The definition of nanotechnology employed by nano.org is very broad: Technology development at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular range of approximately 1-100 nanometers to create and use structures, devices, and systems that have novel properties. We understand the term to include not only technological progress, but all fundamental nanoscience research that may lead to such progress. We include both 'artificial' technologies, such as silicon devices, and nature's technology, i.e. the technology of living things. Thus nanotechnology is a very broad, and very important, emerging field of science. Early results are already impacting on areas from medicine to computer hardware; as the field matures it may be expected to affect many aspects of our lives.

Any research topic encompassed within this field, or indeed overlapping with it, is suitable for discussion and analysis on nano.org. Registered Scholars are welcome to upload relevant manuscripts to the site.