The National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) initiated a project in 2008 which have caused significant multiplying effect to building human resource to help promote public awareness in nanotechnology development. The objective of the Training for the Trainer in Nanotechnology (TTN) project is to build a network of qualified instructors and teachers who understands nanotechnology and who can help transfer this understanding to their peers and eventually to the students.
Since its conception in 2008, the network of the Training for the Trainer in Nanotechnology program consisted of 64 member team from 49 institutions such as high schools, universities, and research institutions. A total of 325 training sessions were held for teachers and faculty members, 523 training activities were held for students, 1383 training activities for classroom teaching, and 26,650 exhibitions were held. The 4th TTN Workshop 2011 was officially declared opened this morning by Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Executive Director, NANOTEC. A total of 30 participants attended this workshop (24 high schools teachers, 3 university lecturers, and 3 from the Educational Administration Office).
“Whether we like it or not, nanotechnology development is here to stay. TTN participants play an important role to helping build public awareness to this technology and at the same time increasing the interest of the younger generation to science” said Prof. Sirirurg. “It is without a doubt that Nanotechnology development is expected to stimulate Thailand to leapfrog in key areas of S&T”.
According to a market research report published by Electronics.ca Publications it is estimated that the global nanotechnology market in 2010 range from about $15.7 billion (the figure used in this report) to $1 trillion. By 2015, the market may be worth more than $2.4 trillion, according to different analysts.
Thailand has an incentive to cash in on nanotechnology couple with the dramatic economic growth of neighbours. But before it can do that, there must be a mechanism to building public awareness to the benefits and constraints of nanotechnology development.
