Nano-TV for European News Media
IoN helps nanotechnology hit the small screen
Building on a record of success in winning two EU funded projects worth a total of 5.3 million euros, and partnering in three others, the Scottish-based Institute of Nanotechnology (IoN) , is set to continue this success in 2009 with the launch of the NANO-TV project, which will produce media content for news broadcasters across Europe .
IoN, which has been active in European projects since Framework Programme 5, hosted the kick-off meeting of this ground-breaking European project at Strathclyde University, Glasgow, this week.
Nano-TV will centre on using short video news releases (VNRs) to inform the public about nanotechnology applications resulting from European-funded research projects. IoN is working with a leading Italian media communication company as well as film production companies from France (Gedeon Programmes SA) and Germany (Leonardo Film GmbH) to fulfil an ambitious plan to produce 14 VNRs in 18 months, four of which will be particularly aimed at young people. Themes will include nanotechnologies for environmental remediation, regenerative medicine and renewable energy and energy storage.
The VNRs will be distributed through established networks to different television stations and programmes in all EU Member States. All VNRs will be made available on the European Research Media Centre website ( www.youris.com ), and supported by written material penned by a professional journalist (Maria Chiara Aspden, formerly of La Stampa).
Mario Martinoli of iCons srl said: We chose IoN as our partner as they have an internationally recognised reputation in the field of nanotechnology, and a wide experience and knowledge about the nanotechnologies that would appeal to the public .' Mark Morrison, CEO of IoN said: 'We are delighted to be working with Mario Martinoli, iCons, Gedeon and Leonardo Film in a project that will use audiovisual media to inform and put into context what nanotechnology can offer society. We are particularly pleased to be reaching out to young people.'
For more information, contact Dr Mark Morrison: mark.morrison@nano.org.uk
