From Atoms to Applications: Laying the Groundwork for Nanotechnology-Enabled Goods and Services

 

Nanotechnology tools and training from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation

picture of a woman reading to a young girl

 

 

How can you learn about nanotechnology?

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) includes a number of programs to teach, train, and excite people about nanotechnology. Whether you are curious about how small the nanoscale really is, or are a student hoping to work in a nanotechnology-based industry, there are resources for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can you see at the nanoscale?

When you work at the nanoscale, you need special equipment just to “see” what you’re doing. The U.S. Government agencies participating in the NNI provide scientists with the tools and training they need to do nanotechnology research.

picture of a woman using a scanning probe microscope
  Photo courtesy of Robert Rathe

 

picture of a woman using lab equipment

 

How can you move a single atom?


In order to help scientists shape materials at the nanoscale, user facilities with the latest technologies and expert staff are available. The Federal agencies that fund this infrastructure make these facilities available to help academics, entrepreneurs, and corporations turn their ideas into products.

 

 

 

 

How can research in a lab become something that helps people?

NNI facilities are all over the United States and emphasize different levels of development. For example, some facilities help cancer researchers develop nanotechnology-enabled treatments. Others have experts on staff continually improving tools so scientists can do even more at the nanoscale.

picture of NIST facility
Photo courtesy of HDR Architecture, Inc. / Steve Hall Copyright Hedrich Blessing

 

Click here for more information on nanotechnology tools & training!