
and its impact on industries worldwide. And, Cientifica has joined The
Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Republic of South Africa
with the to ensure that the WNEC South Africa reflects the interests and
aims of the South African and international marketplace as it examines
the role of nanotechnology in their businesses. 08:00-9:00 Registration 09:00 Opening Address and Welcome. SESSION 1: How can South Africa leverage nanotechnology
to make its industry more competitive and economy stronger This session will examine the role of the South African government in supporting this development and to what industries this focus will be aimed. 09:15 Examining the role of the South African Government in supporting nanotechnology research to foster its wider application in industry. SPEAKER: Joseph J. Molapisi, Manager: Emerging Research Areas, Department
of Science and Technology 10:25 Coffee break 10:50 What can nanotechnology deliver? Examining the real-world and
near-future applications of nanotechnology in South African industries.
New materials, equipment and techniques. SESSION 2: Nanotechnology and Precious Metals: Threat and Opportunity Due to the high dependence of mineral and precious metal mining in South Africa, it is imperative that nanotechnology be examined as both a threat and an opportunity to this key South African industry. The new material properties that are realized when common materials are brought down to the nanoscale, such as increased functionality and strength, could pose a threat to precious metals. To combat this treat it is also known that when precious metals such as gold and platinum are brought down to the nanoscale they exhibit extraordinary qualities that can make them suitable for a number of applications, including medical and health care uses. Nanotechnology can also benefit the mining of precious metals by help
decreasing energy consumption and waste emissions and improving benefication. 12:00 Employing gold nanoparticles for cancer treatment and other
health issues. 12:35 Polymer nanocomposites using minerals: International update
and opportunity. 1:10 Lunch break SESSION 3: Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation and Sustainability Nanotechnology is already having an impact in areas such as water remediation and is poised to improve non-fossil energy sources such as fuel cells and solar cells. This session will examine the current state of the application of nanotechnology
to these areas and what we can expect in the future. 3:05 Fuel Cell Technology and Nanotechnology. 4:10 Coffee break 4:40 Improving solar panel cells with nanotechnology. 5:15 End of Day One |
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