Nanotechnology experts from all over the world met in Dresden for the Nanofair 2005, an international nanotechnology symposium initiated and organised by the cities of Dresden, Karlsruhe and Strasbourg as well as the Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI). The symposium was held from November 29 – 30, 2005. Roughly 280 participants from all over the world, a third of them being industry representatives, convened in the newly opened International Congress Center of Dresden, located very close to the famous historic center of the city.

As in the preceding meetings Nanofair 2005 laid special emphasis on the co-operation between research institutions and companies. This is essential if one wants to fully exploit the potential of this rapidly growing technology. The importance of a close link between fundamental science and industrial applications was reflected in the fact that again the German Federal Minister for Education and Research Mrs Edelgard Bulmahn as well as the French Minister for Education and Research Mr Francois Goulard both took over the patronage of Nanofair 2005.

Oral presentations were given by internationally renowned speakers. The contributions were clustered into the topics electronics, materials, surfaces, optics, life sciences and automotive applications. The talks were generally of excellent quality and lively discussed directly after the talk or later on during the coffee breaks. Themes such as e. g. thermomechanical data storage, single-atom transistors, nanoscaled oxides or specific nanoparticles for clinical applications showed the broad range of topics which were addressed during the conference. Latest research results were also presented in an extensive poster-show. In addition some companies as well as networks and the cities of Dresden and Karlsruhe participated in an accompanying technical exhibition.

In addition Nanofair 2005 offered an interesting supporting program open for the participants. Delegations from Canada and Ukraine met directly before or after the conference in especially arranged seminars. The main purpose of these meetings was to present the latest research results and to discuss opportunities for international co-operation. In addition the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (IWS) hosted a meeting “nano-careerforum” dedicated to students and young researchers in the field of nanotechnology. About 100 students from all over Europe came together to listen to high-ranking experts from industry, who gave hints and advice for a career in industry.

Dresden is well known for its famous buildings of baroque style. So it was quite natural that a splendid conference diner took place in Schloss Albrechtsberg, a famous palace on the bank of the river Elbe. All participants enjoyed the great view on the city and stimulating discussions in a relaxed atmosphere lasted long this evening.

The success of Nanofair demands a continuation. Therefore Nanofair 2006 will again take place in Karlsruhe from November 21 to 22, 2006. Preparations are already in progress.