The Libro Blanco de las Nanotecnologías III book brings together contributions from more than 80 experts from the SustainableNano – SNSSN network and the Red Española de Nanotecnologías Seguras, coordinated by Jordi Díaz Marcos, Joan Mendoza Gonzálvez (CCiTUB) and Pedro A. Serena Domingo (ICMM-CSIC). It is co-funded by the Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia de la Universitat de Barcelona (IN2UB) and the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the SNSSN network.

The document provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of research and innovation in nanotechnology and offers strategic recommendations for the coming decade, and positions nanotechnology as a key enabling technology to address global challenges in energy, health, and the environment,

ICMAB researchers contribute their expertise

Several researchers from the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) have participated in the preparation of this publication as experts in different areas, including energy, nanomedicine, ICT, sustainable technologies and more. Their contributions reflect the institute’s ongoing commitment to advancing nanoscience for sustainability, providing scientific knowledge that supports the transition toward cleaner and more efficient technologies.

In particular, Ángel Pérez (Laser Processing Group) was the institute's representative and coordinator of ICMAB's contribution to the White Book; Xavier Obradors (SUMAN group) co-authored and coordinated Chapter 3, "Energy and Sustainability," with assistance from M. Rosa Palacín (Battery Group) and Teresa Puig (SUMAN group); Rosario Núñez and Francesc Teixidor (LMI group) provided input for Chapter 4, "Water, environment and agri-food"; Imma Ratera, Elisabet González, and Paula Mayorga (Nanomol-Bio group) co-authored Chapter 5, "Present and Future Advances Towards Sustainable Nanomedicine"; and Núria Aliaga (FunNanoSurf group), Ignasi Fina, and Florencio Sánchez (FOXEM group) contributed to Chapter 6, "The Role of ICT in Sustainable Development."

Through their participation, ICMAB scientists highlight how materials research at the nanoscale can lead to tangible solutions for some of today’s most pressing environmental and energy challenges.

A multidisciplinary look at nanotechnology and sustainability

Structured into six chapters, the book examines key areas where nanotechnology already plays — and will continue to play — a transformative role:

• The impact of nanotechnology on science, policy, and society
• The potential of nanomaterials for innovation
• The link between energy and sustainability, from catalysts to smart buildings
• Water, environment, and agri-food systems - achievements and challenges
• Nanomedicine - early diagnosis, personalized medicine and tissue regeneration
• ICT and their contribution to sustainable development

As Guillem Aromí, director of IN2UB and coordinator of the SNSSN network, notes: “Development can no longer be imagined without the word sustainable. And nanotechnology plays a key role in this transformation—it’s already shaping our present with real solutions and applications.”

A bridge between science, policy, and society

In an era when misinformation challenges scientific progress, this publication aims to strengthen the connection between research, innovation, and policymaking, demonstrating how nanoscience can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As Pablo Ordejón, director of ICN2 and SNSSN coordinator, states: “The scientific community has a responsibility to stand up to anti-science narratives and to provide solutions rooted in science and technology. This book represents a significant step in that direction, within the field of nanotechnology.”

The Libro Blanco de las Nanotecnologías III is an invitation to look to the future with both responsibility and ambition, fostering collaboration among leading research centres and strengthening the role of nanotechnology in creating a fairer, more sustainable world.

Presented at the NanoDay 2025 and soon at the UAB Campus

One of the central moments of the recent NanoDay 2025 (9 October 2025) organized by the Cluster MAV (Materials Avançats de Catalunya) was the presentation of the book in Catalonia, delivered by Guillem Aromí, Director of the IN2UB. 

Guillem Aromí presenting the White Book at the NanoDay 2025 event | Clúster MAV

An additional presentation of the III Libro Blanco de las Nanotecnologías is planned to take place soon at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) Campus, bringing together researchers, students, and representatives from different research institutes to discuss how nanotechnology can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

More

• You can purchase the full publication here: Libro Blanco de las Nanotecnologías III | Tienda de Aranzadi LA LEY 
• Read the press release in the SNSSN network website and find more about it: III Libro Blanco de las Nanotecnologías: Paving the Way For a More Sustainable Future – SNSSN – SustainableNano
• More about NanoDay (Cluster MAV): El NanoDAY 2025 reuneix experts per explorar el futur de la nanotecnologia i la ciència quàntica | Cluster MAV