WASHINGTON, DC - The American National Standards Institute's Nanotechnology Standards Panel (ANSI-NSP) will hold a meeting on October 30, 2012, in Washington, DC. Formed in 2004, ANSI-NSP serves as the cross-sector coordinating body for the facilitation of standards development in the area of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology, linked to nanoscale science and engineering, involves the understanding and control of matter at the nanoscale, (approximately one to 100 nanometers), where unique phenomena allow for innovation and novel technological applications. The ANSI-NSP works to provide a forum for standards developing organizations (SDOs), government entities, academia and industry to identify needs and establish recommendations for the creation or updating of standards related to nanotechnology and nanomaterials. In addition, the ANSI-NSP solicits participation from nanotechnology-related groups that have not traditionally been involved in the voluntary consensus standards system while also promoting cross-sector collaborative efforts.

ANSI President and CEO S. Joe Bhatia said, "Nanotechnology is a growing and vital field that has the potential to change current industries and pave the way to new ones. The ANSI-NSP looks forward to building on its record as a coordinator and facilitator of responsive nanotechnology standardization activities that keep pace with the field's advancement."

The ANSI-NSP encourages SDOs involved in nanotechnology standardization, representatives from companies working with nanomaterials or developing nanotechnology-based products and solutions, government agencies, consumer groups, and academics to take part in the October meeting, which is free to attend. The meeting will include updates from SDOs developing nanotechnology standards and from industry representatives regarding their current needs in this area.

The meeting will take place on October 30, 2012, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the offices of the law firm Sidley Austin LLP (1501 K Street NW, Washington, DC). For more information, e-mail Heather Benko at hbenko@ansi.org.