Nanotechnologists manipulate matter on the nanoscale (one billionth of a metre), developing new materials, equipment and diagnostic tools. Nanotechnology encompasses science, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering and computer science.

Their work involves designing and conducting experiments based around observing nano-scale systems in their given field, often with the help of other researchers across several disciplines, departments or institutions and between academia and industry. The information is then analysed to develop practical applications of the results, for example a new material, device or procedure. Computational research can also be carried out using simulated nano-scale experiments and systems to increase theoretical knowledge and aid in the design and development of practical experiments.

Particular ethical debates related to nanotechnology include the potential environmental impacts of artificial nanoparticles whose behaviour can be hard to predict.