About the National Science and Technology Council

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is the principal means by which the Executive Branch coordinates science 

and technology policy across the diverse entities that make up the Federal research and development enterprise. A primary 

objective of the NSTC is establishing clear national goals for Federal science and technology investments. The NSTC prepares 

research and development strategies that are coordinated across Federal agencies to form investment packages aimed at 

accomplishing multiple national goals. The work of the NSTC is organized under committees that oversee subcommittees and 

working groups focused on different aspects of science and technology. The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is managed 

by the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the NSTC Committee on Technology. More 

information is available at www.WhiteHouse.gov/administration/eop/ostp/nstc.

About the Office of Science and Technology Policy

The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was established by the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, 

and Priorities Act of 1976. OSTP’s responsibilities include advising the President in policy formulation and budget development 

on questions in which science and technology are important elements; articulating the President’s science and technology policy 

and programs; and fostering strong partnerships among Federal, State, and local governments, and the scientific communities in 

industry and academia. The Director of OSTP also serves as Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and manages 

the NSTC. More information is available at www.ostp.gov.

About this document

This document is a supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget request submitted to Congress on February 9, 2016, and serves as 

the Annual Report for the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) called for under the provisions of the 21st Century 

Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-153, 15 USC §7501). The report also addresses the 

requirement for Department of Defense reporting on its nanotechnology investments, per 10 USC §2358. Additional information 

regarding the NNI is available on the NNI website at www.nano.gov.

About the cover

Front cover: Images illustrating three novel nanomedicine applications. Center: microneedle array for glucose-responsive insulin 

delivery imaged using fluorescence microscopy. This “smart insulin patch” is based on painless microneedles loaded with hypoxiasensitive vesicles ~100 nm in diameter that release insulin in response to high glucose levels. Dr. Zhen Gu and colleagues at the 

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University have demonstrated that this patch effectively 

regulates the blood glucose of type 1 diabetic mice with faster response than current pH-sensitive formulations. The inset image 

on the lower right shows the structure of the nanovesicles; each microneedle contains more than 100 million of these vesicles. 

The research was supported by the American Diabetes Association, the State of North Carolina, the National Institutes of Health 

(NIH), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Left: colorized rendering of a candidate universal flu vaccine nanoparticle. The

vaccine molecule, developed at the NIH Vaccine Research Center, displays only the conserved part of the viral spike and stimulates 

the production of antibodies to fight against the ever-changing flu virus. The vaccine is engineered from a ~13 nm ferritin core 

(blue) combined with a 7 nm influenza antigen (green). Image credit: NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 

(NIAID). Right: colorized scanning electron micrograph of Ebola virus particles on an infected VERO E6 cell. Blue represents 

individual Ebola virus particles. The image was produced by John Bernbaum and Jiro Wada at NIAID. When the Ebola outbreak 

struck in 2014, the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of lateral flow immunoassays for Ebola detection

that use gold nanoparticles for visual interpretation of the tests.

Back cover: Images illustrating examples of NNI educational outreach activities. Center: Comic from the NSF/NNI competition, 

Generation Nano: Small Science Superheroes. Illustration by Amina Khan, NSF. Left of Center: Polymer Nanocone Array (biomimetic 

of antimicrobial insect surface) by Kyle Nowlin, UNC-Greensboro, winner from the first cycle of the NNI’s student image contest,

EnvisioNano. Right of Center: Gelatin Nanoparticles in Brain (nasal delivery of stroke medication to the brain) by Elizabeth Sawicki, 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, winner from the second cycle of EnvisioNano. Outside right: still photo from the video

Chlorination-less (water treatment method using reusable nanodiamond powder) by Abelardo Colon and Jennifer Gill, University 

of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, the winning video from the NNI’s Student Video Contest. Outside left: Society of Emerging 

NanoTechnologies (SENT) student group at the University of Central Florida; photo by Alexis Vilaboy. See www.nano.gov

/2017BudgetSupplement for more information on these images, including hyperlinks to relevant websites.

Cover, book design, and copyright information

Cover design is by Kristin Roy of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO). Book design is by the NNCO staff. This 

document is a work of the United States Government and is in the public domain (see 17 USC §105). Subject to stipulations below, 

it may be distributed and copied, with acknowledgement to NNCO. Copyrights to graphics included in this document are reserved 

by original copyright holders or their assignees and are used here under the Government’s license and by permission. Requests

to use any images must be made to the provider identified in the image credits, or to NNCO if no provider is identified.

Printed in the United States of America, 2016.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRESIDENT’S BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 

THE NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE

Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology

Committee on Technology

National Science and Technology Council

March 2016
Report prepared by

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY (CoT)

SUBCOMMITTEE ON NANOSCALE SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY (NSET)

CoT Chair: Thomas Kalil, Office of Science and Technology Policy 

CoT Executive Secretary: Afua Bruce, Office of Science and Technology Policy 

NSET Subcommittee Chairs: 

Lloyd J. Whitman, OSTP

Lori A. Henderson, NIH 

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

Office: 

Michael A. Meador, Director

Lisa E. Friedersdorf, Deputy Director

NSET Subcommittee Executive Secretary:

Tarek R. Fadel, NNCO 

Nanotechnology Environmental and Health 

Implications (NEHI) Working Group Chairs: 

Treye A. Thomas, CPSC

John Howard, NIOSH

Nanotechnology Innovation and 

Commercialization Ecosystem (NICE)

Working Group Chairs: 

Azlin M. Biaggi-Labiosa, NASA

Khershed Cooper, NSF

Coordinator for Global Issues: 

Christopher M. Cannizzaro, DOS

Coordinator for Standards Development: 

Ajit Jillavenkatesa, NIST

Coordinator for Environmental, Health, and 

Safety Research: 

Treye A. Thomas, CPSC

Coordinator for Education, Engagement, 

and Societal Dimensions: 

John F. Bobalek, DOTreas

NSET Subcommittee Participants

Office of Science and Technology Policy 

(OSTP)

Lloyd J. Whitman*

Altaf H. Carim

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Danielle Jones*

James Kim*

Celinda Marsh*

Consumer Product Safety Commission 

(CPSC)†

Treye A. Thomas*

Department of Commerce (DOC)

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Kelly Gardner*

Economic Development Administration

(EDA)

Thomas Guevara

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST)

Heather Evans*

Ajit Jillavenkatesa*

Debra L. Kaiser

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 

(USPTO)

Gladys Corcoran*

Jesus Hernandez* 

Jerry Lorengo*

Peter Mehravari* 

Department of Defense (DOD)

Jeffrey DePriest*

Eric W. Forsythe*

Mark H. Griep

Akbar Khan*

Antti J. Makinen*

Heather Meeks

Brian D. Pate 

Gernot S. Pomrenke*

Lewis E. Sloter*

David M. Stepp*

Department of Education (DOEd)

Russell D. Shilling*

Department of Energy (DOE)

Harriet Kung*

George Maracas*

Andrew R. Schwartz*

David Forrest*

Department of Health and Human Services

(DHHS)

Agency for Toxic Substances and 

Disease Registry (ATSDR)

Candis M. Hunter

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Anil Patri*

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Charles L. Geraci*

Vladimir V. Murashov*

National Institutes of Health (NIH) 

Piotr Grodzinski*

Lori A. Henderson*

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Kumar Babu*

Department of the Interior (DOI)

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Patricia Bright

Michael Focazio

Department of Justice (DOJ)

National Institute of Justice (NIJ)

Joseph Heaps*

Department of Labor (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA)

Janet Carter*

Department of State (DOS)

Christopher M. Cannizzaro*

Ken Hodgkins*

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Peter Chipman*

Jonathan R. Porter*

Department of the Treasury (DOTreas)

John F. Bobalek*

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Tina Bahadori*

William K. Boyes*

Elaine C. Hubal

Intelligence Community (IC)

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

Matthew Cobert*

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration (NASA)

Azlin M. Biaggi-Labiosa*

Lanetra C. Tate

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Khershed Cooper*

Fred Kronz

Lynnette Madsen*

Mihail C. Roco*

Nora Savage

Grace J. Wang*

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)†

Brian Thomas*

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Agriculture Research Service (ARS)

James Lindsay*

Forest Service (FS)

World L.-S. Nieh*

Theodore H. Wegner*

National Institute of Food and 

Agriculture (NIFA)

Hongda Chen*

U.S. International Trade Commission 

(USITC)†

Elizabeth R. Nesbitt*

* Official NSET Representative

† An independent commission that is represented on NSET but is non-voting
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20502

March 31, 2016

Dear Members of Congress:

I am pleased to forward this annual report on the multiagency National Nanotechnology Initiative 

(NNI) in the form of the NNI Supplement to the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2017. This document 

highlights the programs and coordinated activities taking place across the many departments, independent 

agencies, and commissions participating today in the NNI—an initiative that continues to serve as a model 

for effective coordination of Federal science and technology R&D.

The proposed $1.4 billion NNI budget for Fiscal Year 2017 will continue to advance U.S.

understanding of nanoscale phenomena and the Nation’s ability to engineer nanoscale devices and systems 

that address national priorities and global challenges. The 2017 Budget sustains vital support for 

fundamental, ground-breaking R&D, infrastructure, and education and training programs that collectively 

constitute a major U.S. innovation enterprise. Proposed NNI investments in research facilities and 

infrastructure in 2017 are $235 million, a 7 percent increase from 2015 levels. Nanotechnology 

environmental, health, and safety activities again account for approximately 10 percent of the NNI budget 

request. Over its lifetime, the NNI has successfully fostered the transition of nanotechnology discoveries 

from lab to market and has enabled the growth of new industries that have exploited the unique properties 

of the nanoscale to make products that have enhanced our way of life. Over one-third of this budget request 

is focused on activities that further these efforts.

The Obama Administration has maintained strong fiscal support for the NNI throughout the two 

terms and has endeavored to engage the entire NNI innovation ecosystem in new ways to ensure the broad

stakeholder community continues to support the NNI vision of a future in which applications of 

nanotechnology will lead to a revolution in technology and industry that benefits society. Examples of such 

efforts abound in this supplement, including: the launch of the first Nanotechnology-inspired Grand 

Challenge; awards to support a nationwide network of nanofabrication facilities; a new phase in the national 

effort to harness the power of nanotechnology to radically change the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent 

cancer; plans for a new center to study and assess the use of nanomaterials in consumer products; and 

contests, challenge prizes, and new teacher resources to educate and inspire the next generation of scientists 

and engineers.

It is essential that the United States continue to lead the way in innovation enabled by 

nanotechnology and other emerging technologies. Sustained support for the NNI is vital to providing the 

transformational knowledge and technologies that can benefit society and create the businesses, jobs, and 

opportunities of the future. Thank you for sharing and supporting that vision.

Sincerely,

John P. Holdren

Assistant to the President for Science and Technology

Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 1 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents..................................................................................................................................... 1

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................. 3

1. Introduction and Overview................................................................................................................... 7

Overview of the National Nanotechnology Initiative....................................................................................... 7

Setting the Course for NNI 2.0—Responding to the Recommendations of the 2014 PCAST Assessment .....20

2. NNI Investments................................................................................................................................. 23

Budget Summary............................................................................................................................................23

Key Points about the 2015–2017 NNI Investments.......................................................................................26

Utilization of SBIR and STTR Programs to Advance Nanotechnology ............................................................29

3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area ........................................................ 31

4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities........................................................ 37

Activities Relating to the Four NNI Goals and Fifteen NNI Objectives...........................................................37

Goal 1: Advance a world-class nanotechnology research and development program.................................. 38

Goal 2: Foster the transfer of new technologies into products for commercial and public benefit. ............68

Goal 3: Develop and sustain educational resources, a skilled workforce, and a dynamic infrastructure 

and toolset to advance nanotechnology. ..........................................................................................77

Goal 4: Support responsible development of nanotechnology. ....................................................................84

Appendix A. Abbreviations and Acronyms............................................................................................... 98

Appendix B. Contact List....................................................................................................................... 100

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 3 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Supplement to the President’s Budget is the annual report of the National Nanotechnology Initiative 

(NNI), a partnership of 20 Federal agencies and departments with activities in nanotechnology research and 

development (R&D), policy, and regulation. Since the inception of the NNI in 2001,1 participating agencies 

have invested nearly $24 billion2 (including the President’s 2017 Budget request) in fundamental and applied 

nanotechnology R&D; technology transfer; world-class characterization, testing, and fabrication facilities; 

education and workforce development; and efforts directed at understanding and controlling the 

environmental, health, and safety (EHS) aspects of nanotechnology. In 2015, Federal agencies invested a 

total of $1.5 billion in nanotechnology-related activities. The 2017 request calls for a total investment of over 

$1.4 billion, affirming the important role nanotechnology continues to play in the Administration’s 

innovation agenda. This report highlights accomplishments over the past year, discusses activities currently 

underway, and outlines plans for how agencies will work both individually and collectively in 2017 to build 

upon these accomplishments and further advance the goals of the NNI. 

As the NNI approaches its sixteenth year, participating agencies, together with the White House Office of 

Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO), are 

working aggressively to chart the future directions of the NNI (“NNI 2.0”). In its biennial assessment of the 

NNI in 2014, the President’s Council of Advisors for Science and Technology (PCAST) provided suggestions 

on effecting the transition to NNI 2.0 and emphasized the need for greater focus on commercialization 

activities and broader engagement of the nanotechnology community in setting the future goals and 

directions of the Initiative. Over the past year, NNI agencies, OSTP, and NNCO have been working to address 

many of PCAST’s recommendations, including the establishment of Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand 

Challenges, which are ambitious but achievable goals that will harness nanotechnology to solve national or 

global problems and that have the potential to capture the public’s imagination. Based upon inputs from 

NNI agencies and ideas from the broader nanotechnology community solicited under a Request for 

Information (RFI), the first Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand Challenge (for future computing) was 

announced by OSTP on October 20, 2015. This Grand Challenge calls on the scientific community to 

collaborate to “create a new type of computer that can proactively interpret and learn from data, solve 

unfamiliar problems using what it has learned, and operate with the energy efficiency of the human brain.”3

This Grand Challenge has generated broad interest within the nanotechnology community—not only 

NNI agencies, but also industry, technical societies, and private foundations—and planning is 

underway to address how the agencies and the broader community will work to achieve this goal. 

Topics for additional Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand Challenges are under review. 

While investments in fundamental research continue at a significant level—comprising 42% of the total 2017 

request—NNI agencies also recognize the need to move nanotechnology research from fundamental 

discovery to nanotechnology-based applications, and to transition discoveries from lab to market. This

recognition is reflected in the fact that 35% of the 2017 request is for R&D for the Nanotechnology Signature 

Initiatives (NSIs) and R&D for nanotechnology-enabled applications, devices, and systems—both areas that

1 All references to years in this document are by fiscal year unless otherwise noted.

2 Plus an additional $1 billion in cumulative funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small 

Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs between 2004 and 2014; see Chapter 2 of this report.

3 www.nano.gov/grandchallenges 
Executive Summary

4 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

aim to accelerate this transition. NSIs are multiagency initiatives designed to provide an increased emphasis 

and focus on technology areas of national importance that may be more rapidly advanced through 

enhanced interagency coordination and collaboration. Each of the five NSIs4

 underwent internal reviews in 

2015 to assess their impact and progress and to identify changes, if necessary, to keep the goals and 

objectives current. For example, updates to the white papers that discuss the goals and objectives of the 

Nanomanufacturing and Nanoelectronics NSIs are being made in 2016. The internal review of the 

Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion NSI concluded that a robust portfolio of 

research is now being funded by Government and industry such that the additional focus afforded by the 

NSI mechanism is no longer required. Accordingly, this NSI was retired in late 2015, and agencies will not 

report funding or activities against it beyond 2015. Discussions are underway among NNI agencies on for the 

development of a new NSI. 

Significant accomplishments in solar energy capture and conversion, nanomanufacturing, nanoelectronics, 

nanoinformatics, and sensors have been made under the NSIs, attesting to the impact that enhanced

coordination and collaboration can have on accelerating technology development and transition to 

applications. Investments by the Department of Defense (DOD) in support of the goals of the 

Nanomanufacturing NSI have enabled the commercial-scale production of carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets 

and yarns, which are now being evaluated in several DOD and National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration (NASA) advanced development programs. In the fall of 2016, NASA is planning a sounding 

rocket flight test of a CNT yarn composite overwrap pressure vessel, the first flight test of CNT yarn–

reinforced composites in an aerospace structural component. Close collaboration with industry through 

public–private partnerships such as the Nanoelectronics Research Initiative (NRI) and the Semiconductor 

Technology Advanced Research Network (STARnet) has ensured that research advances in new 

nanoelectronic materials, devices, and architectures transition to commercial applications as quickly as 

possible. Nanotechnology is having a significant impact on advanced sensor technology. For example, DODfunded research has led to the development of a portable sensor based on chemically modified carbon 

nanotubes5 that can be read by a smartphone to detect hazardous gases or food spoilage. The NSIs have 

made effective use of webinars and the NNI website to provide information to and strengthen interactions 

with all sectors of the nanotechnology community. In calendar year 2015, the Sensors NSI, in collaboration 

with the Nanotechnology Knowledge Infrastructure (NKI) NSI, hosted a series of webinars that enlisted 

experts from participating agencies, industry, and academia to discuss topics ranging from an introduction 

to nanosensors and their applications to the use of various techniques to improve data quality and reliability. 

Transitioning nanotechnology-based discoveries from lab to the market continues to be an NNI priority. In 

2014 (the most recent year reported), nearly $97 million was provided to small businesses engaged in 

nanotechnology R&D and commercialization through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and 

Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) programs, in addition to the funding reported under 

the NNI Program Component Areas (PCAs, see Chapter 2). NNI agencies continue to promote technology 

transfer and entrepreneurship through such programs as the National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation 

Corps (I-CorpsTM) program, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Translation of Nanotechnology in Cancer 

consortium, and the Nano-Bio Manufacturing Consortium supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific 

Research. In 2015, NNCO initiated a series of webinars focused on identifying and addressing problems 

confronting small and medium-sized nanotechnology businesses. Planning is underway for additional 

4 Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion; Sustainable Nanomanufacturing; Nanoelectronics for 

2020 and Beyond, Nanotechnology Knowledge Infrastructure (NKI); and Nanotechnology for Sensors and Sensors for 

Nanotechnology. See Chapter 1 for full titles and abbreviations.

5 www.pnas.org/content/111/51/18162/F1.expansion.htm
Executive Summary

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 5

webinars. In addition, OSTP and NNCO released an RFI on February 2, 2016, to gather examples of 

commercialization successes arising from the nanotechnology resources and investments made under the 

auspices of the NNI. Planning efforts are in progress for a workshop to highlight the commercial impact of 

the NNI, share best practices, and identify challenges faced in the commercialization of nanotechnology that 

could be addressed by the Government. 

Proposed NNI investments in research facilities and infrastructure in 2017 are $235 million, a 7% increase 

over actual 2015 levels. These investments continue to provide funding for world-class facilities in 

nanomanufacturing and fabrication, characterization, and testing that support fundamental and applied 

R&D and commercialization. These facilities include five Department of Energy Nanoscale Science Research 

Centers (NSRCs), the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST) at the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, NSF’s National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI), and two 

state-of-the-art nanomaterial characterization laboratories established by the Food and Drug 

Administration. The 2017 request includes funding for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for

a new nanotechnology center at NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to 

conduct research in exposure and risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials in consumer products. 

