NPL has launched NanoLands in the virtual world of Second Life - a place where nano science and technology communities come together to exchange ideas and knowledge.

Based in the multi-disciplinary archipelago called SciLands, NanoLands Island offers regular events and opportunities for people to attend presentations, meet, network and influence others in envisioning and defining the future of Nanotechnology.

Second Life (SL) is a 3D virtual world developed by Linden Labs. With over 10 million online residents, SL is a way of bringing communities together, regardless of their physical location.

It provides an interactive environment where organisations can engage informally with the public, suppliers, customers and collaborators inside simulations that mimic and transcend real-world landscapes, structures and physical laws.

NPL has played a key role in the growth of Science and Technology Communities in SL, having worked in Second Life with Technologists, Researchers, Educators and many other International and Governmental organisations since 2005. NPL co-founded the SciLands (http://www.scilands.org), a dedicated region of Second Life for Science and Technology based organizations, providing shared resources, islands, events and enhanced networking for organisations interested in formal and informal science education, innovation, knowledge transfer and research using Second Life.

Working alongside other leading agencies including NASA and NOAA and universities such as the University of Denver and Imperial College London, NPL has developed immersive technology demonstrations and staged events to achieve enhanced public participation and knowledge transfer.

NPL also works across Government on the serious applications of gaming technology (so called ‘Serious Games’) and also advises on the use of Web 2.0 and virtual worlds technologies for scientific communication and public consultation.

http://www.npl.co.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.1527