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Hutchison to talk "green nano" to Congressional Nanotechnology Caucus
As invited speaker, UO chemist Jim Hutchison will tell how a green chemistry approach can be used to make new nanotechnologies environmentally friendly in a talk designed to help Congress move toward a renewed 21st Century Nanotechnology Act in 2008
Jim Hutchison, professor of chemistry and associate vice president for research and strategic initiatives at the University of Oregon, will speak Monday about the use of green chemistry in nanotechnology in an invited address to the Congressional Nanotechnology Caucus, whose leadership includes Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon.
Monday's session in Washington, D.C., is part of a series of gatherings being held to promote nanotechnology, educate policymakers about the emerging field and facilitate communications among industrial and academic researchers and members of Congress and their staffs. Hutchison will lead the briefing on “Nanotechnology and the Environment – Green Nano Applications.”
He will describe how green-chemistry can enhance the development of nano-based materials and products that are friendly to the environment. The approach uses new materials, including a process developed in Hutchison's UO lab, that eliminate toxic hazards, reduce material use and lessen waste.
Hutchison's appearance is important to Oregon as the state continues to position itself as a leading nanotechnology center. Hutchison is a member of the leadership team of the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) and is the director of ONAMI’s Safer Nanomaterials and Nanomanufacturing Initiative.
The current Congressional Nanotechnology Caucus was put together in February 2007 by Wyden, Republican Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, Democratic Rep. Bart Gordon of Tennessee and Republican Rep. Ralph Hall of Texas.
Congress in 2008 faces renewal of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Act. The initial $3.7 billion measure was signed into law by President Bush in December 2003.
(Hutchison addressed a session of the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in February 2007 about the topic. See the news release, or learn more about green chemistry scientists at the UO.)