Continued progress in nanotechnology research, development, and commercialization requires a skilled 

workforce from the laboratory to the shop floor and a public that understands the benefits and risks of 

nanotechnology. NNI agencies provide support for a diverse array of nanotechnology-based educational 

activities covering K-12, community college, undergraduate, and graduate programs. In 2015, NNCO worked 

with NNI agencies, academia, and State and local governments to promote incorporation of nanotechnology 

concepts into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and to provide ready 

access to instructional resources. NNCO expanded the educational resources available on the NNI’s website, 

www.nano.gov, and worked with nanoHUB (funded by NSF) on the development of a searchable 

nanotechnology education resource portal. NNCO has also worked with NNI agencies, in particular NSF, to 

use contests and challenges, videos, and social media to educate the public and stimulate student interest 

and excitement in nanotechnology. In 2015, NSF and NNCO collaborated with NBC Learn to produce a series 

of six videos, “Nanotechnology: Super Small Science,” which explain how nanotechnology has had a 

significant impact on areas such as electronics, renewable energy, and human health. These videos, released 

in January of 2016, have the potential to reach more than 9 million students and over 200 NBC affiliates. In 

2015, NSF and NNCO partnered to launch the contest, “Generation Nano: Small Science Superheroes,” 

challenging high school students to imagine and illustrate how nanotechnology could be used to empower 

a new superhero. Semifinalists will be invited to attend the 2016 USA Science and Engineering Festival to 

present their projects, where the final winners will be selected and announced.

Nanotechnology EHS (nanoEHS) activities have become a hallmark of the NNI, with R&D, policy, and 

regulation in this area extensively coordinated among Federal agencies. NanoEHS activities, including 

relevant activities incorporated in the NSIs, account for about 10% of the NNI budget request in 2017. In 

2015, CPSC partnered with the NNI to host the Quantifying Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials from 

Consumer Products (QEEN) workshop to bring experts together to assess the state of understanding in 

exposure science related to engineered nanomaterials and identify knowledge gaps and technology needs. 

A report from this workshop is being finalized, and information gained from this workshop will be used by 

CPSC in planning the proposed new nanoEHS research center at NIH/NIEHS mentioned above. In 2016, the 

Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group6 will host a series of webinars 

6 A working group of the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the National 

Science and Technology Council; the NSET Subcommittee coordinates the NNI.
Executive Summary

6 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

to increase awareness of resources available to promote safe and responsible nanotechnology research, 

development, and commercialization. A key component of the NNI’s nanoEHS strategy is extensive 

communication and coordination with academic, industrial, and international nanoEHS communities, 

including the U.S.–EU (European Union) Communities of Research;7 collaboration with dedicated 

multidisciplinary academic centers such as the NSF- and EPA-funded centers focusing on the environmental 

implications of nanotechnology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and at Duke University; and 

strong U.S. participation in the development of nanoEHS-related international standards. The NNI 

participating agencies and NNCO will continue to engage with the stakeholder community and leverage 

international efforts to establish a broad and readily accessible EHS knowledge base in support of sciencebased regulatory decision making and responsible development of nanotechnology.

Setting the future course of the NNI and ensuring its continued vitality and relevance requires the 

development of a compelling strategic plan that addresses future national needs and those of NNI agencies, 

and that defines how the Federal Government’s investments in fundamental and applied nanotechnology 

R&D and in efforts to transition nanotechnology from lab to market can best meet those needs. In 2015, the 

NSET Subcommittee, with the support of NNCO, initiated the process to update the February 2014 NNI 

Strategic Plan. As part of this process, a stakeholder workshop and a series of webinars are being planned to 

gather public input on various aspects of the plan and on potential future directions for the NNI. 

7 www.us-eu.org
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 7 

1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Overview of the National Nanotechnology Initiative 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), established in 2001,8 is a U.S. Government research and 

development (R&D) initiative involving 20 Federal departments, independent agencies, and commissions9

working together toward the shared and challenging vision of “a future in which the ability to understand and 

control matter at the nanoscale leads to a revolution in technology and industry that benefits society.”10 The 

combined, coordinated efforts of these agencies have accelerated discovery, development, and deployment 

of nanotechnology to benefit agency missions in service of the broader national interest. The Federal 

agencies participating in the NNI are shown in Table 1; as indicated there, 11 of these report specific budget

data for nanotechnology R&D. 

The NNI is managed within the framework of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), the 

Cabinet-level council by which the President coordinates science and technology policy across the Federal 

Government. The Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the NSTC

Committee on Technology coordinates planning, budgeting, program implementation, and review of 

progress for the Initiative. The NSET Subcommittee is composed of representatives from participating 

agencies and the Executive Office of the President. A list of official NSET Subcommittee members is provided 

at the front of this report, and contact information for NSET Subcommittee participants is provided in 

Appendix B. The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) acts as the primary point of contact 

for information on the NNI; provides technical and administrative support to the NSET Subcommittee, 

including the preparation of multiagency planning, budget, and assessment documents; develops, 

updates, and maintains the NNI website www.nano.gov; provides public outreach on behalf of the NNI; 

and promotes access to and early application of the technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from 

NNI activities.

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 

and 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. Encompassing nanoscale 

science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and 

manipulating matter at this length scale.

A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. To illustrate, a sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers 

thick. Dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers are known as the nanoscale. 

Unusual physical, chemical, and biological properties can emerge in materials at the nanoscale. These 

properties may differ in important ways from the properties of bulk materials and single atoms or 

molecules.

8 General note: In conformance with Office of Management and Budget style, references to years in this report are to 

fiscal years unless otherwise noted.

9 Hereafter within this document the Federal departments, independent agencies, and commissions participating in 

the NNI are referred to collectively as “agencies.” 

10 National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan (NSTC, Washington, DC, 2014; www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan), p. 5.
1. Introduction and Overview

8 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Table 1: Federal Departments and Agencies Participating in the NNI

Federal departments and independent agencies and commissions with budgets 

dedicated to nanotechnology research and development (11)

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)†

Department of Commerce (DOC) 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Department of Defense (DOD)

Department of Energy (DOE)

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

National Science Foundation (NSF)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

Forest Service (FS) 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Other participating departments and independent agencies and commissions (9)

Department of Education (DOEd)

Department of the Interior (DOI)

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Department of Justice (DOJ)

National Institute of Justice (NIJ)

Department of Labor (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Department of State (DOS)

Department of the Treasury (DOTreas)

Intelligence Community (IC) 

Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)†

U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)†

Also participating from the Department of Commerce, listed above:

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Economic Development Administration (EDA)

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

† Denotes an independent commission that is represented on NSET but is non-voting
1. Introduction and Overview

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 9

The NSET Subcommittee has identified critical issues that require focused interagency attention and activity, 

facilitated by subsidiary working groups and/or direction by coordinators. NSET has therefore established 

two working groups—the Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group

and the Nanotechnology Innovation and Commercialization Ecosystem (NICE) Working Group11—and four 

coordinators—for global issues; standards development; environmental, health, and safety research; and 

education, engagement, and societal dimensions. For additional details on these working groups and 

coordinators, see the Coordination and Assessment section of the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan.

12 

The 2014 NNI Strategic Plan sets out the vision for the NNI stated previously and specifies four goals aimed 

at achieving that overall vision: 

1. Advance a world-class nanotechnology research and development program.

2. Foster the transfer of new technologies into products for commercial and public benefit.

3. Develop and sustain educational resources, a skilled workforce, and a dynamic infrastructure and

toolset to advance nanotechnology.

4. Support responsible development of nanotechnology.

For each of these goals, the strategic plan identifies specific objectives aimed at collectively achieving the 

NNI vision. Chapter 4 provides details about these objectives and related NNI activities.

As directed by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act,13 the strategic plan also 

identifies R&D investment categories, known as Program Component Areas (PCAs). The five PCAs, listed 

below, include research and development activities that contribute to one or more of the NNI goals:

1. Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives.

2. Foundational Research.

3. Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems.

4. Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation.

5. Environment, Health, and Safety.

Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs) are designed to accelerate innovation in areas of national 

priority through enhanced interagency coordination and collaboration. The NSI portfolio is intended to be 

dynamic. NSIs will be retired when it is determined that focus on a given topical area is no longer necessary. 

New NSIs will be established when it is determined that spotlighting R&D efforts on new topics is required. 

The technical content of each NSI is reviewed on a regular basis and updated, as appropriate, to address 

changing needs and research progress. NSI topics for 2015 through 2017 are as follows:

• Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion: Contributing to Energy Solutions for

the Future (Solar NSI—retired at the end of 2015).

• Sustainable Nanomanufacturing: Creating the Industries of the Future (Nanomanufacturing NSI).

• Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond (Nanoelectronics NSI).

• Nanotechnology Knowledge Infrastructure (NKI): Enabling National Leadership in Sustainable

Design (NKI NSI).

11 Chartered in 2015 as an update to the prior Nanomanufacturing, Industry Liaison, and Innovation Working Group.

12 National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan (NSTC, Washington, DC, 2014, www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan), p. 51.

13 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C. §7501(c)(4), P.L. 108-153); 

www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-108publ153/html/PLAW-108publ153.htm. 
1. Introduction and Overview

10 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

• Nanotechnology for Sensors and Sensors for Nanotechnology: Improving and Protecting Health,

Safety, and the Environment (Sensors NSI).

The NNI R&D investment is also guided by the 2011 NNI Environmental, Health, and Safety Research 

Strategy.14 This strategy supports all four NNI goals but is most closely aligned with NNI Goal 4 and PCA 5.

NNI funding represents the sum of the nanotechnology-related investments allocated by each of the 

participating agencies (the “NNI budget crosscut”). Each agency separately determines its budget for 

nanotechnology R&D in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Office of 

Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and Congress. NNI agencies collaborate closely, facilitated through 

the NSET Subcommittee and its working groups and coordinators, to create an integrated R&D program that 

leverages investment, knowledge, and expertise, as well as equipment and other infrastructure to advance 

NNI goals and meet individual agency mission needs and objectives. Detailed highlights of these activities 

can be found in Chapter 4, organized by the four NNI goals and their respective objectives. Provided below 

is a brief summary of the activities for each goal, followed by a summary of activities in support of each of

the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives. 

Goal 1. Advance a World-Class Nanotechnology Research and Development Program

Even as the results of previous Federal investments in nanoscience transition into commercial products, NNI 

agencies remain committed to strong and sustained support for research and development that will lead to 

the next generation of nanotechnology-enabled innovations. These continued investments enable future 

discoveries that build upon and expand the body of knowledge developed under the auspices of the NNI 

and ensure thatthe United States remains at the forefront of nanotechnology. The aim of Goal 1 is to advance 

nanoscience and nanotechnology by expanding the boundaries of understanding and by developing 

technologies through groundbreaking, comprehensive, and focused R&D. NNI agencies invest at the 

frontiers and intersections of many disciplines, including biology, chemistry, engineering, materials science, 

and physics. Progress in R&D depends both on the availability of a skilled workforce, infrastructure, and tools 

(Goal 3), and on laying a strong foundation for responsible incorporation of nanotechnology into commercial 

products (Goals 2 and 4).15 NNI agencies support a wide range of foundational research and other activities 

advancing Goal 1, including the more focused and coordinated activities of the NSIs. Examples of 

coordinated activities under Goal 1 include industry, university, and government consortia on 

nanotechnology-based approaches to reduce the cost of water treatment; improve the efficiency of low-cost 

gallium arsenide-based solar cells; produce new optoelectronic fibers and textiles for multifunctional 

warfighter combat uniforms; develop conformal coatings for sutures, surgical sponges, and bandages that 

enable unprecedented wound healing; create imaging technologies for detection and characterization of 

pathogenic, toxic, and bacterial threats to food safety; and promote international efforts to develop 

standards to accelerate regulatory review of nanotechnology-enabled products and processes.

Goal 2. Foster the Transfer of New Technologies into Products for Commercial and Public 

Benefit 

The research and development advanced under Goal 1 serves as the foundation for innovative new products. 

Although nanotechnology products are already in the marketplace, many observers perceive the NNI to be 

14 National Nanotechnology Initiative Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Strategy (NSTC, Washington, DC, 2011;

www.nano.gov/2011EHSStrategy). 

15 See Table 4 in the National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan (NSTC, Washington, DC, 2014, 

www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan), p. 49. 
1. Introduction and Overview

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 11

at a tipping point. There is a significant potential in the near term to broaden the utilization of novel 

properties that exist at the nanoscale in more complex devices and systems. In order to realize this potential, 

the focus of Goal 2 is to establish processes and resources that facilitate the transfer of nanotechnology 

research into applications that benefit society, national security, and the economy. Investments by both the 

public and private sectors are needed to shepherd these nanotechnologies to maturity. Goal 2 encompasses 

four objectives that detail how the NNI will focus its resources and broaden its engagement with academia, 

industry, and the international community to reach this goal.16

As with any new technology, scalable, repeatable, cost-effective, and high-precision manufacturing methods 

are required to move discoveries from the laboratory into commercial products. These requirements are 

addressed for specific application areas in the institutes of the National Network for Manufacturing 

Innovation (NNMI), several of which involve aspects of nanotechnology. Federal participants in the NNMI 

and the NNI actively communicate with each other to leverage resources and exploit knowledge gained from 

their respective manufacturing and technology development activities. NNI member agencies also have a 

number of activities uniquely targeting technology transfer and commercialization. These include 

workshops to obtain input from industry and academia; Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small 

Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) programs to fund innovations in small businesses; and the 

development and maintenance of a cutting-edge research infrastructure for use by all nanotechnology 

researchers, including those in industry. 

In addition to the NNI agency activities, the NNCO Director and Deputy Director, NNCO’s dedicated industrial 

liaison staff member, and the OSTP Assistant Director for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials conduct 

outreach activities to engage with and learn from the commercial sector with respect to commercialization 

of nanotechnologies. As a point of contact for industry, the NNCO industrial liaison not only responds to 

routine requests from companies for assistance, but also actively engages industry with nearly 400 phone 

conversations, in-person meetings, and site visits per year, and attends industry workshops and conferences 

to keep abreast of developments and concerns. During these interactions, key private-sector issues such as 

funding, partnerships, intellectual property, and the regulatory environment are discussed and monitored, 

and information gained from these discussions is relayed to NNI agencies and OSTP. In 2015, the NNCO 

Director and Deputy Director attended several industry-focused workshops, and OSTP held two events at 

the White House to discuss NNI activities and interact with attendees to learn more about both the successes 

and challenges that companies are experiencing.

In calendar year 2015, NNCO initiated a series of webinars focused on identifying challenges faced by 

companies in the commercialization of nanotechnology and on providing information to help address some 

of these challenges.

17 New webinars are being planned for 2016. In addition, OSTP and NNCO, have reached

out to the nanotechnology community with a Request for Information (RFI) to gather nanotechnology 

commercialization success stories.18 Feedback from this RFI will help inform the NNI agencies about the 

current state of nanotechnology commercialization and the impact of Federal research investments. 

Planning is underway for a workshop to highlight the success stories, share best practices, and seek ways 

that NNI agencies can facilitate future successes. 

16 For the full descriptions of the objectives of this NNI goal, see the 2014 National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic 

Plan, www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan or www.nano.gov/about-nni/what/vision-goals. 

17 www.nano.gov/SMEwebinars2015

18 www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/02/02/2016-01521/nanotechnology-commercialization-success-stories
1. Introduction and Overview

12 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Goal 3. Develop and Sustain Educational Resources, a Skilled Workforce, and a Dynamic 

Infrastructure and Toolset to Advance Nanotechnology 

The advancement of nanotechnology research, development, and commercialization requires a robust 

research infrastructure, with state-of-the art facilities for characterization and fabrication and a highly skilled 

workforce prepared via a broad spectrum of instructional and workforce training programs across the 

educational continuum. A substantial investment, strengthened by interagency cooperation and 

collaboration through the NNI, is required to develop the facilities and talent necessary to achieve the 

complementary NNI goals of advancing a world-class R&D program (Goal 1), fostering the transfer of new 

technologies into products for commercial and public benefit (Goal 2), and supporting responsible 

development of nanotechnology (Goal 4). Goal 3 encompasses three objectives that detail how the NNI will 

responsibly engage and educate the public and the workforce regarding the opportunities that 

nanotechnology offers and the skills it requires, along with providing access to advanced facilities and tools. 

Education is among the chief objectives of NNI-funded university research, especially at the graduate level. 

Specific NNI programs have targeted K–12 and undergraduate-level education, focused on improving and 

expanding nanotechnology curricula in U.S. schools and universities. There are also a number of NNCO 

activities that aim to promote and support nanotechnology education. For example, the NNI website

www.nano.gov provides extensive introductory information and links to educational resources for students 

and teachers, training and degree programs, and job opportunities. In response to the needs identified in a 

December 2014 Nanoscale Science and Engineering Education (NSEE) Workshop, NNCO has developed, in 

collaboration with nanoHUB, a searchable web portal of teaching resources, including lesson plans, 

demonstrations, and laboratory exercises.19 NNCO will showcase many of these resources at the 2016 

National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) annual conference, in addition to highlighting the web portal 

during teacher training programs, lectures, and webinars. Furthermore, two educational video series have 

been developed for classroom use—“Nanotechnology: Super Small Science,”20 created under a collaboration 

between NSF and NBC Learn, and “Innovation Workshop: Nanotechnology,”21 produced by the Fairfax 

County (Virginia) Public School District in collaboration with NNCO and NIST—that have the potential to 

reach a broad audience. For example, NBC Learn has an audience of more than 9 million students, and 

highlights from these videos are distributed to more than 200 NBC affiliates for use in news and other on-air 

segments.

NNCO is supporting NNI agenciesin utilizing contests, social media, and other toolsto spark student interest 

in nanotechnology and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. In 2015, 

multimedia image (“EnvisioNano”) and video (“Tiny Science. Big Impacts. Cool Videos.”) contests were 

launched to encourage college students to share information about their research and create a greater 

awareness of the NNI. “Generation Nano: Small Science Superheroes,” a contest developed by NSF and 

NNCO, is challenging high school students to explore how nanotechnology can make a hero super. This 

contest has caught the attention of legendary comic book creator Stan Lee, who is actively promoting the 

contest to help reach students beyond those already focused on science and technology. NNCO is also 

facilitating a network of college student groups devoted to raising awareness of and promoting 

opportunities in nanotechnology and other emerging technologies. Representatives from these groups plan 

to meet annually at a student leaders’ conference to be held in conjunction with the TechConnect World 

Innovation Conference and Expo.

19 nanohub.org/publications/118/1 

20 www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/nanotechnology 

21 www.fcps.edu/fairfaxnetwork/innovation_nanotechnology
1. Introduction and Overview

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 13

Community colleges across the country are developing programs to support the increasing need for a 

trained, highly skilled nanotechnology workforce, often in collaboration with local industry. More 

information about these programs, including the NSF-funded Nano-Link Center for Nanotechnology 

Education and the Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) Network, can be found at 

www.nano.gov/education-training-workforce. At least two States have now incorporated nanotechnology 

into their K–12 science standards, which will help promote nanoscience literacy for their students and 

citizens. NNCO will continue to work with State departments of education to facilitate access to existing 

resources and provide technical guidance. Educational resources and lessons learned will be made available 

nationwide to assist States as they develop or expand their nanotechnology-related education offerings, and 

venues such as the National Science Teacher Association’s National Conference on Science Education will be 

used to provide enhanced visibility of NNI resources to STEM educators.

The continued transition of nanotechnology research into products emphasizes the need to engage and 

inform all segments of the public to help them understand the basic principles of nanoscale science and 

engineering and better appreciate and assess the opportunities and potential impacts presented by 

nanotechnology. The NNI agencies partner with public and private organizations to create informal 

educational materials that institutions across the country can use to engage with their local communities. 

