The Edge, real name David Howell Evans, known as the U2 guitarist, was one of the highlights at EuroNanoForum 2013. Instead of great guitar solos, he encouraged the global research and industry community to continue living dreams and reaching for the future: to continue the safe commercialisation of nanotechnology for improving people’s lives. His video greeting was in line with his activities in supporting public philanthropy and more specifically the fight against the cancer disease in the world.
In an inspirational speech to the audience he said that “we need to share the concerns and ambitions for the future of our planet and for the wellbeing of this and the generations to come. Currently nanotechnology research and science aim at curing illnesses such as cancer and HIV, whereas work in cheaper, better, cleaner water and food has the potential to improve the lives of millions of the poorest of the poor. Solar and wind power greatly benefit from nanotechnology, and of course none of the electronics that enable free communication around the world would work without nanotechnology”.
“We need to dream up the kind of world we want to live in and I think this idea applies in the equal measure to the world of science and technology. However, after the dream, comes the hard work in trying to make it a reality. Without dreaming there is no innovation, there is no progress, there is no growth, and there is no science or technology, thus we need to continue to support the dreamers”, he closed.
The EuroNanoForum was held for the 6th time in June 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. The event was a tremendous success with over 1,500 active members of the nanotechnology community from 50 countries around the world. Over 140 high-level speakers gave vivid talks at the plenaries, sessions and workshops during the conference. Nanotechnology developments and commercialisation success stories were also visible at the coinciding Nanotech Europe exhibition. The event was hosted under the auspices of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, supported by the European Commission and its Industrial Technologies programme, and co-organised by the Enterprise Ireland and Spinverse Ltd.
More information: ENF2013 Project Summary