Russia sets up State Council for nanotechnology

Moscow, Jun 15 (UNI) The Russian government has set up a State Council on nanotechnology, which will be headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov signed the resolution on the formation of the State Council to ensure interaction between government, business and scientists in the implementation of the state policy in the spheres of nanotechnology and nanoindustry, the press service of the government reported.

President Vladimir Putin highlighted high-tech industries in his state of the nation address in April, saying research in nanotechnology, which promises advances in medicine, space research, telecommunications and weapons production, should receive priority funding.

''The government should provide necessary funding to arrange this work in terms of technical equipment, staff and organisational support,'' he said.

The council on nanotechnology, will make assessments and recommendations on the development and practical implementation of scientific achievements in nanotechnology, promote nanoindustry and form a market for nanoproducts-and-services.

Meanwhile, the State Duma, the lower house of Parliament, passed in the first reading yesterday, a bill on the formation of the Russian nanotechnology corporation.

UNI