For example, NSF’s Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) worked over a period of eight 

years to create engaging physical and digital instructional kits to support NanoDays,22 a nationwide, weeklong annual festival of educational activities about nanoscale science and engineering. Although this NSF 

grant has officially ended, many of the over 250 sites that hosted NanoDays have indicated they will continue 

the event—a testament to the strong public interest in nanotechnology and the collaborative network 

developed under this program. NNI outreach also takes the form of public lectures, science cafes, and the 

development of print and video content.

The toolkit required for successful nanotechnology research, development, and commercialization includes 

broad access by researchers to specialized physical infrastructure such as instrumentation for fabrication and 

characterization, and to models, simulations, and data. The NNI continues to support cyber and physical 

infrastructure for nanotechnology through its extensive network of research centers and user facilities, 

including the DOE Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRCs) and the NIST Center for Nanoscale Science 

and Technology (CNST). In addition to these user facilities, the new NSF-supported National Nanotechnology 

Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) network has 16 sites across the country that give academic, small business, 

and industry researchers access to leading-edge tools and experience. More information on NNI-supported 

infrastructure can be found in Chapter 4. The NNI also leverages activities of other Federal programs and 

initiatives such as the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI), National Robotics Initiative (NRI), National Strategic 

Computing Initiative (NSCI), and National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI). 

Goal 4. Support Responsible Development of Nanotechnology 

Since its inception, a primary goal of the NNI has been the responsible development of nanotechnology. 

Well-coordinated nanotechnology-related environmental, health, and safety (nanoEHS) research is essential 

to ensure a future in which responsible development of nanotechnology provides maximum benefit to 

society and the environment. These efforts are pivotal in contributing to American innovation and to 

advancing manufacturing and economic competitiveness. Progress in nanoEHS research, as well as in 

developing a robust understanding of the ethical, legal, and societal implications (ELSI) of nanotechnology, 

is vital to establishing the regulatory certainty and public confidence needed for companies to bring their 

22 www.nisenet.org/nanodays
1. Introduction and Overview

14 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

nanotechnology products to market and to ensuring that these products are safe and sustainable 

throughout their life cycles.

The NSET Subcommittee’s NEHI Working Group is a forum for focused interagency collaboration on nanoEHS 

and ELSI. It provides leadership in establishing the national nanotechnology EHS research agenda, in addition

to communicating EHS information among NNI agencies and to the broader stakeholder community. The 

combined efforts of the nanotechnology R&D community, public health advocacy groups, and the public 

are required to fully address EHS research priorities and strengthen the scientific foundation of risk 

assessment and risk management of nanotechnology. NEHI, the NNI EHS coordinator, and NNCO, as 

appropriate, support interactions between agencies and the diverse stakeholder communities to enhance 

the value of NNI efforts and provide a collaborative approach to examining the public health and 

environmental aspects of nanomaterials. These efforts continue to be guided by the 2011 NNI EHS Research 

Strategy.23

Over the years, considerable investment has been focused on nanoEHS research through extramural 

programs as well as intramural activities within agencies, resulting in significant advances in the state of 

knowledge and the tools available to understand and mitigate risks. To share some of these advances, NEHI 

is planning a webinar series to raise awareness of available resources, such as the NIOSH Current Intelligence 

Bulletins on nanomaterials, and to share best practices for laboratory safety. Other regions in the world have 

been making significant investments in nanoEHS as well. NEHI and NNI agencies are working to identify 

opportunities to collaborate and leverage these efforts to maximize the impact of the collective investment 

and to ensure that shared knowledge informs science-based regulation to protect human health and the 

environment without unnecessarily impacting commerce. The U.S.–EU (European Union) Communities of 

Research (CoRs)24 are one mechanism for collaboration and information exchange among nanoEHS 

researchers. The CoRs are researcher-led groups of experts who communicate via regular conference calls, a 

shared website, and annual workshops to develop work products such as white papers and database 

protocols. In the annual CoR workshops (which alternate between venues in the United States and Europe), 

the participants engage in analyzing a nanoEHS scenario and reporting on their CoR progress and plans. The 

CoR workshops also provide a forum for U.S. and EU policy makers to meet and discuss critical issues and 

opportunities. 

Goal 4 is also advanced by activities within the Sensors, NKI, and Nanomanufacturing NSIs, as well as activities 

supported by the NNI coordinators for global implications and standards development, and by communityled activities. Ongoing communication and coordination among these many efforts are critical and are 

facilitated by the NNI and NNCO. Examples of these efforts include the U.S.–EU CoRs; collaborations with 

dedicated multidisciplinary academic centers such as the NSF- and EPA-funded centers at the University of 

California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Duke University focusing on the environmental implications of 

nanotechnology; and the coordination of nanoEHS-related standards development among various 

standards organizations (e.g., the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the 

American Society for Testing and Materials, and the International Organization for Standardization). 

Additionally, the NNI’s www.nano.gov website provides an FAQ page for businesses25 to help them 

understand EHS and other regulatory issues important in developing and marketing their nanotechnologyenabled products and services. The NNI participating agencies and the NNCO will continue to engage with 

23 National Nanotechnology Initiative Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Strategy (NSTC, Washington, DC, 2011; 

www.nano.gov/2011EHSStrategy). 

24 www.us-eu.org

25 www.nano.gov/bizfaqs
1. Introduction and Overview

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 15

the international stakeholder community to expand a broad and readily accessible EHS knowledge base in 

support of regulatory decision making and responsible development of nanotechnology.

Overview of the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives

In 2010, the Federal agencies participating in the NNI launched the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives 

(NSIs) as a new mechanism for interagency coordination and collaboration intended to accelerate 

nanotechnology development in support of the President’s priorities and innovation strategy. The NSIs 

became a Program Component Area (PCA) in the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan. The NSIs provide a spotlight on 

areas of national importance and define the shared vision of the participating agencies for accelerating the 

advancement of nanoscale science and technology from research through commercialization in those 

identified areas. By combining the expertise, capabilities, and resources of appropriate Federal agencies, the 

NSIs accelerate research, development, or insertion, and overcome challenges to application of 

nanotechnology-enabled products. Each contributing agency is committed to coordinating research to 

achieve the expected outcomes defined in the NSI white papers in order to avoid duplication of effort and 

maximize the return on the Nation’s research investments. The NSI portfolio is intended to be dynamic, and 

the areas of focus will change. New topic areas will be introduced and some topics will be retired as the 

spotlight provided by the NSI mechanism is no longer necessary to advance research and development in 

those areas. The technical content of each NSI is reviewed on a regular basis and updated, as appropriate, to 

address changing needs and research progress. While specifically described as Objective 1.4 of Goal 1, the 

focused goals and outcomes of each signature initiative are developed in the context of all four foundational 

NNI goals and across several PCAs. An overview of each NSI is provided below; additional details can be found 

in Chapter 4.

Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion Signature Initiative

The Solar NSI26 was one of the first three signature initiatives launched in 2010, based upon the realization 

that the levelized cost of energy of solar technology was not yet economically competitive with conventional 

fossil fuel technologies and that nanotechnology had a strong potential to reduce this cost. The white paper 

for this initiative27 identified new innovations and fundamental breakthroughs that were expected to 

overcome the limits of existing technologies and help accelerate the development of economically viable 

solar energy technologies. The goals identified for the Solar NSI were to enhance understanding of 

conversion and storage phenomena at the nanoscale; improve nanoscale materials, characterization, and 

properties for solar technology; and help enable economical nanomanufacturing of robust devices.

The formation of the Solar NSI brought together representatives from participating agencies to address 

strategically important technical areas identified in the 2010 white paper. Enhanced cross-agency 

communication led to heightened knowledge of ongoing and planned activities within the agencies, 

allowing for greater leveraging of resources through mechanisms such as collaborative programs. Individual 

agency-funded or mission-specific programs have also benefited from improved awareness of 

complementary activities at other agencies and have been developed in the context of broader Federal 

activities.

Examples of research advancement during the course of the Solar NSI can be found in “A Progress Review of 

the Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion NSI.”28 An early example of progress is the 

26 www.nano.gov/NSISolar 

27 www.nano.gov/sites/default/files/pub_resource/nnisiginitsolarenergyfinaljuly2010.pdf 

28 www.nano.gov/sites/default/files/pub_resource/nsi_status_report_solar_12_2015.pdf 
1. Introduction and Overview

16 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) demonstration in 2011 of “black silicon” that set a world 

record for energy conversion efficiency by black silicon solar cells, and was licensed to industry. Another 

example is the transition of Government-funded quantum dot solar cell technology to a major U.S. 

manufacturer of commercial solar cells to increase the efficiency of space-based solar cells and provide 

increased power for U.S. satellites. In the area of solar thermal conversion, flat-panel solar thermoelectric 

generators have been reported with electric conversion efficiencies seven to eight times higher than 

previously reported. Significant advances have also been made in the area of solar-to-fuel conversion; for 

example, researchers funded by USDA/NIFA developed a thin-film prototype device that combines the 

natural process of photosynthesis, based on the nanoscale protein found in leafy vegetables, with silicon to 

provide power through solar energy to drive a small handheld device.

The Solar NSI has provided a valuable focus on critical scientific challenges facing solar energy technologies 

and on the programs within the participating agencies that address these issues. The strength of these 

interactions and the active community that has developed—composed of researchers and program 

managers across the Federal Government and federally funded external researchers—make the continued 

focus of a signature initiative unnecessary. Although research activities and interagency collaboration in 

these important areas will continue, 2015 is the last year they are reported under the NSI mechanism. The 

NSI spotlight will transition to other high-priority areas for the NNI and will be reported under other PCAs as 

appropriate.

Sustainable Nanomanufacturing Signature Initiative

Nanomanufacturing involves the scaled-up, reliable, cost-effective, and responsible production of nanoscale 

materials, structures, devices, and systems. An important long-term vision for nanomanufacturing has been 

the ability to create flexible, “bottom-up” or “top-down/bottom-up” continuous assembly methods. To 

address this vision, the Nanomanufacturing NSI29 was launched in 2010 to establish manufacturing 

technologies for economical and sustainable integration of nanoscale building blocks into complex, largescale systems.

The agency representatives participating in the Nanomanufacturing NSI met in 2015 to evaluate progress 

and consider future directions for their collaborative efforts. Participants agreed that nanomanufacturing 

remains a high-priority area that continues to benefit from the spotlight afforded by the signature initiative 

mechanism; they are currently in the process of updating the NSI white paper to define new goals and 

objectives. The updated document will be informed by ongoing interactions with representatives from the 

National Network for Manufacturing Innovation Institutes. 

NNI agencies have worked together to advance scientific understanding and strengthen the community in 

support of the Nanomanufacturing NSI, including the outcomes envisioned in the areas of carbon-based and 

cellulose nanomaterials. Public–private consortia have formed around each of these materials to accelerate 

the development of commercial products. As detailed in a forthcoming progress review of the Sustainable 

Nanomanufacturing NSI,30 the two-, four-, and eight-year goals identified in the 2010 Nanomanufacturing 

NSI white paper for carbon-based nanomaterials have been met ahead of schedule. Consortia have been 

formed for coordinating research on manufacturing methods and metrology for high-performance 

nanomaterials; material systems and processes have been demonstrated for scalable, sustainable, efficient, 

and safe nanomanufacturing; and engagement with industrial partners to identify materials and processes 

appropriate for production has led to technology transfer and adoption by U.S. manufacturers.

29 www.nano.gov/NSINanomanufacturing

30 www.nano.gov/NSIProgressReview
1. Introduction and Overview

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 17

A focused effort involving several NNI agencies in partnership with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, 

Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III, for the production of carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn, sheet, tape, and 

slurry materials has resulted in significant advancements at Nanocomp Technologies in Merrimack, New 

Hampshire. Tens of thousands of square feet of sheet material and thousands of kilometers of yarn made in 

this facility have been delivered to customers. CNT electrostatic discharge/electromagnetic interference 

shielding from this contractor facility has achieved a technology readiness level31 (TRL) of 8/9 for spacecraft, 

and CNT heaters, data cables, and enhanced soft and hard ceramic armor all have achieved TRL 6. When 

completed, this expanded capability will, for the first time, provide tonnage quantities of advanced CNT 

products sufficient for qualification and initial insertion into programs for aerospace, ballistics protection, 

and aircraft. Nanocomp’s CNT-based products are currently being utilized in DOD and NASA advanced 

development programs for important applications including lightweight body and vehicle armor; improved 

structural components for spacecraft, satellites, and aircraft; and lightweight cable and wiring. 

Public–private partnerships have also been formed to accelerate the research and development of cellulose 

nanomaterials. The USDA Forest Service (FS) Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) is working in partnership with 

the Agenda 2020 Technology Alliance and universities to develop the precompetitive science and 

technology critical for the commercialization and economic use of cellulose nanomaterials. P3

Nano is a 

partnership between USDA/FS and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities to rapidly advance 

the commercialization of cellulose nanomaterials. These efforts are supported by materials produced at FPL’s 

cellulose nanocrystal pilot plant in Madison, Wisconsin, and the ton-a-day cellulose nanofibril pilot plant at 

the University of Maine. 

Other significant efforts supporting the Nanomanufacturing NSI include the development by NIST of highthroughput measurement methods to characterize nanomaterial composites and the efforts by NIOSH to 

apply Prevention through Design principles, working closely with fabrication facilities and laboratories to 

ensure safe practices. NIOSH also has released several guidance documents detailing safe handling 

procedures and current intelligence related to nanoEHS. Many other nanomanufacturing efforts supported 

by NNI agencies, including active engagement with industry to ensure responsible development, are 

highlighted in Chapter 4.

Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond Signature Initiative

Continuing to shrink the dimensions of electronic devices is necessary to further increase processor speed, 

reduce device switching energy, increase system functionality, and reduce manufacturing cost per bit. 

However, as the dimensions of critical elements of devices approach atomic size, quantum tunneling and 

other quantum effects degrade and ultimately prohibit further miniaturization of conventional devices. 

Recognizing this challenge, the Nanoelectronics NSI32 was launched in 2010 to discover and use novel 

nanoscale fabrication processes and innovative concepts to produce revolutionary materials, devices, 

systems, and architectures.

The agency representatives participating in the Nanoelectronics NSI met in 2015 to evaluate progress and 

consider future directions for their collaborative efforts. Participants agreed that nanoelectronics remains an 

area that can benefit from the focus and attention afforded by the signature initiative mechanism. However, 

significant advances have been made since the launch of the signature initiative, including the development 

of an entirely new class of 2D materials with the potential to impact future electronics. In light of this, agency 

representatives are in the process of updating the NSI white paper to define new goals and objectives. 

31 www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/engineering/technology/txt_accordion1.html

32 www.nano.gov/NSINanoelectronics
1. Introduction and Overview

18 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Over the course of the Nanoelectronics NSI, broad efforts across the Federal Government, including strong 

collaboration with academia and industry, have addressed the five thrust areas identified in the 2010 

Nanoelectronics NSI white paper: (1) exploring new or alternative “state variables” for computing, (2) 

merging nanophotonics with nanoelectronics, (3) exploring carbon-based nanoelectronics, (4) exploiting 

nanoscale processes and phenomena for quantum information science, and (5) developing a national 

nanoelectronics research and manufacturing infrastructure network.33

For example, the Nanoelectronics Research Initiative (NRI) is a public–private partnership to collaboratively 

prioritize and fund university research relevant to the semiconductor industry.34 NRI, a program within the 

Semiconductor Research Corporation, leverages expertise and resources from industry, Federal agencies, 

and State governments. NRI supports long-range research toward the discovery of the fundamental building 

blocks for tomorrow’s nanoscale electronics—new devices and circuit architectures for computing—that are 

viewed as essential to continuing performance advances in information technology. The Semiconductor 

Technology Advanced Research Network (STARnet) Program,35 which leverages resources from industry 

(Semiconductor Industry Association and member companies) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects 

Agency (DARPA), continues to explore devices and approaches that may transcend the end of the scaled 

transistor, including other applications for new devices to realize new types of circuits with advantages and 

functionalities that are not possible with conventional technologies. The NRI and STARnet communities are 

closely tied and engage together in benchmarking activities.

A forthcoming progress review of the Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond NSI36 notes that several 

advances have occurred since the launch of the signature initiative. For example, researchers have 

demonstrated that ferroelectric polarization can be used to stabilize spin crossover molecules in either the 

high-spin or low-spin state over a wide temperature range including room temperature, providing a possible 

path toward low-power nonvolatile magneto-electric logic operations at GHz clock speeds. A novel 

technology also has been demonstrated for constructing large-scale electronic systems based on 

graphene/molybdenum disulfide heterostructures grown by chemical vapor deposition. High-performance 

devices and circuits based on these heterostructures have been fabricated.

With respect to thrust area 5, the NSF-supported NNCI network—the successor to the National 

Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network—consists of 16 regional open nanotechnology laboratory user 

facilities and over 20 laboratory and education partners. The NNCI user facility sites include capabilities and 

instrumentation that specifically address current and anticipated user needs across the broad areas of 

nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.

Nanotechnology Knowledge Infrastructure Signature Initiative

Nanotechnology has the ability to solve global challenges by generating and applying new multidisciplinary 

knowledge of nanoscale phenomena and engineered nanoscale materials, structures, and products. Data 

underlying this new knowledge are vast, disconnected, and challenging to integrate into the broad scientific 

body of knowledge. The NKI NSI37 was initiated in 2012 to leverage and extend existing and emerging 

resources, programs, and technologies to support the broader goals of the NNI by creating an infrastructure 

to accelerate the vetting of new knowledge and to enable effective data utilization. Agencies participating 

33 www.nano.gov/sites/default/files/pub_resource/nni_siginit_nanoelectronics_jul_2010.pdf 

34 www.src.org/program/nri

35 www.src.org/program/starnet

36 www.nano.gov/NSIProgressReview

37 www.nano.gov/NKIPortal
1. Introduction and Overview

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 19

in the NKI NSI recognize that the development of a robust and functional informatics infrastructure requires 

broad communication and collaboration among the various nanotechnology communities. As such, these 

agencies engage, leverage resources, and collaborate with vibrant groups from the nanoinformatics 

community—including the National Cancer Institute’s National Cancer Informatics Program 

Nanotechnology Working Group, the EU NanoSafety Cluster’s Databases Working Group, and the U.S.–EU 

nanoEHS Communities of Research—to build and manage the nanotechnology knowledge infrastructure. 

Agencies participating in the NKI NSI have interacted with the nanoinformatics community by organizing 

and participating in a wide range of relevant events, including a webinar series in the fall of 2015. The series 

covered three topics: (1) “Introduction to Nanoinformatics,” with presentations by Mark Hoover (NIOSH), 

Christina Lu (NIH), Robert Hanisch (NIST), and Daryl Hess (NSF); (2) “Applications of Nanoinformatics,” with 

presentations by Christine Hendren (Duke University) and Bruce Lippy (Center for Construction Research and 

Training); and (3) “All Hands on Deck for Improving Data Quality,” in collaboration with the Sensors NSI 

agencies, with presentations by Paul Weiss (UCLA and ACS Nano) and Ewan Birney (European Bioinformatics 

Institute). 

During the annual review of the NKI NSI, agency participants agreed that the general framework outlined in 

the 2012 white paper document remains representative of the needs for this initiative. Continued interaction 

with community groups, as noted above and in the forthcoming progress review of the NKI NSI,38 is critical 

to growing and promoting the knowledge infrastructure. Ongoing collaboration with other data-rich NSIs—

for example, Nanomanufacturing and Sensors—and other efforts such as the Materials Genome Initiative, 

enable sharing of best practices in common areas and ensure that the informatics infrastructure being 

developed broadly serves the needs of the research and development community. The pages of 

www.nano.gov/NKIPortal highlight many of the resources that make up the cyber-toolbox and identify a 

number of the community partners critical to the success of the NKI NSI.

