About
The U.S. National Science Foundation initiated the Nanoscale Science & Engineering Center program in September 2001 to support fundamental research and catalyze synergistic science and engineering research and education in emerging areas of nanoscience and technology, including: biosystems at the nanoscale; nanoscale structures, novel phenomena, and quantum control; nanoscale devices and system architecture; nanoscale processes in the environment; multi-scale, multi-phenomena theory, modeling and simulation at the nanoscale; manufacturing processes at the nanoscale; and studies on the societal and educational implications of scientific and technological advances on the nanoscale.
One nanometer (one billionth of a meter) is a magical point on the dimensional scale. Nanostructures are at the confluence of the smallest of human-made devices and the largest molecules of living systems. Nanoscale science and engineering here refer to the fundamental understanding and resulting technological advances arising from the exploitation of new physical, chemical, and biological properties of systems that are intermediate in size, between isolated atoms and molecules and bulk materials, where the transitional properties between the two limits can be controlled. During the last few years, novel structures, phenomena, and processes have been observed at the nanoscale (from a fraction of nanometer to about 100 nm) and new experimental, theoretical and simulation tools have been developed for investigating them. These advances provide fresh opportunities for scientific and technological developments in nanoparticles, nanostructured materials, nanodevices, and systems.
Nanotechnology is the creation and utilization of functional materials, devices, and systems with novel properties and functions that are achieved through the control of matter, atom-by-atom, molecule by molecule or at the macromolecular level. A revolution has begun in science, engineering and technology, based on the ability to organize, characterize, and manipulate matter systematically at the nanoscale. Far-reaching outcomes for the 21st century are envisioned in both scientific knowledge and a wide range of technologies in most industries, healthcare, conservation of materials and energy, biology, environment and education. Nanoscale Science and Engineering (NSE) underpins innovations in critical areas ranging from manufacturing to medicine. Opportunities have opened as new tools enable fundamental discoveries and technological advances. Outstanding benefits have resulted from initial applications. A special challenge and opportunity is restructuring teaching at all levels to include NSE concepts and nurturing the scientific and technical workforce of the 21st century.
Formidable challenges remain, however, in the areas of fundamental understanding, device design, system design and architecture, manufacturing, and system integration and deployment before the potential of nanotechnology becomes a reality. Successful development and application of nanoscience and technology will require careful consideration and analysis of associated social and ethical phenomena. Key research areas have been identified in advanced materials, nanobiotechnology, nanoelectronics, advanced healthcare, environmental improvement, efficient energy conversion and storage, space exploration, economical transportation, nanobiosensors, societal dimensions of nanotechnology, and improving nanotechnology education.
The NSEC solicitation component addresses opportunities that are too complex and multi-faceted for individuals or small groups of researchers to tackle on their own. Centers bring together researchers with diverse expertise -- in partnership with other private and public sector organizations -- to address complex, interdisciplinary challenges. They integrate research with education both internally and through a variety of partnership activities. Each NSEC, whether based at a single institution or distributed across a number of institutions, must have an overarching research and education theme, well-integrated programs, and a coherent and effective management plan. The NSECs as a whole span the range from exploratory research -- focused on discovery -- to technology innovation, and will involve a broad spectrum of disciplines such as engineering, mathematics and computer science, the physical, biological, environmental, social and behavioral sciences, and fields in the humanities.
There are currently 14 NSECs operating at major research universities in the United States. Each center has a specific research focus. While all NSECs are expected to devote considerable effort towards outreach and education, two centers devoted to these issues were created in 2005, at Northwestern University and at the renowned Museum of Science in Boston.
NSF has also sought to enhance the nation’s nanotechnology infrastructure with programs including the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network, an integrated partnership of thirteen user facilities, that provides extensive support in nanoscale fabrication, synthesis, characterization, modeling, design, computation and hands-on training; the Network for Computational Nanotechnology, which provides new algorithms, approaches, and software tools with capabilities not yet available commercially; and the Nanobiotechnology Center, a user-oriented research and education facility designed to advance interdisciplinary programs in nanobiotechnology.
The current pace of revolutionary discoveries in nanoscience and technology is expected to accelerate greatly in the next decade. This will have profound implications on existing technologies and could result in the development of completely new technologies, improvements in health, the conservation of materials and energy, and a sustainable environment. Awards made in response to NSE solicitations will contribute to such future advancements.
Program announcements and additional information concerning related activities such as workshops and publications, including the “Nanotechnology Research Directions” (2000) prepared by the National Science and Technology Council, are available on-line at http://www.nsf.gov/nano and http://nano.gov.