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European Nanotechnology Masters Recognition Scheme - Supporting Technical Higher Education

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Kshitij Aditeya Singh*
Affiliation:
kshitij.singh@nano.org.uk, Institute of Nanotechnology, Not Applicable, Lord Hope Building,, 141 St James Road,, Glasgow,, G4 0LT, UK, G4 0LT, United Kingdom, + 44 (0) 141 303 8444 Extension 310
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Abstract

Europe aspires to become a knowledge oriented economy by 2010 in which nanoscience and nanotechnologies play an important role. However, the development of skills and competencies in the workforce will be critical in realising the benefits offered by nanoscience and nanotechnologies. The Nanotechnology Masters Recognition Scheme aims to support technical higher education by addressing the challenges of education in nanoscience and nanotechnologies particularly at the masters' level. The paper provides an overview of the education and professional development systems in Europe with specific examples from the U.K. The paper also underlines how the scheme addresses the challenges of skills and competencies development within the European context through information dissemination, identifying gaps and professional needs, encouraging professional development, and supporting through various different measures.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2008

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