Nanotechnology for Sensors and Sensors for Nanotechnology Signature Initiative

Nanotechnology-enabled sensors (nanosensors) are providing new solutions in physical, chemical, and 

biological sensing that enable increased detection sensitivity, specificity, multiplexing capability, and 

portability for a wide variety of health, safety, and environmental assessments both on earth and in space. 

The Sensors NSI39 addresses both the opportunity of using nanotechnology to advance sensor development 

and the challenges of developing sensors that keep pace with the increasingly widespread use of engineered 

nanomaterials.

Engaging with stakeholders remains an important priority to identify the barriers researchers face in the 

development and commercialization of nanosensors. The Sensors NSI serves as a focal point for relevant 

communities and the public to address opportunities and barriers through the RFI mechanism, town hall 

discussions, technical sessions and panels at conferences, and community meetings. A Sensors NSI Web 

Portal was recently launched via a webinar40 to serve as a ready source of information for the nanosensor 

community regarding sensor fabrication and test facilities, funding opportunities, regulatory information, 

standards, and other relevant resources. In the fall of 2015, the Sensors NSI organized a series of three technical 

webinars. “Nanosensor Technologies and Applications,” the first in the series, was a tutorial provided by 

Meyya Meyyappan (NASA). In the second webinar, Kim Sapsford (FDA) presented “A Regulatory Case Study 

38 www.nano.gov/NSIProgressReview. 

39 www.nano.gov/SensorsNSIPortal 

40 www.nano.gov/sites/default/files/sensors_nsi_webinar_nnco_for_archive_final.pdf
1. Introduction and Overview

20 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

for the Development of Nanosensors.” The final event in the series was “All Hands on Deck for Improving 

Data Quality,” presented as noted above in collaboration with the NKI NSI. 

During the annual review of the Sensors NSI, agency participants agreed that the general framework of the 

white paper remains relevant. As detailed in the forthcoming progress review of the Sensors NSI,41 there are 

many examples of nanosensor advancements supported by the participating agencies. For example, DODfunded research has led to the development of a portable sensor based on chemically modified carbon 

nanotubes42 that can be read by a smartphone to detect hazardous gases and food spoilage. Another 

example is the industry-wide exposure assessment study, led by NIOSH in collaboration with U.S. 

manufacturers and users of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers.43 Continued emphasis afforded by the 

signature initiative spotlight will accelerate further advancements in nanosensors. One area of focus, 

highlighted by the community as a near-term need, is the identification of testing procedures and facilities. 

The agencies are currently working together to catalog both existing and highly needed facilities, in addition 

to engaging in the Sensors NSI-related activities detailed in Chapter 4.

Setting the Course for NNI 2.0—Responding to the Recommendations of the 

2014 PCAST Assessment 

As required by law under the 21st Century Nanotechnology R&D Act, the President’s Council of Advisors for 

Science and Technology (PCAST) performed its biennial assessment of the NNI in 2014 and released a report 

of its findings and recommendations.44 An emphasis of this report was on defining the future of the NNI 

(“NNI 2.0”) with a focus on improving efforts to support lab-to-market transitions and on effecting broader 

engagement of the nanotechnology community in setting the goals and directions of the Initiative. In 2015, 

NNI agencies, OSTP, and NNCO worked to address many of the PCAST recommendations and put in motion 

efforts to chart the future course of the NNI, in keeping with the Administration’s recently updated Strategy 

for American Innovation.

45

A major recommendation in the 2014 PCAST assessment is that the NNI should establish Grand Challenges 

as an “effective means for focusing and amplifying the impact of Federal nanotechnology activities.” In 

response to this recommendation, a Request for Information was released by OSTP on June 17, 2015, for 

public input on potential topics for Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand Challenges for the Next Decade, ambitious 

but achievable goals that will harness nanotechnology to solve national or global problems and that have 

the potential to capture the public’s imagination. Over 100 responses were received covering a wide range 

of topics including nanomedicine, energy, nanomanufacturing, and the environment. After careful review of 

the responses and further discussions, the first Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand Challenge was announced 

on October 20, 2015, calling on the scientific community to collaborate to “Create a new type of computer that 

can proactively interpret and learn from data, solve unfamiliar problems using what it has learned, and operate 

with the energy efficiency of the human brain.” 46 DOD, DOE, NIST, and the Intelligence Advanced Research 

Projects Activity (IARPA) have expressed support for this Grand Challenge and are in the process of 

developing agency plans for addressing it. Agencies are also working together to develop plans for 

41 www.nano.gov/NSIProgressReview

42 www.pnas.org/content/111/51/18162/F1.expansion.htm 

43 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25851309 

44 www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/PCAST/pcast_fifth_nni_review_oct2014_final.pdf

45 www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/strategy_for_american_innovation_october_2015.pdf 

46 www.nano.gov/grandchallenges 
1. Introduction and Overview

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 21

coordinating their research efforts in this area. This planning will continue through 2016. Support for this 

Grand Challenge has also been expressed by industry, technical societies, and private foundations that are 

exploring mechanisms, including public–private partnerships, to engage their communities in addressing 

this Grand Challenge. Topics for potential future Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand Challenges are under 

review. 

The PCAST report also expressed the need for the development of a set of evaluation metrics to assess the 

impact of future NNI research and commercialization programs on workforce, productivity, and scientific 

knowledge. The NNCO Director has joined the newly established Task Force for Measurement and Impact 

(TFMI) under the OECD Working Party for Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Convergent Technologies, 

which is working to develop and measure a set of standards, indicators, and metrics to assess impact and 

trends in these emerging technologies. The development of a globally harmonized set of metrics and 

indicators will allow for identification of global trends in research, development, and commercialization; 

assessment of the effectiveness and vitality of international collaborations; and more valid comparisons 

between countries on the impacts of their investments in these emerging technologies. A list of indicators 

for both nanotechnology and biotechnology, developed by TFMI in 2015, will be tracked in 2016. In 2016, 

TFMI also will compile an inventory of science, technology, and innovation policies that are relevant to bio-, 

nano-, and convergent technologies with an eye to developing a global tool kit for performing impact 

assessments. As discussed previously under Goal 2, OSTP and NNCO released an RFI in early 2016 to collect 

examples of commercialization success stories arising from NNI investments and resources. Planning is 

underway for a workshop to publicize the success stories, identify best practices that can aid in the successful 

commercialization of nanotechnology, and pinpoint areas and needs that the NNI can address to foster 

commercialization.

Setting the future course of the NNI and ensuring its continued vitality and relevance requires a compelling 

strategic plan that addresses national needs and those of NNI agencies and identifies how the Federal 

Government’s future investments in fundamental and applied nanotechnology research and development, 

and in efforts to transition nanotechnology from lab to market, can best meet those needs. The 21st Century 

Nanotechnology R&D Act requires the development of a revised NNI Strategic Plan every 3 years. In 2015, 

the NSET Subcommittee, with support from NNCO, initiated the process to update the 2014 NNI Strategic 

Plan with the goal of releasing the new plan in the fall of 2016. As part of this process, the NNI will host a 

stakeholder workshop and a series of webinars in 2016 to gather public input on various aspects of the plan 

and potential future directions for the National Nanotechnology Initiative. 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 23

2.NNI INVESTMENTS

Budget Summary

The President’s 2017 Budget provides over $1.4 billion for the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), a 

continued investment in support of a key component of the Administration’s priorities and innovation strategy. 

Cumulatively totaling nearly $24 billion since the inception of the NNI in 2001 (including the 2017 request), this 

support reflects the continued importance of investments to significantly improve our fundamental 

understanding and control of matter at the nanoscale and to translate that knowledge into solutions for critical 

national needs. NNI research efforts are guided by two strategic documents developed by the Nanoscale 

Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council 

(NSTC): the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan and the 2011 NNI Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Strategy.47

These documents guide how NNI agencies address the full range of nanotechnology research and 

development, technology transfer to the commercial marketplace, infrastructure, and education, as well as the 

societal issues that accompany an emerging technology. The NNI investments in 2015 and 2016 and those 

proposed for 2017 reflect a sustained emphasis on accelerating the transition from basic R&D to applications 

that support national priorities, while also maintaining a strong foundation of broad, fundamental research in 

nanoscience to provide a continuing pipeline of new discoveries that will enable future revolutionary 

applications. Because of this accelerating transition to applications, it is becoming increasingly challenging to 

specifically identify nanotechnology-related R&D programs at some mission agencies, where the nanoscale 

materials, components, or devices may enable key capabilities but are not the focus of the overall advanced 

development program. Therefore, it is likely that some significant nanotechnology-enabled R&D investments 

at Federal agencies are not fully captured within the $1.4 billion documented in this report. 

Agencies continue to prioritize investments in nanotechnology to meet their mission needs, including 

national, cross-agency needs for clean energy; advanced manufacturing; innovation in life sciences, biology, 

and neuroscience; national and homeland security; and information technology and high-performance 

computing as highlighted in the 2017 Office of Management and Budget (OMB)/Office of Science and 

Technology Policy (OSTP) R&D Priorities Memo.

48 Nanotechnology has such a broad impact because, as 

noted in the Administration’s updated Strategy for American Innovation,

49 itis one of the emerging “generalpurpose technologies”—a technology that, like the steam engine, electricity, and the Internet, will have a 

pervasive impact on our economy and our society, with the ability to create entirely new industries, generate

good jobs, and increase productivity. The NNI also supports significant investments in research infrastructure 

and in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education—both of which also are called 

out in the 2017 OMB/OSTP R&D Priorities Memo.

The President’s 2017 Budget supports nanoscale science, engineering, and technology R&D at 11 agencies. 

The five Federal organizations with the largest investments (representing 95% of the total) are:

• NSF (fundamental research and education across all disciplines of science and engineering).

• DHHS/NIH (nanotechnology-based biomedical research at the intersection of life and physical

sciences).

47 See www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan and www.nano.gov/2011EHSStrategy

48 www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/m-15-16.pdf

49 www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/strategy_for_american_innovation_october_2015.pdf
2. NNI Investments

24 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

• DOE (fundamental and applied research providing a basis for new and improved energy

technologies).

• DOD (science and engineering research advancing defense and dual-use capabilities).

• DOC/NIST (fundamental research and development of measurement and fabrication tools,

analytical methodologies, metrology, and standards for nanotechnology).

Other agencies and agency components investing in mission-related nanotechnology research are EPA,

USDA/NIFA, DHHS/FDA, DHHS/NIOSH, NASA, CPSC, USDA/FS, USDA/ARS, DHS, and DOT/FHWA.50

Table 2 presents NNI investments for 2015 through 2017 for Federal agencies with budgets and investments 

for nanotechnology R&D, including funding for the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs). Tables 3–5 

list the investments by agency and by NNI Program Component Area (PCAs) for 2015 through 2017. Table 6 

showsthe NNI investments within Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology 

Transfer (STTR) programs for 2011 through 2014. Figure 1 shows NNI annual funding by agency since the 

inception of the NNI in 2001. Figure 2 shows the breakdown of funding by PCA in the 2017 Budget.

Table 2: NNI Budget, by Agency, 2015–2017

(dollars in millions)

Agency 2015 Actual 2016 Estimated* 2017 Proposed

CPSC 2.0 2.0 4.0

DHS 28.4 21.0 1.5

DOC/NIST 83.6 79.5 81.8

DOD 143.0 133.8 131.3

DOE** 312.5 330.4 361.7

DOT/FHWA 0.8 1.5 1.5

EPA 15.1 13.9 15.3

DHHS (total) 385.8 405.0 404.4

FDA 10.8 12.0 11.4

NIH 364.0 382.0 382.0

NIOSH 11.0 11.0 11.0

NASA 14.3 11.0 6.1

NSF 489.8 415.1 414.9

USDA (total) 21.1 21.5 21.0

ARS 3.0 3.0 3.0

FS 4.6 4.5 4.0

NIFA 13.5 14.0 14.0

TOTAL*** 1496.3 1434.7 1443.4

* 2016 numbers are based on 2016 enacted levels and may shift as operating

plans are finalized.

** Funding levels for DOE include the combined budgets of the Office of Science, 

the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE-EERE), the Office of 

Fossil Energy, and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E).

*** In Tables 2–6, totals may not add, due to rounding. 

50 See Table 1 (p. 8) or Appendix A for explanations of the agency abbreviations used on this page and throughout the 

remainder of this report.
2. NNI Investments

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 25

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

$ Millions

Fiscal Year

USDA/ARS

DOJ

DOT

CPSC

USDA/FS

DHS

USDA/NIFA

DHHS/FDA

DHHS/NIOSH

EPA

NASA

}

DOE

DHHS/NIH

NSF

DOD

DOC/NIST

Figure 1. NNI Funding by Agency, 2001–2017.

† 2009 figures do not include American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for DOE ($293 million), NSF 

($101 million), NIH ($73 million), and NIST ($43 million)

†† 2016 estimated funding is based on 2016 enacted levels and may shift as operating plans are finalized.

††† 2017 Budget.

Environ.,

Health,

Safety

(7%)

Signature

Initiatives

(11%)

Foundational

Research

(42%) Applications,

Devices, 

Systems

(24%)

Infrastructure &

Instrumentation

(16%)

Figure 2. Breakout of NNI Funding by Program Component Area in the 2017 Budget. 
2. NNI Investments

26 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Table 3: Actual 2015 Agency Investments by Program Component Area

(dollars in millions)

Agency

1. Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs)*1a. Solar Energy 1b. Nanomanufacturing1c. Nanoelectronics1d. NKI1e. Sensors2. Foundational Research3. Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems4. Research Infrastructureand Instrumentation5. Environment, Health, and SafetyNNI Total

CPSC 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 2.0

DHS 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 28.4 0.0 0.0 28.4

DOC/NIST 24.4 3.1 6.1 11.5 1.3 2.4 11.3 5.0 36.2 6.7 83.6

DOD 39.0 2.7 0.9 22.6 1.8 11.0 74.9 24.1 2.0 3.1 143.0

DOE 37.9 35.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.5 132.8 18.8 123.0 0.0 312.5

DOT/FHWA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.8

EPA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.1 15.1

DHHS (total) 15.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 13.0 82.0 232.0 15.0 41.8 385.8

FDA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.8 10.8

NIH 15.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 13.0 82.0 232.0 15.0 20.0 364.0

NIOSH 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.0 11.0

NASA 3.1 0.1 0.6 0.7 0.0 1.7 6.5 4.7 0.0 0.0 14.3

NSF 158.6 24.9 34.1 60.8 23.8 15.0 210.8 54.8 40.5 25.1 489.8

USDA (total) 5.7 0.5 2.2 0.0 0.0 3.0 3.2 6.0 3.2 3.0 21.1

ARS 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 3.0

FS 1.2 0.0 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.2 0.0 1.2 0.0 4.6

NIFA 4.5 0.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 1.0 3.0 2.0 3.0 13.5

TOTAL 283.6 66.7 44.9 95.5 27.9 48.6 521.6 374.5 219.9 96.7 1496.3

* Abbreviated titles for the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives are used in Tables 3–5. See Chapter 1, p. 9, for full NSI titles.

Key Points about the 2015–2017 NNI Investments

• Sustained and significant NNI investments in PCA 2, Foundational Research ($600 million in the

2017 Budget, or 42% of the total NNI request), are consistent with calls by the President’s Council

on Science and Technology (PCAST) and other NNI advisory bodies to maintain a pipeline of basic

research that will lead to the innovations of the future. At the same time, and in keeping with the

NNI’s renewed emphasis on translation and more advanced development, the Nanotechnology

Signature Initiatives (PCA 1), which are targeted at a number of national priorities, remain a key

investment category for the NNI in 2017, as are the investments in PCA 3, Nanotechnology-Enabled

Applications, Devices, and Systems. PCAs 1 and 3 combined constitute 35% of the NNI investments

in the 2017 Budget.

• Total NSI funding for 2017 ($158 million) is reduced from the actual NSI funding reported for 2015

($284 million), much of this reduction is due to the retirement of the Solar NSI at the end of 2015.

51

51 The solar NSI has achieved the objectives set out at its inception in 2010, and the NSI spotlight will transition to a 

new topic in 2016. See Chapter 1 of this report and www.nano.gov/NSIProgressReview for additional details.
2. NNI Investments

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 27

Table 4: Estimated 2016 Agency Investments by Program Component Area

(dollars in millions)

Agency

1. Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs)*1a. Solar Energy 1b. Nanomanufacturing1c. Nanoelectronics1d. NKI1e. Sensors2. Foundational Research3. Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems4. Research Infrastructureand Instrumentation5. Environment, Health, and SafetyNNI Total

CPSC 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 2.0

DHS 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 21.0 0.0 0.0 21.0

DOC/NIST 22.1 - 5.4 14.5 1.3 0.9 9.5 6.3 35.7 5.9 79.5

DOD 28.8 - 0.5 23.8 1.8 2.7 74.4 25.9 0.0 4.7 133.8

DOE 6.1 - 0.0 5.0 0.0 1.1 180.2 12.7 131.4 0.0 330.4

DOT/FHWA 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 1.5

EPA 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.9 13.9

DHHS (total) 16.0 - 1.0 0.0 1.0 14.0 86.0 243.0 16.0 44.0 405.0

FDA 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.0 12.0

NIH 16.0 - 1.0 0.0 1.0 14.0 86.0 243.0 16.0 21.0 382.0

NIOSH 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.0 11.0

NASA 2.0 - 0.9 0.5 0.0 0.6 5.9 3.1 0.0 0.0 11.0

NSF 90.5 - 26.4 37.5 19.1 7.5 212.7 44.6 45.7 21.6 415.1

USDA (total) 6.0 - 2.5 0.5 0.0 3.0 4.0 7.0 2.5 2.0 21.5

ARS 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 3.0

FS 2.0 - 1.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 4.5

NIFA 4.0 - 1.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 2.0 4.0 2.0 2.0 14.0

TOTAL 171.6 - 36.7 81.8 23.2 29.8 572.8 365.0 231.2 94.1 1434.7

• In October 2015, the NNI initiated a new Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand Challenge for Future

Computing. Additional grand challenge topics remain under consideration.52 However, Grand

Challenges are not a budget category currently; R&D aimed at achieving Grand Challenge

objectives is reported under existing PCAs, most likely under PCAs 2 and 3.

• Reductions in overall NNI investments for 2015–2017 compared to previous years (e.g., 2013 and

2014) reflect the expiration of several large multi-year centers awards previously funded by NSF

(e.g., the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers) and NIH (e.g., the National Heart, Lung, and

Blood Institute and NIH-wide Nanomedicine Roadmap Initiative centers), according to normal

agency funding cycles and policies. However, NSF is establishing new Nanosystems Engineering

Research Centers, and NIH has renewed its Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer in 2015; both of

these programs include several large new (or renewed) interdisciplinary research centers, but at a

lower total investment than for the previous centers.

