New Grants Awarded to Explore the Implications of Nanotechnology

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a series of initiatives that will greatly expand efforts to inform the general public about nanotechnology, and to explore the implications of that fast-moving field for society as a whole.

The NSF has selected the Museum of Science, Boston, along with the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Exploratorium in San Francisco, to create and lead this network, which will also include many other science museums and research institutions (partial list below). The $20 million, five-year effort represents the largest single award NSF has given to the science-museum community, and will be a cornerstone of the foundation's multidisciplinary Nanoscale Science and Engineering Education program. The award was made by NSF's Informal Science Education program, with additional funding provided by 12 research programs from across the foundation. Among the desired outcomes:

● Interactive Programs and Exhibits that will engage visitors to science museums and non-traditional venues in inquiry-based learning about the "nanoworld"

● Immersive Media such as planetarium shows and 3-D cinema that will showcase the nanoworld

● Visualization Labs where visitors will be able to explore the hidden features of the nanoscale landscape

● Public Forums that will allow for open discussion and debate about issues related to nanotechnology

● A Media Network that will bring current developments in nanoscale research to a broad audience

● A Website that will provide on-line access to exhibits, media, and interactive activities related to nanoscale research, as well as a gateway to other resources

● Professional Development efforts that will foster collaborations between nanoscience researchers and educators, and

● An online Professional Resource Center that will provide current information about nanotechnology education, tools and materials, research and evaluation, and other professional resources

NSF has selected the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz., to create two new Centers for Nanotechnology in Society. These centers will support research and education on nanotechnology and social change, as well as educational and public outreach activities, and international collaborations.

In addition, building on previously supported efforts, the foundation has funded nanotechnology-in-society projects at the University of South Carolina and at Harvard University.

All four of these efforts are being funded under the Nanoscale Science and Engineering program at NSF, which is one of 22 federal agencies in the government-wide National Nanotechnology Initiative.

Visit www.nsf.gov.