National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-Dept. of Commerce)

NIST's mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.  Nanotechnology is an important component of NIST’s mission—from leading cutting-edge research to coordinating the development of standards that promote trade, NIST’s programs in nanotechnology directly impact priorities important to the nation’s economy and well-being.  http://www.nist.gov/index.html

FY 2012 Estimated $95.4 Million

FY 2011 CR Actual $95.9 Million

NIST nanotechnology research develops measurements, standards, and data crucial to a wide range of industries and Federal agencies. NIST labs develop advanced spectroscopic methods needed to increase efficiency in advanced photovoltaics, and the standard reference materials and data necessary to accurately quantify and measure the presence and impact of nanomaterials in the environment. NIST created the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST) to help move nanotechnology from the laboratory to the marketplace.  The CNST creates the next generation of nanoscale measurement instruments, makes them available through collaboration, and provides rapid access to a world-class, shared-use nanofabrication facility, the NanoFab. NIST’s Technology Innovation Program is investing in the development of transformational technologies necessary to advance the large-scale manufacture of nanomaterials. In coordination with the private sector, NIST provides the technical foundation and leadership to the development of international nanotechnology standards—standards that are a key to opening new markets and facilitating trade and commerce.

SPOTLIGHT:

The NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST) is the Department of Commerce's nanotechnology user facility. The CNST enables innovation by providing rapid access to the tools needed to make and measure nanostructures, with these tools provided to anyone who needs them, both inside and outside NIST, with a particular emphasis on helping industry.  Access is provided in two ways. In the NanoFab, researchers can access a commercial state-of-the-art tool set at economical hourly rates, along with help from a dedicated, full-time technical support staff.  In the NanoLab, researchers can access the next generation of tools and processes through collaboration with the CNST’s multidisciplinary research staff, who are developing new measurement and fabrication methods in response to national nanotechnology needs.

Dr. Lloyd J. Whitman, Deputy Director, Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology
301-975-8002, whitman@nist.gov

Media: Mark Bello
301-975-3776, Mark.bello@nist.gov

http://www.nist.gov/director/ocfo/grants/grants.cfm