52 www.nano.gov/grandchallenges
2. NNI Investments

28 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Table 5: Proposed 2017 Agency Investments by Program Component Area

(dollars in millions)

Agency

1. Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs)*1a. Solar Energy 1b. Nanomanufacturing1c. Nanoelectronics1d. NKI1e. Sensors2. Foundational Research3. Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems4. Research Infrastructureand Instrumentation5. Environment, Health, and SafetyNNI Total

CPSC 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.0 4.0

DHS 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 1.5

DOC/NIST 22.3 - 4.9 15.2 1.3 0.9 10.9 6.9 35.7 6.0 81.8

DOD 18.6 - 0.0 16.2 0.7 1.7 76.9 28.1 0.0 7.7 131.3

DOE 1.9 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.9 208.3 16.2 135.3 0.0 361.7

DOT/FHWA 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 1.5

EPA 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.3 15.3

DHHS (total) 16.0 - 1.0 0.0 1.0 14.0 86.0 243.0 16.0 43.4 404.4

FDA 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.4 11.4

NIH 16.0 - 1.0 0.0 1.0 14.0 86.0 243.0 16.0 21.0 382.0

NIOSH 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.0 11.0

NASA 1.0 0.6 0.4 0.0 0.0 4.4 0.7 0.0 0.0 6.1

NSF 92.5 - 28.4 37.5 19.1 7.5 210.5 44.6 45.7 21.6 414.9

USDA (total) 6.0 - 2.5 0.5 0.0 3.0 4.0 7.0 2.0 2.0 21.0

ARS 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 3.0

FS 2.0 - 1.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.0

NIFA 4.0 - 1.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 2.0 4.0 2.0 2.0 14.0

TOTAL 158.3 - 37.4 69.8 22.1 29.0 601.0 349.5 234.6 100.1 1443.4

• NNI agencies are sustaining strong funding for PCA 4 (Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation)

for 2015–2017 ($235 million in the 2017 Budget—16% of the total NNI request and a 7% increase

over actual 2015 levels). Beginning in 2015, NSF is funding a new, multi-year National

Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) network of university-based nanotechnology

user facilities, a network that builds on the previous National Nanotechnology Infrastructure

Network (NNIN).53 Complementary user facilities established by DOE (five Nanotechnology Science

Research Centers) and NIST (the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology) are also being

sustained, with ongoing investments to maintain and upgrade facilities and instrumentation.

PCA 4 also includes research to develop novel or improved instrumentation, which is critical to

continued progress in nanotechnology and to maintain U.S. competitiveness internationally.

• PCA 5 (Environment, Health, and Safety—EHS) investments for 2015–2017 are sustained at

between $94 and $100 million per year; the 2017 Budget includes $100 million for PCA 5,

representing nearly 7% of the NNI total, up from 4.8% in 2011. In addition to the PCA 5 EHS direct

53 www.nsf.gov/pubs/2015/nsf15519/nsf15519.htm. See also the complete list of NNI user facilities at 

www.nano.gov/userfacilities. 
2. NNI Investments

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 29

investments, several of the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives also involve significant EHSrelated research. Including this NSI funding, combined NNI EHS research is estimated at 

approximately 10% of the total NNI investments for 2015–2017. Cumulative EHS investments from 

2006 through 2015 have now reached over $1 billion.54

• The Consumer Product Safety Commission is proposing to double its nanotechnology investments

for 2017 compared to previous years. CPSC’s plans for this increased investment reflect its

commitment to fostering safe use of nanotechnology in consumer products, as well as its

extensive engagement with other agencies participating in the NNI. The CPSC Budget for 2017 also

includes funding for a new EHS research center led by NIH’s National Institute of Environmental

Health Sciences.

• The Department of Energy’s nanotechnology investments also are increasing for 2017

($362 million, a 16% increase over 2015 actual levels), due in part to significant increases in PCA 2

(Foundational Research) at the Office of Science.

• The National Science Foundation is maintaining its nanotechnology investments at well over

$400 million per year for 2015–2017; its $415 million request for 2017 is the largest of the NNI

agencies.

• Nanotechnology investments at other mission agencies (e.g., DOD, DHS, USDA, and NASA)

fluctuate from year to year as specific programs are initiated, reach fruition, and then sunset.

• Nanotechnology investments at NIH increase slightly from 2015 to 2016 in all PCAs with the bulk of

the increase in PCA 3 (Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems).

• Investments in SBIR and STTR funding by the participating agencies, reported outside of the formal

NNI funding crosscut as tabulated in the budget tables shown above, play a critical role in

transitioning nanotechnology innovations into products for commercial and public benefit (NNI

Goal 2), as discussed below.

Utilization of SBIR and STTR Programs to Advance Nanotechnology

As called for by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, this report includes 

information on use of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer 

(STTR) programs in support of nanotechnology development. Five NNI agencies—DOD, NSF, NIH, DOE, and 

NASA—have both SBIR and STTR programs. In addition, NIOSH, EPA, USDA, and NIST have SBIR programs. 

Table 6 shows agency funding for SBIR and STTR awards for nanotechnology R&D from 2011 through 2014 

(the latest year for which data are available). 

Some NNI agencies (e.g., NSF and NIH) have included nanotechnology-specific topics in their SBIR and STTR 

solicitations. The NSF SBIR program has an ongoing nanotechnology topic included within its advanced 

materials, manufacturing, electronics, and biotechnology solicitations. Some agencies have had topical or 

applications-oriented solicitations for which many awardees have proposed nanotechnology-based 

innovations. SBIR/STTR data for 2004 through 2014 indicate that the NNI agencies have funded over

$1 billion of nanotechnology-related SBIR and STTR awards, in addition to the funding reported under the 

NNI PCAs. A complete listing by year (including data from 2004 through 2010) can be found at a download 

link in the Overview section of nanodashboard.nano.gov. 

54 nanodashboard.nano.gov
2. NNI Investments

30 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Table 6: 2011–2014 Agency SBIR and STTR Awards

(dollars in millions)

2011 2012 2013 2014

Agency SBIR STTR Total SBIR STTR Total SBIR STTR Total SBIR STTR Total

DOD 16.2 5.6 21.8 25.4 7.6 33.0 22.6 5.5 28.1 11.1 6.5 17.6

NSF 13.2 1.3 14.5 18.0 2.5 20.5 17.9 0.9 18.9 22.1 3.6 25.8

DHHS/NIH 22.6 1.5 24.1 21.7 3.9 25.6 22.9 1.9 24.8 26.9 3.2 30.1

DHHS/NIOSH 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

DOE* 4.7 1.1 5.8 7.8 1.7 9.5 3.9 2.3 6.2 15.1 2.5 17.5

NASA 12.1 3.7 15.8 17.0 3.9 20.8 5.7 1.3 7.1 2.1 1.9 4.0

EPA 0.9 0.0 0.9 0.7 0.0 0.7 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.9 0.0 0.9

USDA* 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1

DOC/NIST 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.6 0.0 0.6 0.7 0.0 0.7

TOTAL 71.2 13.2 84.4 91.4 19.6 111.0 74.2 11.9 86.1 79.0 17.7 96.6

* SBIR/STTR award levels for USDA include FS.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 31

3. CHANGES IN BALANCE OF INVESTMENTS

BY PROGRAM COMPONENT AREA

The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act calls for this report to address changes in 

the balance of investments by NNI member agencies among the Program Component Areas (PCAs). These 

investment changes are summarized in this chapter for those member agencies with specific budgets for 

nanotechnology. 

CPSC: The Consumer Product Safety Commission is reporting nanotechnology investments for 2015 through 

2017 in PCA 5 (Environment, Health, and Safety [EHS]). The 2017 request incorporates an increase first 

introduced in 2016 for increased research efforts (see Chapter 4 for examples of research activities). The CPSC 

staff has continued to develop interagency agreements with a number of Federal agencies to understand 

the use of nanomaterials in consumer products, the mechanisms that impact the release of nanomaterials, 

and robust methods to quantify and characterize exposures to consumers. Research from agreements 

developed in previous fiscal years has resulted in publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals that 

outline methods and approaches for product testing. Some of these projects involved graduate students 

and postdoctoral fellows, thus contributing to the development of scientists with expertise in EHS research. 

In 2015, CPSC established six interagency agreements with several agencies, including DOD, NIST, NIOSH, 

and NSF.55 In 2016, the CPSC staff will continue to develop collaborative efforts with Federal agencies to 

address EHS implications for nanomaterials in products, and to develop methods that will assist stakeholders 

in addressing nanomaterial implications.

DHS: The Department of Homeland Security is reporting investments for 2015 through 2017 in PCA 3 

(Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems). DHS's Science and Technology Directorate 

is reporting zero dollars in 2017 for the NNI; its projects on Point of Care Diagnostics and High Resolution 

Explosives Trace Detectors have ended. A small amount of funding for 2017 is being reported by the DHS 

Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. 

DOD: The Department of Defense does not establish funding targets for nanotechnology, which has proven 

to be effectively competitive based on its contributions to meeting needs and providing opportunities for 

future capability. New projects are awarded on a competitive basis, and therefore the balance of investments 

may change from historical levels and predictions. In 2017, DOD anticipates about $131 million in 

nanotechnology research and development, very similar to 2016 ($134 million) and about 8% less than 2015 

actuals. Actuals tend to be larger than estimates because of success in competitive solicitations. The 

traditional 50:50 breakdown between Foundational Research (PCA 2) and more application-directed 

research, represented by the other PCAs, is approximately retained, but the resources are now more 

definitively characterized by the PCAs. In 2017 about 59% of the investment is projected to be in 

Foundational Research (PCA 2), with about 21% in Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and 

Systems (PCA 3), which captures more applied or applications-directed research. About 14% of the 

investment is currently projected in the areas of the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs, PCA 1) and 

clearly shows the topical emphasis on nanoelectronics (12%). Investments in sensors and 

nanomanufacturing are lower as projects have matured and completed, but both remain areas of 

competitive opportunity for 2016 and 2017. The DOD investment in Environment, Health, and Safety (PCA 5) 

55 See Table 1 (p. 8) or Appendix A for agency abbreviations used throughout this report.
3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area

32 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

is projected to grow from $3 million in 2015 to $7.7 million in 2017, making it 6% of the projected 2017 DOD 

NNI investment. The DOD Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer 

(STTR) investment in nanotechnology remains very strong, with an overall investment of about $18 million 

in 2014; these projects therefore constitute about 10% in additional DOD nanotechnology research 

investments beyond the PCA categories for 2014. The SBIR/STTR investment declined between 2013 and 

2014 with the completion of certain focused NNI initiatives. Discussion follows of some significant changes 

and plans among the military departments and DOD agencies. 

• DOD/Navy: No major redistribution of funding is planned for the 2017 budget year. However, there

has been an increase in foundational research funding due to the forward funding of some

activities through a 2015 Congressional add.

• DOD/Air Force: Changes to the materials and manufacturing nanotechnology investments are

representative of continuous maintenance of technical strategy. The research programs continue

at the same overall level of investment, with an increase in activity in the Nanomanufacturing and

Nanoelectronics NSIs to explore applications in additive manufacturing and flexible electronics.

• DOD/DARPA: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 2017 Budget request will continue

to support research in nanotechnology across PCAs 1 and 2 (the Nanotechnology Signature

Initiatives and Foundational Research). Compared with 2015 levels, the funding in 2016 decreased

the total budget for PCA 1 by 91%, which reflects a decrease of $7.9 million in the DARPA

contribution to the Sensors NSI associated with planned program funding adjustments in the Basic

Photon Science and Enabling Quantum Technologies programs. This includes a decrease of $0.1

million primarily due to the completion of the Quantum-Assisted Sensing and Readout (QuASAR)

program in 2015. Funding remains balanced at $2.0 million from 2015 to 2017 for PCA 2 for the

DOD–industry–university Semiconductor Technology Advanced Research Network (STARnet).

• DOD/DTRA: The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Basic and Applied Sciences program

continues to support the NNI through targeted research programs geared toward the exploration

of novel materials and processes relevant to the counter-weapons of mass destruction (C-WMD)

mission space. Classification of 2015 and 2016 investments highlights a focus on PCA 2. Minimal

changes to the overall anticipated investment for 2017 are related to shifts in programmatic

priorities for the C-WMD mission. Time will be needed for initial basic research efforts to mature in

order to identify potential transitions, so these changes are not indicative of planned decreases in

other nanotechnology investments.

DOE: The balance of Department of Energy investments by PCA are changing from 2015 to 2016 and 2017. 

Investments in PCA 1 (Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives) are going from 12% of the total DOE investment 

for 2015 to 1.8% in 2016 and less than 1% in 2017, due to the retirement of the Solar NSI, which has been 

DOE’s largest NSI investment. DOE maintains a sustained investment in nanotechnology R&D at universities, 

DOE National Laboratories, and in industry. Much of this is through the Office of Science’s (DOE-SC) ongoing, 

long-term support for fundamental research. Additional DOE investments are made by the Office of Energy 

Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE-EERE), the Office of Fossil Energy (DOE-FE), and the Advanced 

Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E). A significant fraction of these investments, 58% for 2017, isin 

PCA 2, Foundational Research, up from 43% in 2015. Part of this increase is due to the retirement of the Solar 

NSI, where continuing DOE-SC investments in nanotechnology for solar energy are now reported under PCA 

2 for 2016 and 2017. In addition, DOE-SC operates five Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRCs) with an 

annual operating budget of approximately $127 million in 2017, which accounts for the majority of DOE’s 

$135 million investment in PCA 4, Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation; PCA 4 accounts for 37% of 

the 2017 DOE NNI funding request. 
3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 33

DOT/FHWA: The Federal Highway Administration’s current and planned investment continues to address 

PCA 3 (Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems) to leverage developments in 

nanotechnology by focusing them on structural and multifunctional materials for transportation 

infrastructure applications.

EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency’s 2017 Budget request continues EPA’s strong support for 

research in nanotechnology. The EPA investment balance is unchanged from last year and remains aligned 

with PCA 5 (Environment, Health, and Safety). This research focuses on understanding implications of the 

unique and novel properties of nanomaterials as these are exhibited under real-world conditions. In 2017, 

EPA will continue to apply computational and knowledge-driven approaches to amplify the impact of its 

research on engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). Results of this research will provide guidelines for evaluating 

potential impacts of emerging materials from the molecular design phase throughout the life cycle in 

applications to goods and products in commerce. EPA’s agenda is to develop approaches to characterize the 

properties of nanomaterials that best represent potential human and ecological impacts and to do this in a 

way that can be efficiently applied across a large array of nanomaterials, minimizing the need to look at each 

molecule or material separately. Although EPA research aligns primarily within PCA 5, the agency maintains 

collaborative relationships with other Federal partners in other program areas. 

FDA: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration invests in PCA 5 (Environment, Health, and Safety) to develop 

methods, validate models, and generate data, which enables the agency to evaluate the safety and efficacy

of products containing nanomaterials or involving the use of nanotechnology. Investments in PCA 5 for 2014 

decreased from the 2013 level due to project delays; however, investments in PCA 5 are projected to remain 

roughly at the 2013 level for 2016 and 2017.

NASA: Support by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for nanotechnology R&D has focused 

mainly on PCA 1 (NSIs), PCA 2 (Foundational Research), and PCA 3 (Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, 

Devices, and Systems). Nanotechnology R&D has been supported primarily by the Aeronautics Research 

Mission Directorate (PCA 3) and the Space Technology Mission Directorate (PCAs 1, 2, and 3). Research 

investments in PCA 3 are slightly lower in 2016 compared to 2015 levels. 

NIH: Currently, the National Institutes of Health invests over $360 million annually in nanotechnology 

initiatives that consist of a number of projects and programs funded through several intramural and 

extramural laboratory activities across the Nation. In 2017, NIH anticipates investing about $382 million in 

nanotechnology R&D, which is similar to 2016 investments and is 5% more than 2015 actuals. The majority 

of 2015 and 2016 NIH investments in nanotechnology supports both new and existing investigator-initiated 

projects aimed at novel R&D in PCA 1 (the Sensors and Nanotechnology Knowledge Infrastructure NSIs, 4%). 

PCA 2 (Foundational Research, 23%), PCA 3 (Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems, 

64%), PCA 4 (Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation, 4%), and PCA 5 (Environment, Health and Safety, 

5%). A significant change will occur in 2016 due to the conclusion of four major NIH-funded nanotechnology 

programs: the NIH Common Fund Nanomedicine Initiative; the NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood 

Institute’s (NIH/NHLBI) Program of Excellence in Nanotechnology; the NIH National Institute of 

Environmental Health Sciences (NIH/NIEHS) Centers for Nanotechnology Health Implications Research 

(NCNHIR); and Phase 2 of the NIH National Cancer Institute’s (NIH/NCI) Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer

program (NCI Alliance Program). Although the impact of these changes on 2017 investments remains to be 

seen, NIH is not expecting a substantial reduction in nanotechnology investments from historical levels at 

this time due to the launch of Phase 3 of the NCI Alliance Program, release of two new Nanomaterials Health 

Implications Research opportunity announcements, and the successful integration of nanotechnologydriven R&D into broad areas of biomedical applications now being supported by individual NIH institutes. 

For instance, NIH/NCI awarded $79.5 million in extramural research support across all program component 
3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area

34 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

areas of nanotechnology research in 2015, while investing $17.6 million in Phase 3 of the Alliance Program 

and maintaining its $3 million investment in the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) at the 

Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. The continuation of the cancer nanotechnology program 

signifies a substantial commitment by NIH/NCI to maintain centers of excellence, networks, and training 

activities in all the various PCAs for the next 5 years. These programmatic adjustments of research support 

within the development pipeline are not expected to significantly change the balance of investments by PCA 

(i.e., largely in PCA 3) for NIH activities in 2016 or 2017.

NIOSH: All support by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for nanotechnology R&D 

continues to be reported under PCA 5 (Environment, Health, and Safety). NIOSH will increase its support for 

researchers at academic institutions in 2017 as a mechanism for accelerating key areas of nanotechnology 

investigation along the natural technology development pathway into advanced manufacturing, to provide 

direct support to the EHS needs of the emerging National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. A critical 

focus area increasing in 2017 will be the development and implementation of engineering control strategies 

and workplace design solutions that mitigate worker exposures to nanomaterials, resulting in reduced 

potential risk and more efficient nanomanufacturing processes. Given anticipated market growth, NIOSH will 

increase its investment in developing prospective guidance for emerging materials such as cellulose 

nanocrystals and graphene, closing knowledge gaps for high-profile materials such as nanosilver, and 

evaluating the EHS needs created by next-generation active nanomaterials. Key areas of research that will 

increase in 2017 will be to conduct hazard assessments employing in vitro and in vivo models of exposure–

response relationships, applying predictive risk assessment models to classes of nanomaterials, and refining 

methods to relate actual manufacturing exposure experience to toxicology testing protocols.

For 2017, the NIOSH investment will continue to focus in the five strategic areas described in the NIOSH 

Nanotechnology Research and Guidance Strategic Plan:

56 

• Increase understanding of new hazards and related health risks to nanomaterial workers.

• Expand understanding of the initial hazard findings of engineered nanomaterials.

• Support the creation of guidance materials to inform nanomaterial workers, employers, health

professionals, regulatory agencies, and decision makers about hazards, risks, and risk management

approaches.

• Support epidemiologic studies for nanomaterial workers, including medical, cross-sectional,

prospective cohort, and exposure studies.

• Assess and promote national and international adherence with risk management guidance.

NIST: The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s intramural research laboratories, user facilities, 

and services work at the cutting edge of science and technology to ensure that U.S. companies, as well as 

the broader science and engineering communities, have the nanoscale measurements, data, and 

technologies to further innovation and industrial competitiveness in nanotechnology. The 2017 Budget 

request continues NIST’s strong support for research in nanotechnology and sustains investments in all of 

the PCAs. NIST continues to participate in each of the NSIs (PCA 1), with significant efforts in the 

Nanoelectronics and Nanomanufacturing NSIs. The largest investment in nanotechnology continues to be 

in PCA 4, for major research facilities and instrumentation investments in the Center for Nanoscale Science 

and Technology user facility, as well as across the NIST laboratories in areas that underpin nanotechnologyrelated measurement capabilities central to the NIST metrology mission.

