ESF-Zukunftsstudie zur Nanomedizin 2005[en][fr] 

Recent years have witnessed an unprecedented growth in research in the area of nanoscience. There is increasing optimism that nanotechnology applied to medicine will bring significant advances in the diagnosis treatment and prevention of disease. However, many challenges must be overcome if the application of Nanomedicine is to realise the improved understanding of the pathophysiological basis of disease, bring more sophisticated diagnostic opportunities, and yield more effective therapies and preventive measures. 

Both the optimism and the challenges have prompted governmental, science and funding organisations to undertake strategic reviews of the current status of the field, their primary objectives being to assess potential opportunities for better healthcare as well as to assess the risk-benefit of these new technologies, and determine priorities for future funding. 

To read the full text of the Forward Look on Nanomedicine visit the European Science Foundation website .