Professor Richard Jones of the University of Sheffield has been appointed as the Senior Strategic Advisor for Nanotechnology, taking up the post from 1 June 2007. Professor Jones will spend 3 days per week advising EPSRC on the development and implementation of its Nanotechnology Strategy.
He will also act as an advocate for nanotechnology and for EPSRC both within the UK and internationally. Nanotechnology is a priority research area for EPSRC. Key elements of the Strategy include developing a series of nanotechnology Grand Challenges, equipment sharing and provision for doctoral level training. Professor Richard Jones said: "Nanotechnology, responsibly developed, could help meet a number of society's pressing needs in areas like sustainable energy and medicine. I am looking forward to working with EPSRC and the research community to ensure the UK is at the forefront of the global competition to develop exciting science and valuable applications in nanotechnology."
Professor Richard Jones is Professor of Physics at the University of Sheffield. He leads the Polymer Physics group, and conducts research into the properties of polymers and biopolymers at surfaces and interfaces. In his research, he aims to learn from some of the principles used by nature - self-assembly and molecular responsiveness - to create synthetic nanodevices such as molecular motors. Professor Jones is also involved in public engagement activities in the area of nanotechnology, both in explaining the technology itself and in debating the social and ethical issues.
Jones is the author of a book for the general reader, "Soft Machines: nanotechnology and life", and he has spoken on the subject to a variety of audiences and in various media. He is Chair of the Nanotechnology Engagement Group, a body set up by government to co-ordinate public engagement activities in this area.from the EPSRC