56 www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2014-106/pdfs/2014-106.pdf
3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 35

NSF: The National Science Foundation supports nanoscale science and engineering (NSE) throughout all of 

its research and education directorates as a means to advance discovery, inventions, and innovation, and to 

integrate various fields of research and education. The NNI enables increased interdisciplinarity through 

research at atomic and molecular levels for about 5,500 active awards with full or partial content related to 

NSE. NSF will conduct research in support of the Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand Challenge for Future 

Computing. An increased focus is on support of convergence research and education activities in confluence 

with other priority areas in programs such as the National Strategic Computing Initiative (NCSI); Science, 

Engineering, and Education for Sustainability/Sustainable Chemistry, Engineering, and Materials (SusChEM); 

Research at the Interface of Biological, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences, and Engineering (BioMaPS); and 

Cyber-Enabled Materials, Manufacturing, and Smart Systems (CEMMSS), which includes Designing Materials 

to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future (DMREF), the Materials Genome Initiative, Understanding the Brain, 

Quantum Information Science and Engineering, and synthetic biology. NSF’s directorates for Mathematical 

and Physical Sciences (MPS), Engineering (ENG), and Computer and Information Science and Engineering 

(CISE) will support additional nanotechnology emphasis in the areas of optics and photonics in 2016. NSF 

activity that supports the Materials Genome Initiative and BioMaPS has significant NSE components. NSF will 

give research priority in support of the NNI Grand Challenge on Future (brain–like) Computing, as well as for 

emerging priorities in nanobiomanufacturing and water desalination, water treatment, and water 

purification. 

Two additional Nanosystems Engineering Research Centers (NERCs) were awarded in the 2016 

competition—Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment Systems (NEWT) at Rice University and Power 

Optimization for Electro-Thermal Systems (POETS) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A new 

competition for 2017 awards will be announced in 2016. A Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology was 

awarded in 2015 by MPS and will be in operation in 2016. In 2017, the agency will continue its contributions 

to translational innovation programs, including Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry 

(GOALI), Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC), the Innovation Corps (I-CorpsTM) 

program, Accelerating Innovation Research (AIR), Partnerships for Innovation (PFI), and PFI’s Building 

Innovation Capacity (BIC) component. The NSF SBIR program has an ongoing nanotechnology topic with 

subtopics for nanomaterials, nanomanufacturing, nanoelectronics and active nanostructures, 

nanotechnology for biological and medical applications, and instrumentation for nanotechnology. 

Currently, almost 60% of the Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) pursue NSErelated research. Two new Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) topics announced in 2015 

will be competed in 2016 in the areas of “Quantum Information Systems” and “New Law.”

The National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) is a newly established NSF program, funded 

at about $15 million annually from 2015–2019, consisting of 16 independent awards to universities around 

the Nation as user facility sites in nanotechnology. It is the successor program to the National 

Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN). In addition, NSF plans to support a coordination office for 

the NNCI, which will be selected in 2016 from among the awarded sites to enhance their combined impact 

as a national infrastructure network of user facilities. 

NSF has mainstreamed nanotechnology-related research, education, and infrastructure in core programs in 

several directorates. Strong support will continue for the Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond NSI through 

core programs and for the Nanomanufacturing NSI through the Scalable Nanomanufacturing solicitation. 

Other NNI-affiliated awards include NSECs, NNCI, the NERCs (in ENG), and MPS centers investments (MRSECs 

and the Centers for Chemical Innovation). 

USDA/ARS: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service has a relatively small 

nanotechnology research program distributed among various projects within PCA 3 (Nanotechnology-
3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area

36 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems). ARS research projects address issues relevant to bioproducts 

from agricultural feedstocks, technologies to rapidly and accurately identify pathogens and toxins, 

countermeasures to prevent and control agricultural pathogens, food alloys with improved functional 

properties, food packaging, and applications in non-food bioproducts. The budget request in 

nanotechnology for 2017 will be approximately $3 million.

USDA/FS: Forest Service nanotechnology research supports the agency priorities of sustaining forest health, 

stimulating rural development, and creating value as an incentive for forest restoration operations. In 2017, 

Forest Service nanotechnology investments are in PCA 1 (NSIs; in particular, the Nanomanufacturing NSI) as 

well as PCA 2 (Foundational Research). The majority of Forest Service nanotechnology research will continue 

in the area of cellulose nanomaterials, with the remaining balance of the budget focused on understanding 

wood properties using nanoscale methods. The Forest Service will continue to move towards 

commercialization of cellulose nanomaterials–based technologies. The commercialization strategy includes 

continued investment in the Public–Private Partnership for Nanotechnology “P3

Nano”57 with the U.S. 

Endowment for Forestry and Communities and in support for a cellulose nanomaterials–focused national 

manufacturing innovation institute as part of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation.

USDA/NIFA: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture continues to support research, education, and 

extension activities in nanotechnology for agriculture and food systems. About 460 research and education 

projects are recorded in the agency’s current research information system for advancing nanoscale science, 

engineering, and technology. These projects collectively address grand societal challenges facing 

agriculture, food, health and nutrition, the environment, and rural communities. NIFA has maintained a 

balanced investment distribution in all five PCAs. The budget request in nanotechnology for 2017 will 

essentially remain the same as the 2015 investment. 

57 www.usendowment.org/p3nano.html
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 37

4. PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING

NNIGOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND PRIORITIES

Activities Relating to the Four NNI Goals and Fifteen NNI Objectives

As called for in the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, this NNI Supplement to 

the President’s Budget provides an analysis of the progress made toward achieving the goals established for 

the National Nanotechnology Initiative. The NNI’s activities for 2015 and 2016 and plans for 2017 are 

reported here in terms of how they promote progress toward the four NNI goals and fifteen objectives set

out in the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan (Figure 3). It is important to note that many agency programs and activities, 

although listed below under their primary NNI goals and objectives, address components of multiple goals 

simultaneously. Therefore an integrated perspective across the four goals is needed to understand progress 

towards achieving the NNI vision.

Figure 3. A summary of NNI goals and objectives from the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan.

58

58 Details on NNI strategic goals and objectives can be found in the 2014 National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic 

Plan, www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan or www.nano.gov/about-nni/what/vision-goals. 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

38 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Goal- and objective-related activities are reported below in two categories: (1) individual agency activities 

and (2) coordinated activities of NNI agencies with other agencies and with groups external to the NNI, 

including international activities. The activities described below in these two categories are only selected 

highlights of current and planned work of the NNI member agencies, not a comprehensive description of all

ongoing NNI activities.

Goal 1: Advance a world-class nanotechnology research and development 

program. 

U.S. leadership in nanotechnology R&D depends on the continued investment of participating agencies in 

the stimulation of discovery and innovation. These activities expand the boundaries of knowledge through 

a comprehensive R&D program that builds on the foundation established over the past fifteen years. The 

Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs), while developed in the context of all four NNI goals, are 

explicitly called out in Objective 1.4 under Goal 1, as detailed in the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan. The NSIs provide 

a spotlight on critical areas and define the shared vision of the participating agencies to accelerate the 

advancement of nanoscale science and technology from research through commercialization. The enhanced 

coordination of national nanotechnology R&D activities afforded by the NSIs enables the leveraging of 

individual agency programs, resources, and capabilities in addition to the development of collaborative 

programs; both categories are reported below.

Objective 1.1 – Support R&D that extends the frontiers of nanotechnology and strengthens 

the intersections of scientific disciplines. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 1.1 

DOD/Army:

59 The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is investing in the underpinning science and technology 

of nanomaterials to enable long-term capability for the Army through systematic integrated computational 

materials engineering (ICME) of materials and agile manufacturing research to realize the full potential of 

materials and processing.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (MIT-ISN) 

have demonstrated next-generation fiber functionality for multifunctional active fabrics by harnessing newly 

discovered multimaterial in-fiber fluid instabilities. These scientists are harnessing nonlinear effects to 

produce “fiber capillary breakup” localized domains in an otherwise continuous fiber and to demonstrate 

the ability to generate millions of discrete devices in a fiber. Specifically, this research has designed and 

successfully drawn a fiber structure at various scales that contains a semiconductor core (amorphous 

chalcogenide glass) flanked by two electrodes (conductive polyethylene) in polycarbonate cladding. The 

work has demonstrated the ability to use these self-assembled fiber structures as photodetectors that have 

a unique resonant characteristic in the electro-optical response of the fiber due to the presence of spherical 

semiconductors in the structure.

Researchers at the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Command (AMRDEC) have 

developed comprehensive theoretical models of the plasmonic behavior of electrons in nanometer-scale 

metal structures and have explored associated quantum mechanical tunneling and nonlinear optical effects 

that could be exploited for novel sensing methodologies and optical protection from laser threats. 

 

59 See Table 1 (p. 8) or Appendix A for agency abbreviations used throughout this report.
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 39

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine 

Research Program has invested in several research projects to foster nanomaterial applications in injury 

restoration, including the following: 

• Investigators at the University of Pittsburgh worked to develop a novel nanofibrous biomaterial 

sheath, enhanced with native meniscal extracellular matrix in combination with stem cell–based 

therapy that should improve restoration of meniscus integrity after surgery and promote meniscal 

tissue regeneration. 

• Researchers investigated methods to repair the internal endothelial cell layer of the cornea 

utilizing magnetic nanoparticles to guide endothelial cells to the inner surface of the cornea. 

• Researchers at Virginia Tech investigated a keratin nanomaterial coating for interfacing advanced, 

musculoskeletal anchored prosthetics to epithelial tissues; keratin proteins can be used to coat 

implant surfaces and trick the body into thinking it is interacting with a fingernail-like interface. 

DOD/DTRA: Areas of DTRA research include tamper-evident nanostructures to help with securing and 

monitoring weapons of mass destruction (WMD), nanoelectronics for radiation hardening and life extension 

of counter-WMD systems, conventional weapons-effect testing with novel diagnostics, radiation sensing 

systems with novel interfacial materials, and alternative methods for photon or electron multiplication. 

Programmatic interests are supported through current investment in exploratory research efforts in areas 

such as engineered nanomaterials for unattended sensing of WMD; nanomaterials as fast-responding 

diagnostics to measure temperature, pressure, or mechanical strain within reacting energetic materials; 2D

nanomaterials for development of microelectronic components with low radiation cross section, radiation 

effects in nanophotonic resonators and waveguides, and nanoparticle scintillators for radiation detection. 

[Sensor efforts are also applicable to the Sensors NSI.]

DTRA basic research is invested in efforts to use nanotailored structures as laser targets to improve x-ray 

emissions from the targets for potential future counter-weapons of mass destruction (C-WMD) experiments. 

Successful tests of metal foam targets were conducted at the Omega Laser Facility at the University of 

Rochester and at the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 2014–2015. 

These experiments showed agreement between modeling prediction and observed performance. As a 

result, targets can be designed with copper metal that efficiently produce warm x-rays, and there is 

expectation that other metal targets can also be created. The work resulted in three patent applications for 

the target fabrication, as well as publications on the analysis of the basic research target tests.

DOD/CBDP: The Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP), working with the University of Rochester, 

is developing slow-light-enhanced spectrometers for molecular detection for sensors that are much smaller 

than those currently available and for on-chip spectrometers with resolutions comparable to those of 

conventional 0.1-meter grating spectrometers. Such spectrometers would be extremely useful for the 

detection and recognition of molecular species, such as those that could pose a security threat. CBDPsponsored research at Columbia University has explored the fundamental knowledge of interfacial 

properties using nonlinear spectroscopies to detect, identify, and quantify chemical and biological agents, 

and protective agents at aqueous interfacesto defend against WMD agents. Through collaboration between 

the University of California, San Diego, and Sandia National Laboratory in nanocatalytic machines, CBDP has 

developed a new method for accelerated detoxification of nerve agent simulants. A plan to apply this 

method to actual nerve agents is being developed in consultation with the Army’s Edgewood Chemical 

Biological Center. CBDP thrusts in the coming fiscal year also include nanocatalytic machines that target the 

multistep degradation of nerve agents in vivo for medical countermeasures. 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

40 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

A new thrust of enabling platform technology will have a large portion of nanomaterial-based medicine. The 

Nanostructured Active Therapeutic Vehicles program was designed to develop nanomaterial carriers 

capable of targeted drug delivery and active detection of insult- and microbioenvironment-triggered 

payload release for improved performance of medical countermeasures from the standpoint of cost, military 

logistics, improved therapeutic index, and drugability. Non-ionic surfactant vesicles are being investigated 

as nanotechnology-based platforms for targeted delivery of antibiotics and antivirals so that some FDAapproved drugs that are as of yet ineffective for chemical and biological defense purposes will be revitalized 

against multiple-drug-resistant bacteria or tough alphaviruses. [Sensor efforts are also applicable to the 

Sensors NSI.]

DOD/Navy: The nanoscience program at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is a coordinated effort 

directed at innovative, interdisciplinary basic research conducted at the intersections of the fields of 

materials, physics, electronics, chemistry, and biology. The program is divided into four areas: materials; 

interactions between materials and their environment; nanosystems (with an emphasis on bio/inorganic 

systems); and quantum systems. The goal of the research program is to establish the scientific principles that 

will enable revolutionary technologies for the Navy, DOD, and the Nation. NRL’s Foundational Research 

(PCA 2) projects include utilizing direct electrical access to study and develop the technological applications 

of topological insulators, understanding and addressing the degradation of electrical energy storage in 

nanomaterials, understanding and enhancing enzyme/nanoparticle acceleration, confining and 

manipulating infrared radiation using surface phonon polaritons, creating biosupported living 

heterogeneous nanocatalysts, developing “protonics” to enhance the communication between electronic 

and biological systems, and creating new nanomaterials via surface-controlled phase transitions.

The Office of Naval Research’s Biomaterials and Bionanotechnology Program is funding research to develop 

new processes for the construction of DNA nanostructures, and to advance DNA nanostructures for the 

creation of nanodevices. A process whereby a synthetic molecular structure grows isothermally in a 

kinetically controlled fashion, called developmental self-assembly, was engineered using DNA hairpin 

monomers and a single-strand DNA initiator strand. Additionally, a method was developed for the 

reproducible high-fidelity placement of single DNA origami molecules on silicon dioxide or related 

substrates. Finally, DNA nanostructures were successfully demonstrated to serve as a template for patterning 

inorganic materials (e.g., insulators, semiconductors, and metals) for sub-16-nanometer nanofabrication, and 

to serve as molds for the manufacture of metallic nanoparticles with prescribed 3D shapes and positional 

surface modifications. 

DOE: In support of the DOE mission, the Office of Science provides a diverse investment in nanoscience R&D, 

primarily through grants to researchers at universities, funding for research groups at DOE laboratories, and 

support of interdisciplinary efforts such as the Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) and two Energy 

Innovation Hubs—the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) and the Joint Center for Energy 

Storage Research (JCESR). The EFRCs and Hubs are multi-investigator, multidisciplinary research centers that 

are designed to address challenging problems in energy science and technology by strengthening the 

intersections of scientific disciplines. The Office of Basic Energy Sciences supports fundamental research in 

materials science, chemical science, geoscience, and bioscience with the goal of understanding, predicting, 

and ultimately controlling matter and energy at the level of electrons, atoms, and molecules. This research 

provides the foundation for future new energy technologies and supports the DOE mission in energy, 

environment, and national security. Examples of such research include the following: nanostructured 

materials for electron and ion transport in next-generation batteries and fuel cells; nanoscale quantum 

materials for future energy technologies; fundamental understanding of nanoscale defects that will enable 

predictive design of materials with superior mechanical properties and radiation resistance; elucidation of 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 41

the elementary steps of light absorption, charge separation, and charge transport in nanostructured 

materials and chemical systems for improved solar energy conversion; atomically precise materials for 

molecular electrocatalysts that efficiently convert electrical energy into chemical bonds in fuels; enhanced 

computational capabilities for the simulation of chemical and geochemical processes at the molecular and 

nanoscales; and structural and dynamical studies of atoms, molecules, and predictive understanding at the 

nanoscale of the basic chemical and physical principles involved in chemical separations systems.

FDA: In 2015, FDA centers continued to provide research funding for regulatory science projects related to 

the products under their purview such as medical products, foods, and feeds. The FDA Office of the Chief 

Scientist funded several cutting-edge projects focused on cross-agency nanotechnology-related issues 

through the Collaborative Opportunities for Research Excellence (CORES) grants program. With funding 

beginning in 2006, these projects have led to the development of vital regulatory science tools such as 

biological and toxicological assays, assessment methodologies, and test protocols that FDA staff use when 

reviewing the safety and efficacy of nanotechnology in FDA-regulated products. FDA will continue to 

support agency-wide collaborative nanotechnology research in 2016 and 2017. FDA has two main core 

facilities to support nanotechnology-related research, at the White Oak campus in Maryland and at the 

National Center for Toxicological Research at the Jefferson campus in Arkansas (also the location of the FDA 

Office of Regulatory Affairs Arkansas Regional Laboratory). Both FDA facilities have state-of-the-art 

equipment, tools, and personnel for nanomaterial measurement and support and conduct research relevant

to the FDA mission in collaboration with other FDA centers and other NNI agencies.

NASA: NASA continues to support both foundational and applied research in nanotechnology through its 

field centers and in university and industry laboratories. One particular example is the work NASA has done 

on advancing the technology maturation of structural carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by working across 

disciplines to advance molecular modeling of CNT composites, with the goal of eventually enabling 

predictive modeling and design of structural nanocomposites. Further, by engaging system analysts, NASA 

work on the maturation of CNT composite processing and fabrication was driven by material property targets 

that yielded substantial systems-level benefits and permitted the rapid advancement of CNT materials 

development. The processing method used to produce these nanocomposites has been scaled up for 

implementation on a commercial filament winder. A CNT composite–overwrapped pressure vessel will be 

flight-tested in the fall of 2016. Internal research and development (IRAD) funds are currently being used to 

support activities to develop additive manufacturing methods for multifunctional components employing 

high-strength CNT materials and alternative methods for producing boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), and 

to explore the use of “holey” nanocarbons for energy storage. Hybrid CNT/carbon fiber (CF)–reinforced 

polymer composites are being explored under Aeronautics programs, with the work spanning foundational 

research as well as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) activities.

NIH: NIH advances creative, fundamental discoveries and translational nanotechnology research and 

development to ultimately enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability through a variety

of mechanisms and approaches. The NIH investment portfolio encompasses both basic and clinical research 

in areas such as drug delivery, nanotechnology-based therapeutics, tissue engineering, regenerative 

medicine, biomedical imaging, and biomaterials. Research funded through grants is the primary method 

utilized by the majority of NIH institutes and centers. In 2016 and 2017, scientists funded through that 

mechanism will continue to develop nanoscale multifunctional materials that capitalize on progress in 

genomics, proteomics, radiogenomics, and other fields to allow targeted delivery of molecular therapies to 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

42 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

enhance efficacy, with an emphasis on the Precision Medicine Initiative®; a White House–NIH initiative.60, 61

Other NIH-funded researchers are employing nanotechnology techniques and concepts focused on 

biological processes that will give completely new insights into the physical relationships between cellular 

components and functional irregularities that trigger pathological abnormalities. Other opportunities 

include the design of programmable diagnostic and delivery systems that not only define early-stage 

changes or progression to disease states, but also allow the identification of unique biological molecules, 

chemicals, and structures not addressable by current assays. 

NIH is also pushing the frontiers of science and strengthening the intersection of scientific disciplines 

through a series of funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) in response to the White House Brain 

Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, where advances in 

nanotechnologies in nanophotonic probes, biomimetic chips, and sensors, for instance, play a key role in 

R&D aimed at achieving a better understanding of human brain function. Such endeavors will enable new 

ways of thinking on the subject, with potential impact on new therapeutic targets, predictability in 

identifying early signatures of neurological diseases or disorders, and the development of precision 

medicine–based drugs and interventions. Advances in nanoscience and engineering are also inspiring new 

discoveries and tackling therapeutic challenges associated with blindness, diabetes, autoimmunity, and 

other diseases leading to kidney failure, degenerating nerves, and organs.

