Several Projects and Initiatives Underway at new TAPPI Nanotechnology Division

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Growing the Division – A Message from the Nanotechnology Division Chairman

Hello fellow nanophiles!

I am excited to be the chairman of TAPPI's new International Nanotechnology Division, and I look forward to sharing with you regular updates on some projects that are in development, as well as exciting new opportunities to get involved and help this Division grow. There are many opportunities to get involved, and member benefits include our E-library, Standards, Event & Education Discounts, access to the Membership Directory, and much more. Visit the Nano website  for more information and how to join.

The mission of the International Nanotechnology Division is to serve as the leading global forum for the community of individuals, organizations and institutions seeking to collectively advance the responsible and sustainable production and use of renewable nanomaterials. Please consider getting involved!

Although TAPPI's Nanotechnology Division is new, it is already very active. The Division will take the lead in guiding and overseeing the development of the Roadmap for Nanocellulose Standards. Many of our colleagues have already been hard at work and produced a draft this fall. The Division has created the INSCC (International Nanotechnology Standards Coordination Committee) to formalize this activity. This committee will work on creating proposals for new Standards or test methods that will be submitted to TAPPI, ISO, and other standards development organizations. The Division is also represented in the ISO TC 229 US TAG membership group.

The "Rethink Trees" video, a video created to raise awareness about the opportunity for nanocellulose, has also been completed, and is available for download and distribution. Please visit this website and spread the word about all of the benefits of using nanotechnology.

Planning for the 2012 Conference has also begun. More information can be found at TAPPI Nano website.  Please contact Raine Hyde if you are interested in getting more involved with the conference.

Finally, The Division has also created 3 new "teams":

The Technical Team, which will focus on the Annual Conference, Symposiums, and Courses, is being lead by Robert Moon, USDA Forest Service and Yaman Boluk, University of Alberta.

The Marketing & Promotions Team, which will explore Campus Outreach (University Outreach & Student Chapter development), Industry trends (Knowledge needs), Membership (recruitment and retention), and Industry Outreach (collaboration, awareness), is being lead by John Cowie, Agenda 2020 and Professor Bruce Lyne, Royal Institute of Technology And the

Product Resources & Development Team, which will delve into Press & Publications (books, manuals, newsletter, web content), Standards & TIP Development (ISO TC229), and Education (Webinars, other needs), is being lead by Mike Bilodeau, University of Maine and one other co-chair yet to be determined.

Don't forget to visit TAPPI's Nano webiste for more information and how to join.

Until next time,

Sean Ireland

TAPPI International Nanotechnology Division Chairman