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With the advancements in nanotechnology, the interaction between nanotechnology, society and environment has increased. Nanotherapeutics and nanopharmaceuticals have allowed facilitation of earlier and more precise diagnosis, reduced side effects, improved targeted therapies and efficacy of drugs. Likewise, nanotechnology has helped in improving the quality of environment by solving issues of air pollution, water remediation and waste management with the help of nanoproducts such as nanofilters, nanophoto catalysts, nanoadsorbents and nanosensors. Moreover, nanopesticides, nanofood, anti-bacterial nanopackaging, nanofertilizers and many other products have helped food and agriculture sector to grow. There are innumerable products on shelf based on nanotechnology impacting almost every sector. However, nanotechnology like any other technology if used unchecked and unregulated can be a cause of social, environmental, legal and ethical concerns. Therefore, it is crucial to consider these challenges in addition to the promises and opportunities nanotechnology has to offer. This review has highlighted the immense importance of nanotechnology by discussing its applications especially in medicine, environmental sciences and food and agriculture sectors. Closely studying these aspects will allow us to discover gaps, obstacles and potential solutions for responsible nanotechnology development and deployment. Understanding these concerns and challenges is also critical for policymakers, researchers, industrialists and society as a whole in order to promote ethical practices and informed decision-making. This review will help to contribute to the continuing discourse and raise ethical awareness in the field of nanotechnology thence minimizing the harm while maximizing the benefits.

To deliver on the 2030 Agenda and the seventeen development goals, while facing complex health challenges, we need research and education that extend across multiple scientific fields. This will enable researchers from a variety of disciplines to meet, identify research issues, apply for funding, and conduct interdisciplinary research. In addition, student involvement is key in achieving the 2030 Agenda’s global goals – and beyond. Challenges include, climate change and child health, non-peaceful societies, gender inequalities and health.

The Swedish Institute for Global Health Transformation (SIGHT) was founded in 2017 at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. SIGHT’s mission is to promote an interdisciplinary approach in research and education in the field of global health. In order to deliver on the commitment to global health among researchers and students in various scientific fields and at universities and colleges across Sweden, SIGHT has established SIGHT Fellows, a mentoring programme for academic researchers. In collaboration with universities, established research institutions, and other stakeholders, SIGHT Student Network holds dynamic meetings for students from a variety of disciplines and universities to contribute to delivering the UN’s sustainability goals.