Due to the comprehensive nature and diversity of research supported by NIH in this field, its contributions

to the individual NNI goals are described below in terms of a few key investment programs and opportunities 

that illustrate NIH’s world-class, basic, and translational nanotechnology research program: 

• The NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH/NIAID) has funded innovative 

nanotechnology research to improve drug delivery, vaccines, and diagnostics for infectious 

diseases. This research includes the development of a "universal" influenza vaccine providing 

proof-of-concept that a vaccine targeting the hemagglutinin stem can offer broad protection 

against diverse influenza subtypes (see the left image on the front cover of this document and 

corresponding description on the inside front cover), and the delivery of drugs and vaccines using 

biodegradable nanoparticles. Other examples include: lipid-based nanoparticles as a delivery 

platform for HIV vaccination and immune targeting; sustained release nanoformulations of HIV 

drugs to provide monthly therapeutic options; a novel nanoparticle vaccine delivery platform 

targeting influenza and dengue viruses to induce enhanced immunity and facilitate dose-sparing; 

nanoemulsion adjuvant technology for an intranasal anthrax vaccine; and ferritin, gold, and P22 

bacteriophage-derived nanoparticle vaccine platforms to improve potency and breadth of 

influenza virus immunity and to provide a foundation for broader vaccine protection against 

emerging influenza viruses and other pathogens. A recent highlight was the development by 

NIAID intramural researchers of a nanoparticle vaccine targeting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of 

the most common human viruses in the world and the major cause of mononucleosis. The 

nanoparticle EBV vaccine uses structure-based design to target the part of the virus required for 

attachment to host cells, and represents a marked improvement over previous vaccine designs in a 

mouse model.

62

 

60 www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/01/30/fact-sheet-president-obama-s-precision-medicine-initiative

61 www.nih.gov/precision-medicine-initiative-cohort-program and www.cancer.gov/research/keyinitiatives/precision-medicine

62 www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867415009599 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 43

• The NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH/NHLBI) supported the Programs of 

Excellence in Nanotechnology (PENs) for 10 years to develop and apply nanotechnology solutions 

to the diagnosis and treatment of heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders. During this time, the 

PENs have demonstrated the ability to sustain highly productive collaborations among multiple 

institutions to address significant clinical needs. The Washington University–contracted PEN, for 

example, recently completed a first-in-human clinical trial (NCT02498379) designed to assess the 

safety, biodistribution, and dosimetry of a novel atherosclerotic imaging positron emission 

tomography (PET) radiotracer, (64)Cu-labeled C-type atrial natriuretic peptide. This nanoprobe 

detects the upregulation of natriuretic peptide clearance receptor on atherosclerosis-like lesions. 

Interestingly, this PEN collaboration with scientists at the University of California, Davis, and 

Georgia Institute of Technology also led to the development of a multifunctional nanoparticle 

capable of delivering anti-microRNA therapeutics that can inhibit the progression of 

atherosclerosis without adverse, off-target effects.63 Other researchers, such as the team at the 

Johns Hopkins University PEN have developed highly compacted biodegradable DNA 

nanoparticles capable of overcoming the mucus barrier for inhaled lung gene therapy, providing 

new therapeutic opportunities for respiratory diseases including cystic fibrosis.64

• The NIH National Cancer Institute (NIH/NCI) Alliance Program has addressed multiple challenges 

aimed at treating cancer across the spectrum of cancer patient management. Researchers at the

Nanomaterials for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics Center for Cancer Nanotechnology 

Excellence at Northwestern University have been developing gold nanoparticles surrounded by 

densely packed, highly organized nucleic acids known as spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) for use as a 

treatment for glioblastoma. SNAs were designed to deliver glioma-suppressive miRNA-182 and 

siRNAs targeted to silence Bcl2L12, an overexpressed protein that plays an important role in 

driving the pathogenesis of glioblastoma and in mediating therapeutic resistance.

65, 66 This work is 

among the first to report stable and robust RNA interference delivery to intracranial tumors. 

Because SNAs have the capacity to cross both an intact and a tumor-compromised blood–brain 

barrier, this represents a promising new approach for treating a highly lethal malignancy.

Efforts undertaken in 2015 with continuation into 2016 and/or 2017: 

• Phase 3 of the NIH/NCI Alliance Program was launched in 2015 with awards given to six Centers of 

Cancer Nanotechnology (RFA CA-14-013, U54) across the United States. Each center is expected to 

address an overarching problem in cancer biology or oncology using a nanotechnology-based, 

multidisciplinary approach to establish the translational potential of the supported 

nanotechnology. At the same time, awards were granted for seven projects for Innovative 

Research in Cancer Nanotechnology (IRCN) (PAR-14-285, U01) and five Cancer Nanotechnology 

Training Centers (CNTCs) (PA-14-015, T32). The goal of the IRCN research is to emphasize 

fundamental understanding of nanomaterials and nanodevice interactions with biological systems 

and/or mechanisms of their in vivo delivery. The centers will support research in the use of 

nanotechnology in a number of emerging areas of importance in oncology, including cancer 

 

63 pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.5b02611

64 www.pnas.org/content/112/28/8720.long

65 Jensen, S.A., et al. Spherical nucleic acid nanoparticle conjugates as an RNAi-based therapy for glioblastoma. Science 

Translational Medicine 5, 209ra152 (2013).

66 Kouri, F.M., et al. miR-182 integrates apoptosis, growth, and differentiation programs in glioblastoma. Genes & 

Development 29, 732-745 (2015).
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

44 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

immunotherapy and interventional imaging, in addition to areas of historical importance in cancer 

nanotechnology like drug and gene delivery and diagnostic device development. NCI plans to 

continue to make IRCN and CNTC awards in 2016 and 2017. Other NCI programs supporting 

nanotechnology research in specific component areas, such as the Innovative Molecular Analysis 

Technology program and the Image-Guided Drug Delivery program announcement (PAR-16-044),

are expected to continue to make awards into 2017.

• The NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH/NIDCR) launched a 

multidisciplinary Dental Oral and Craniofacial Tissue Regeneration Consortium (DOCTRC) to 

develop safe, predictive, and effective clinical strategies for regeneration of functional tissues of 

the human dental, oral, and craniofacial complex. The goal of this consortium is to conduct 

preclinical studies leading to the submission of Investigational New Drug/Investigational Device 

Exemption applications to FDA. DOCTRC will bring together professionals working in different 

disciplines, including clinicians, biologists, materials scientists with expertise in nanotechnology, 

bioengineers, and regulatory experts to work on the common goal of advancing the most 

promising tools and approaches of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine toward clinical 

trials. Nanomaterials are expected to be widely utilized in developing such tools and approaches. 

DOCTRC is a three-stage effort. Stage 1 Planning Grants awards were released in 2015; Stage 2 

Resource Center Development awards will be released in 2017.

• NIH/NIDCR funded several U01 (multicenter) research projects via a special solicitation (RFA-DE-13-

001) that promotes the development of novel composite polymers as part of a complete dental 

composite restorative system capable of exceeding current commercial product performance by 

two years. These projects include the development of nanometer-sized polymers used to design 

novel restorative systems with overall superior material properties. Three to five candidates will be 

selected from among 25 developed thus far for small-scale production as part of this effort. 

Funding will continue through 2017. 

• The NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH/NINDS) and National Institute 

of Mental Health (NIH/NIMH) are continuing to solicit requests for applications (RFAs), as part of the 

BRAIN Initiative, focused on developing a range of tools and devices directed at recording or 

modulating the nervous system and analyzing cell-specific and circuit-specific processes in the 

brain. Nanotechnology-specific projects funded thus far are focused on single-cell-resolution 

monitoring of neurons using functional optical reporters (RFA-NS-14-007). Others employ 

nanoparticles for drug or cell delivery.

New NIH opportunities and plans for 2017:

• NIH/NIDCR plans to release two new initiatives entitled (1) Biosensors in the Oral Cavity and 

(2) Dental, Oral and Craniofacial 3D Tissue/Organ Models to Mimic Health and Disease, utilizing 

2017 funds. The goal of the first FOA is to develop new prototype biosensors for noninvasive, 

dynamic, real-time monitoring of physiological processes in the oral cavity. The second will 

support proposals to develop tools and technologies that allow robust, precise, and predictable in 

vitro assembly and functional morphogenesis of 3D human dental, oral, and craniofacial 

tissues/organs. The biosensor chips will take advantage of the latest advances in bioengineering, 

materials science, and nanotechnology that can provide answers to key mechanistic questions 

regarding healthy and disease states while generating new exploratory insights into novel 

therapeutic targets and toxicity studies. 

• NIH plans to continue to invest in nanotechnology and nanomedicine supporting the creative 

research ideas of scientists and engineers in universities and small businesses across the country, 

with technologies expected to emerge from the physical and life sciences to further develop novel 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 45

advanced medical diagnostics, therapeutics, and approaches to disease management. Examples 

include clinical laboratory tests that search for multiple biomarkers to detect trace molecules that 

signal the presence of disease or infection before a patient has become extremely ill, and clinical 

evaluation of medical imaging technologies that target defining not only anatomy but also the 

molecular events that precede advanced symptoms. 

NIST: NIST is developing a wide range of measurement methods and instrumentation for nanomaterials and 

nanoscale devices. It is pioneering semiconductor nanosystems, chip-scale optoelectromechanical devices, 

and nanoplasmonics for long- and short-range quantum communication as well as for precision metrology 

applications. NIST is enabling devices for classical and quantum information handling at the ultimate limits 

of today’s silicon-based (Si-based) electronics by developing atomically precise manufacturing methods for 

single-atom-based electronic structures and by creating ultrapure, highly enriched nanomaterials for 

applications in Si quantum electronics and ultrapure material standards. Furthermore, NIST is developing Sibased nanodevices for single-electron metrology; practical, chip-scale, deployable devices for high-precision 

electrical current metrology; and standards to meet industry needs. In 2016 and 2017, NIST will make 

available nanomechanical property Reference Materials and Standard Reference Materials—RM 8191 for 

measuring strain and SRM 3461 for calibrating cantilever stiffness in atomic force microscopes—that will 

enable accurate determinations of mechanical performance and reliability of nanodevices. NIST is 

developing measurement tools to quantify interface durability and accelerate the commercial use of 

nanotechnology-reinforced polymeric composites, including a database of stability and reliability values,

measurements of stress transfer at the fiber–matrix interface in pristine and degraded nanocomposites, and 

models for the damage tolerance of these materials in a range of temperature and humidity conditions. 

The NIST Innovations in Measurement Science (IMS) Program competitively awards internal funds to support 

high-risk, leading-edge research that anticipates future measurement and standards needs. Several IMS 

teams are working on measurement methods to advance nanoscale science; for example, atomically precise 

fabrication of devices, nanoelectronic device technologies based on graphene and related 2D materials, and 

cold-atom focused ion beams to create breakthrough battery measurements. In 2016 a new IMS project will 

begin development of nanoscale superconducting devices (Josephson junctions) to extend quantum 

voltage standards into the microwave communications frequency range and to lay the foundation for more 

energy-efficient computing. 

NSF: The agency supports fundamental nanoscale science and engineering in and across all disciplines. 

NSF’s nanotechnology research is supported primarily through grants to individuals, teams, and centers at 

U.S. academic institutions. The efforts in team and center projects have been particularly fruitful because 

nanoscale research and education are inherently interdisciplinary pursuits, often combining elements of 

materials science, engineering, chemistry, physics, and biology.

The NSF nanotechnology investment in 2015 supported about 5,500 active projects, over 30 research 

centers, and several infrastructure networks for device development, computation, and education. It 

impacted over 10,000 students and teachers. Approximately 150 small businesses were funded to perform 

research and product development in nanotechnology through SBIR and Small Business Technology 

Transfer (STTR) programs. NSF sponsors an annual Nanoscale Science and Engineering Grantee Conference 

to assess the progress in nanotechnology and facilitate identification of new research directions. In 2015 NSF 

sponsored the workshops “Rebooting the IT Revolution” and “Energy-Efficient Computing from Devices to 

Architectures” in partnership with the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) and the Semiconductor 

Industry Association. Other topical workshops will be supported in 2016 and 2017, including one on 

fundamental aspects of a “brain-like computer.”
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

46 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Several new directions planned for 2016 are nanotechnology for water-energy-food processes; 

nanomodular materials and systems by design, including two-dimensional nanoscale materials; and aspects 

of nanoelectronics and nanophotonics. [See also the section below on Coordinated Activities Contributing to

Objective 1.1.]

USDA/NIFA: The National Institute for Food and Agriculture continues to advance the frontiers of 

interdisciplinary nanoscale science, engineering, and technology for solving significant societal challenges 

facing agriculture and food systems. NIFA investments in nanotechnology research, education, and 

extension are reflected in multiple portfolios including sustainable agricultural production systems, the biobased economy, food safety and quality, human nutrition, environmental systems, natural resources, water 

quality, and climate changes. NIFA supports nanoscience research and development primarily through 

competitive and formula grants to individual researchers at land grant universities and other public and 

private research institutes.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 1.1

DOD and other NNI agencies: All DOD nanoscience and engineering materials, processing, and 

manufacturing research is coordinated through the DOD Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Processes 

Community of Interest, the Defense Basic Research Advisory Group, and the interagency Nanoscale Science, 

Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council. 

Additionally, less formal interagency collaborations are well established at the program officer level. [This 

applies to all objectives in which the DOD has active research or coordinated planning with other organizations.]

DOD/Army and academia: In partnership with Rice and Duke Universities, the U.S. Army Aviation and 

Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center pioneered a new concept for photocatalysis 

involving metal nanoparticles whose plasmon resonances are in the ultraviolet. The strong field 

concentration and hot electron generation in this spectral region, where bonds are easily broken in most 

organic molecules, will rapidly accelerate photodecomposition of toxins and selective photochemistry of 

challenging industrial reactions.

DOD/Army, DOE, academia, and industry: ARL is working with industry (MicroLink Devices, Emcore), 

academia (University of Texas, UCLA, and University College London), and other U.S. Government 

laboratories (National Renewable Energy Lab) to develop low-cost, high-efficiency gallium arsenide-based 

solar cells that use quantum dots, quantum wells, and surface nanostructures to enhance the spectral 

response and absorption properties of portable power sources for the dismounted soldier. Under internal 

and SBIR programs, ARL is developing special electrically conducting antireflection coatings that work 

efficiently over a very large range of incident angles to eliminate the need for bulky light-tracking hardware. 

Nanostructured back surface reflectors are being developed to enhance absorption through light trapping 

and wave guiding. The goal of this research is a new generation of flexible, conformable, lightweight energy 

sources to lighten the burden on and extend the mission times for the soldier.

DOD/Army, academia, and industry: The MIT-ISN brings together researchers from the university, the 

Army, and industry to discover and field technologies that dramatically advance soldier protection and 

survivability capabilities. Novel materials and devices under development include the following:

• Nanostructured metal alloys, representing a new material form, with the strength of steel and the 

weight of aluminum for protective armor for soldiers and vehicles.

• Nanostructured optoelectronic fiber devices that could be incorporated in the weaves of soldiers’ 

uniforms for multifunctional capabilities such as active/passive combat identification, infrared 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 47

laser-to-uniform communications, sniper detection, power storage, and blast/blunt-impact 

monitoring.

• Frequency-downconverting nanoparticles for low-cost, room-temperature infrared night imaging, 

together with ultraviolet communications, all in a single night-vision device.

• Interbilayer-crosslinked nanoparticle encapsulants for extremely potent vaccine and drug delivery 

with orders-of-magnitude increases in performance over existing technologies.

• Nanolayered conformal coatings for sutures, surgical sponges, and bandages, enabling 

unprecedented wound healing and hemostasis capabilities on the battlefield.

DOD/Army, NSF, and academia: Army efforts are highly embedded within universities, including 

collaborations with George Mason University, MIT, Pennsylvania State University, University of Alabama, 

Arizona State University, University of North Carolina, University of North Texas, Mississippi State University, 

Lehigh University, Johns Hopkins University, Rutgers University, North Carolina State University, Drexel 

University, and Texas A&M University. Other partners include Los Alamos National Laboratory, the ARL 

Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate, and the Army Armor Research, Development, and Engineering 

Center. There are collaborations with the Center for Computational Materials Design (a joint effort of Penn 

State and Georgia Tech), an NSF-supported Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC), on 

various aspects of phase formation and grain growth. The ARL internal mission program was instrumental in 

developing an ARL/Army Research Office SBIR project focused on the processing and property interrogation 

of high-strength nanostructured aluminum alloys. This program directly impacts the Army lightweighting 

capability by seeking to develop alloys that exceed the expected physical properties of current aluminum 

alloys. This would enable weight reduction of some 65% in alloys with ultrahigh toughness. 

DOD/DARPA, DOD/AFOSR, NSF, and industry: The Semiconductor Technology Advanced Research 

Network (STARnet) Program has built a large multiuniversity research community to explore beyond current 

evolutionary directions and make discoveries that drive technology innovation beyond what can be 

imagined for electronics today. The program is organized into six multiuniversity centers, each focused in a 

specific challenge area. Researchers in these centers are advancing R&D in physics theory, materials, 

processes, circuits, and related areas (design, off-chip communications, etc.) for new devices that operate 

using unique information tokens due to physical phenomena that occur at the nanoscale. STARnet is jointly 

funded by U.S. member companies (Applied Materials, GLOBALFOUNDRIES, IBM, Intel, Micron, Raytheon, 

Texas Instruments, and United Technologies), DARPA, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). 

Management is provided by DARPA, AFOSR, and the U.S. member companies, with the Microelectronics 

Advanced Research Corporation (MARCO) administering day-to-day operations. DARPA routinely shares the 

results with NSF and the other DOD component organizations. [Also applicable to the Nanoelectronics NSI.]

FDA and NIST: Most FDA research activities are coordinated with other agencies through the National 

Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO). Specific research projects in standards development have 

come about through discussions with NIST for reference material and documentary standards development.

NASA and DOD/Air Force: NASA achievements in structural CNTs (see NASA entry in Individual Agency 

Contributions to Objective 1.1) were possible through leveraged efforts with the Air Force Office of Scientific 

Research where mutual interest in advancing structural CNT properties have yielded collaborations with and 

among universities funded by AFOSR. AFOSR has also co-funded an Early Stage Innovation topic around the 

development of computational materials tools to understand how load transfer occurs in structural CNT 

composites. 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

48 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

NASA and NIST: NIST is collaborating with NASA to demonstrate improved photocathode performance 

from nanostructured semiconductors and to measure improved optical constants for ultraviolet 

spectroscopy in space. 

NIH and NIST: Over the years, NIST efforts in producing tooth-mimetic substrates have focused on early 

mineralization events involving development of nanometer-size, building-block-based restorative materials. 

The NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH/NIDCR) participated in an interagency 

agreement with NIST to provide funding support and clinical advice towards the development of clinical 

standards for resin composite–based dental restorative materials and a biologically relevant calcium 

phosphate (CaP) Standard Reference Material. This work resulted in the development of a new device, a 

tensometer, to evaluate the tensile properties of newly developed nanomaterials as functions of 

polymerization shrinkage, stress, temperature, and substrate hardness. This dual-agency program will 

continue into 2017 with the purpose of developing new standard reference materials, methods to 

characterize the properties of restorative materials at the nanometer length scale, and new analytical 

instrumentation for their characterization. Examples include the development of surface-enhanced Raman 

spectroscopy substrates for biofilm quantification using controlled nanotopography, and new approaches 

to quantify demineralization with nanometer resolution using innovative data analysis procedures. 

NIST, DOE, and industry: NIST and DOE are working with SBIR-supported companies to complete the 

infrastructure required to make two novel synchrotron imaging capabilities operational at the new DOE 

synchrotron facility, National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), which is designed specifically for 

nanoscale measurements. In 2016, NIST will commission a large-area, near-edge x-ray absorption fine 

structure (NEXAFS) imaging microscope that will provide high-efficiency parallel measurements of 

thousands of compositional samples, and an x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) microscope that will 

provide full 3D mappings of nanomaterials and nanodevices, combining nanometer-scale spatial resolution 

with chemical and electronic state specificity. NIST is also designing and developing an x-ray scattering 

capability on the NEXAFS instrument for simultaneous determination of average size, shape, and local 

molecular structure of carbon-based nanomaterials.

NSF and DOD/AFOSR: Both agencies collaborate in the Two-Dimensional Atomic-layer Research and 

Engineering (2-DARE) program that had two competitions in 2014 and 2015 for four-year group awards. This 

program addresses fundamental challenges in the creation of 2D nanoscale materials beyond graphene and 

their hybrids, scalable manufacturing strategies, characterization tools and methods, and novel devices. 

These awards may lead, among other things, to solar cells that exploit the unique properties of stacked, 

heterogeneous layers. 

Objective 1.2 – Identify and support nanoscale science and technology research driven by 

national priorities and informed by active engagement with stakeholders. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 1.2

DOD/Army: AMRDEC has demonstrated integration of nanomaterials in weaponry components, to include 

formulations to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of solid and gel propellants, 

environmentally friendly missile structures and housings, smart seekers with nano-optic characteristics, and 

cost-reduction methods for fabrication of filament-wound composite missile structures.

ARL is producing thermally stable nanocrystalline feedstock to be used as part of its research endeavors to 

develop superior additive manufacturing technologies for agile manufacturing capabilities. The Army has 

advanced the ability to obtain nanostructured powders to achieve novel properties through balancing the 

strength/ductility tradeoff associated with nanocrystalline materials. Using an ICME approach, ARL produces 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 49

stable nanocrystalline powders that resist microstructural changes during the high-temperature processing 

needed for full-density consolidation. Researchers and engineers are exploiting state-of-the-art, atomic-level 

characterization techniques to identify and determine the electronic contributions responsible for reducing 

and minimizing the interfacial energy of high-temperature nanocrystalline alloys that are relevant to Army 

applications. Through this process, researchers have been able to bulk-consolidate and/or produce near-netshaped parts retaining nanocrystalline microstructures. These include aluminum alloys for lightweighting 

ballistic applications, nanostructured steels for ultrahigh strength at high temperatures, and nanostructured 

materials for penetrators.

DOD/DARPA: A competitive electronics industry is a national priority to maintain commercial technology 

leadership and ensure new defense capabilities. DARPA is identifying promising new approaches for using 

nanotechnologies to drive advances in new devices to replace transistors or to augment the performance of 

conventional transistor integrated circuits. The STARnet Program is advancing fundamental research for 

creating highly functional circuits using these devices and understanding their inherent limitations. In this 

case, the program is partnering directly with several industrial stakeholders. The STARnet Program funds 

research directly at U.S. universities. [Also applies to Objective 1.1 and the Nanoelectronics NSI.]

The Enabling Quantum Technologies Program is building upon established control and readout techniques 

from atomic physics to develop a suite of measurement tools that will find broad application across DOD, 

particularly in the areas of biological imaging, inertial navigation, and robust global positioning systems. 

Recent progress under this program includes the demonstration of a first-of-its-kind compact atomic optical 

clock with stability ten times better than current GPS clocks and nanoscale magnetic sensing of spins using 

a diamond nitrogen vacancy magnetometer. Defense applications such as geolocation, navigation, 

communication, coherent imaging, and radar depend on the generation and transmission of stable, agile 

electromagnetic radiation. Improved radiation sources—for example, lower-noise microwaves or higher-flux 

x-rays—could enhance existing capabilities and enable entirely new technologies. The Basic Photon 

Sciences Program is investigating ways to exploit the exquisite stability and control achieved in ultrafast 

lasers to enable novel radiation sources that span the electromagnetic spectrum with improved performance 

while reducing size and weight as well as power requirements. It is envisioned that such devices, once 

demonstrated by DARPA, will find broad application across DOD, particularly in the areas of secure 

communications, electronic warfare and countermeasures, coherent radar, nondestructive evaluation, 

biological imaging, and materials characterization. Recent key achievements in this program include the first 

biological, 3D cryogenic imaging of a whole hydrated cell by coherent x-ray diffractive imaging and the 

identification and demonstration of a new regime of high harmonic generation that can improve by 1000-

fold the efficiency of extreme ultraviolet radiation generation. [Also applies to the Sensors NSI.]

DOD/SERDP: The DOD’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) completed 

a project investigating nanotechnology processing methods to develop alternatives for copper-beryllium 

(CuBe) alloys that pose an inhalation hazard during manufacturing. This method utilized grain refinement to 

the nanoscale (instead of age-hardening with CuBe or work-hardening with current CuBe alternatives) to 

produce suitable alternative materials to CuBe for insertion into applications within the defense sector. These 

materials could be produced with low surface roughness, low stress, no porosity, and moderate-to-high build 

rates—attributes important for the near-net generation of bulk forms. These nanostructured materials have 

a number of significant benefits over CuBe and conform to property requirements for current and future 

CuBe alloy needs within DOD, including sheet/foil and high-strength wire replacements. [Also contributes to 

Objective 4.4.]
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

50 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

DOE: DOE Office of Science (DOE-SC) continues to support two Energy Innovation Hubs: the Joint Center for 

Artificial Photosynthesis67 and the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research.68 A significant fraction of the 

effort in both hubs involves nanotechnology. By fostering unique, cross-disciplinary collaborations, these 

hubs help advance highly promising areas of energy science and engineering from the early stages of 

research to the point where the technology can be handed off to the private sector.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) supports a broad range of early-stage, potentially 

disruptive energy technology projects that involve both applications of current nanotechnology and applied 

R&D in new areas of nanotechnology. A major focus is on the challenging translation of nanotechnology 

from the laboratory to commercial viability. For example, scientists funded by ARPA-E have adapted a 

biological strategy to create a robust and very low-friction surface.69 They created a surface that was porous 

on the nanoscale and then filled the pores with a low-friction fluid over which other fluids flow readily. The 

approach is flexible, allowing differently structured coatings with different liquid fillers. These surfaces repair 

themselves when scratched or damaged, resulting in highly robust coatings with the potential to outperform 

conventional technologies in friction and drag reduction while repelling a broad range of contaminants. The 

ARPA-E funded research team spun out a company after securing venture capital financing to commercialize 

this technology for a range of applications, including refrigeration, marine shipping, wastewater treatment, 

industrial cooling, and liquid transport through pipelines.

The Solar Energy Technologies Office in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE-EERE) 

supports a variety of projects that use nanotechnology to drive down the cost of solar power installations. 

Approaches to reach the SunShot Initiative’s $1 per watt target using nanotechnology include quantum dot 

solar cells, nanostructures for bandgap engineering, monolayers to adjust a material’s work function or 

passivate surfaces, and nanostructured materials for plasmonics and antireflective coatings. 

The Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) in DOE-EERE supports promising clean energy R&D on 

ultraconductive nanomaterials for improved efficiency in thermal processes, a more efficient electric grid 

infrastructure, and next-generation electric machines. In addition, AMO funds atomically precise 

manufacturing of high-performance membranes for chemical separations, and atomically precise catalysts 

for high-efficiency chemical reactions. 

The Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) in DOE-EERE conducts nanomaterials research and development 

for fuel cell, hydrogen production, and hydrogen storage applications. These efforts will lead to lower costs 

and improved performance in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and will help to enable widespread 

commercialization of these technologies. 

DOT/FHWA: The Federal Highway Administration is pursuing nanotechnology-enabled improvements in

the durability, performance, and resiliency of transportation infrastructure. Ongoing nanomaterials efforts 

focus on conventional and alternative cementitious materials. Nanoscale interrogation and characterization 

techniques are expanding the fundamental understanding of cement hydration kinetics and the ability to 

model them. Applied coatings and material interface behavior are being exploited to enable improved 

performance, structural health monitoring, and self-repair capability. 

NIH: Early in 2016, NIH/NCI released an updated version of the Cancer Nanotechnology Plan referred to as 

caNanoPlan 2015,

70 a vision for the future of cancer nanotechnology R&D that is coordinated by the NIH/NCI 

 

67 solarfuelshub.org

68 www.jcesr.org

69 arpa-e.energy.gov/?q=slick-sheet-project/slippery-coatings-reduce-friction-and-energy-loss 

70 nano.cancer.gov/about/plan
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 51

Office of Nanotechnology Research. Researchers from academia, small business, government labs, and 

pharmaceutical companies participated in drafting this vision, which includes milestones and strategic 

insights for cancer nanotechnology development. The 2015 caNanoPlan also informs the cancer 

nanotechnology and oncology communities on the state of the field and potential near-term developments. 

In addition, NIH/NCI maintains active engagement with key stakeholders in the Translation of 

Nanotechnology in Cancer consortium, a public–private partnership initiated in 2012 consisting of members 

from large pharmaceutical companies, small biotechnology firms, and patient advocacy organizations (see 

Objective 2.1) to facilitate clinical translation of nanotechnologies in 2016 and 2017.

NIH/NINDS plays a leading role in the coordination, representation, and implementation of NIH activities 

contributing to the BRAIN Initiative, driven by community stakeholders and the White House (see the BRAIN 

2025 report71). As a result, NIH/NINDS has released several requests for applications that open the door to 

utilizing current advances in nanotechnology-related tools, devices, and systems as well as their 

developments to better understand the functioning of the human brain. These collaborations will continue 

well into 2017.

USDA/ARS: Agricultural Research Service nanotechnology investments include research in the following 

areas:

• Use of biopolymers to develop sustainable technologies and bioproducts: utilize conventional and 

novel processing technologies to produce and characterize nanofibers from biopolymers and 

investigate potential applications; utilize biopolymers to encapsulate and/or deliver beneficial soil 

microbes that improve crop production; and enable new commercial materials based on 

biopolymers and biobased fillers. 

• Development of commercially targeted technologies for producing value-added bioproducts such 

as specialty/commodity chemicals and biopolymers made from renewable agriculture feedstocks 

or biomass: fungae-based processes for the commercial production of carboxylic acids and 

microbial oils, and chemical and enzymatic processes for the commercial production of sugarbased biopolymers/oligosaccharides and ethers derived from sugars or polyols.

• Imaging technologies for the detection and characterization of food safety pathogens, toxins, and 

bacterial threat agents, including hyperspectral microscopic imaging systems, Raman scattering 

with silver nanorods, and applications of nanoscale peptides and DNA aptamers.

• Development of countermeasures to prevent and control agricultural pathogens such as Rift Valley 

Fever, which is the most significant arthropod-borne animal disease threat to the U.S. livestock 

industry.

• Use of a wide range of technological approaches in the utilization of agricultural by-products and 

feedstocks to improve functionalities of protein/carbohydrate particles for elastomer, coating, 

agricultural, medical, and cosmetic applications, including new products based on functionalized 

particles for use in elastomeric composites and latex coatings; production of marketable biochar 

particles for rubber composite filler applications; new products based on nano- or microparticles 

for controlled release of chemicals; new products based on biodegradable nanoparticles from 

starch, and expansion of their end-use applications; and new products based on micro and 

nanosized particles of lignin and cellulose.

• Development of nanoscale coatings to make cotton flame-resistant, and deposition of enzymes 

and/or peptides on cotton nanocrystals for applications in biosensors, antimicrobials, and 

bioremediation.

 

71 www.braininitiative.nih.gov/pdf/BRAIN2025_508C.pdf 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

52 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

• Development of new bioactive and biobased products from plant cell wall polysaccharides in 

sugar beet pulp, citrus peel, and other processing residues, including polysaccharide-based 

nanoparticles for controlled release of bioactive food ingredients and for active packaging 

applications.

• Study of bioactive food ingredients that influence the gut microbiome and inhibit the growth of 

bacterial pathogens.

• Processing technologies to produce healthy, value-added foods from specialty crops, including 

applications of methylcellulose and chitosan nanoparticles in edible films.

• Environmentally friendly processes and new applications for animal hides and leather, including 

collagen-based nanofibers for high-efficiency, biodegradable air filters.

USDA/NIFA: The NIFA nanotechnology program supports foundational sciences and innovative applied 

research to develop nanotechnology-enabled solutions for a range of national priorities, including global 

food security through improving productivity, quality, and sustainability; adaptation and mitigation of 

agricultural production systems to climate change; improvement of the nutritional quality of food and feeds; 

early detection and effective intervention technologies for ensuring food safety and biosecurity; more 

effective therapies to improve animal health and wellness; development of the biology-based economy; and 

protection for natural resources, the environment, and agricultural ecosystems.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 1.2 

DOD/Air Force, industry, and academia: The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Materials and 

Manufacturing and Aerospace Systems Directorates work in coordination with other DOD and Government 

agencies through both the Reliance 21 Communities of Interest (Advanced Materials and Energy & Power) 

and through the Interagency Advanced Power Group. AFRL collaborates with many industrial partners and 

educational institutions such as Clemson University, MIT, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Northwestern 

University, and the University of Chicago. 

DOE and NSF: NSF and DOE cosponsor the Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar Technologies (QESST) 

Engineering Research Center (ERC), which conducts photovoltaic (PV) research. 

FDA and standards developing organizations: FDA protects public health by ensuring that products 

regulated by FDA are safe and effective for their intended uses. Standards are vital for the FDA mission, 

playing a key role in reviewing product performance for efficacy and safety evaluation, and enabling industry 

to have benchmarks for translating novel technologies into products. FDA is actively engaged in standards 

development in the committees on nanotechnology at the International Organization for Standardization 

(ISO) and ASTM International, and it continues to participate in this activity with stakeholders through 

interagency working groups, industry, and academia. A Global Summit on Regulatory Science workshop in 

nanotechnology was held by FDA in 2015 in Parma, Italy, in collaboration with European Union regulatory 

and standards agencies, to discuss the standards needed for expedient regulatory review. 

NASA and industry: Flight testing of nanoengineered surfaces has been conducted with a commercial 

partner. Measureable reduction in insect residue adhesion was observed and shown by analysis to support 

the benefits of laminar flow wing designs for energy efficiency under the Environmentally Responsible 

Aviation Project.

NIOSH, industry, and academia: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health continues to 

give broad support to advancing nanotechnology research through active partnerships with the private 

sector and with public research institutes. Research collaboration agreements with organizations such as the 

Center for High-Rate Nanomanufacturing at Northeastern University, the Colleges of Nanoscale Science and 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 53

Engineering at the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, and Purdue University give NIOSH 

unique insights into the materials and processes that are being explored for commercialization. Direct 

partnership with private-sector nanomanufacturers gives NIOSH an opportunity to make significant 

contributions to safe and responsible development early in the material and/or product life cycle. In addition 

to protecting the nanotechnology workforce from R&D through production, this activity has potential to 

enhance speed to market and create competitive advantage by developing effective risk management 

practices.

NIST, NSF, industry, and academia: The SRC Nanoelectronics Research Initiative (NRI) has worked with NIST 

and NSF in a public–private partnership to address key national priorities that are also associated with U.S. 

Government interagency research initiatives such as the NNI and the National Strategic Computing Initiative. 

Through research investments in centers across the United States, NRI seeks the next device that will propel 

computing beyond the limitations of current technology. [Also relevant to Objectives 2.2 and 2.3.]

NIST, NIOSH, FDA, NIH, industry, and academia: NIST, working closely with other Government agencies, 

industry, and academics, has coordinated interlaboratory studies to validate a measurement protocol for 

transmission electron microscopy, a technique commonly employed to determine nanoparticle size and size 

distribution. Now that the comparison on the national level is complete, work is underway with international 

partners, including many national metrology institutes, to corroborate findings for different particle types 

and then develop documentary standards describing the processes.

NSF, NIH, EPA, DOD, NASA, and USDA/NIFA: Convergence of nanotechnology with other technologies 

and areas of application was analyzed in an NSF-led study and 2013 report created in collaboration with NIH, 

EPA, DOD, NASA, and USDA/NIFA, entitled Convergence of Knowledge, Technology, and Society.

72 This report

identifies convergence as a core opportunity for creating added value and progress based on five principles: 

interdependence, enhancing creativity and innovation through evolutionary processes of convergence that 

combine existing results and divergence that creates new ones; decision analysis based on system logic 

deduction; higher-level cross-domain languages; and vision-inspired basic research embodied in grand 

challenges. The process of convergence facilitates penetration of nanotechnology into various domains of 

knowledge and application. For example, about 800 of the new nanoscale science and engineering awards 

at NSF in 2015 (or about 6 percent of all new NSF awards in that year) include research and education on 

biological aspects, information technology, and cognitive sciences.

NSF, USDA/NIFA, DOE, and DOD: Engineering biology incorporates many advances of nanotechnology to 

develop advanced manufacturing technologies. NSF is working with USDA/NIFA, DOE, and DOD to develop 

formal joint activities starting in 2017, and has participated in a number of studies and workshops to develop 

a strategic focus since 2015. 

Objective 1.3 – Assess the performance of the U.S. nanotechnology R&D program.

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 1.3

NIH: Evaluation of the impact of R&D strategic plans and scientific programs and initiatives is a standard 

practice for NIH institutes to justify further investments. These reviews utilize a variety of mechanisms and 

approaches to assess performance—scientific experts, advisory boards, analytical tools for metrics, etc.— 

depending on the program structure and governance. For instance, as noted in the 2016 NNI Budget 

 

72 M. C. Roco, W. S. Bainbridge, B. Tonn, G. Whitesides, Eds., Convergence of knowledge, technology, and society: Beyond 

convergence of nano-bio-info-cognitive technologies (Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, 2013: 

www.wtec.org/NBIC2-Report).
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

54 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Supplement, the NIH/NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer completed a performance assessment as 

part of planning exercises in 2013 to prepare a strategy for NIH/NCI’s nanotechnology investment for 2015 

onwards. The results of this assessment led to Phase 3 of the Alliance Program, maintaining both research 

and training centers and individual research grant awards. Key scientific and translational accomplishments 

from the NCI Alliance Program are described in several publications listed on NIH/NCI’s website.73 The 

Alliance office plans to continue evaluation efforts throughout the third round of Alliance funding. In 

addition to the Alliance review, the NCI Office of Cancer Nanotechnology Research engages the research 

community to increase understanding of the trajectory and success of nanomedicine research at large. 

Efforts included participation in the Science of Team Science annual meeting in June 2015. 

NSF: The Center for Nanotechnology in Society (CNS) at Arizona State University has ongoing evaluation 

activities for research performance and nanotechnology outcomes. The CNS node at Georgia Institute of 

Technology evaluates trends in publications, patents, and commercialization through data mining, 

interviews, and other methods as part of the Research and Innovation Systems Analysis group. The group’s 

main goal is to characterize the technical scope and dynamics of the nanoscale science and engineering 

enterprise and the linkages between it and a variety of public values and outcomes.

USDA/NIFA: NIFA regularly evaluates the performance and progress of its nanotechnology R&D projects 

using multiple instruments, such as mandated annual progress reports, grantees meetings, workshops, 

symposia, and professional conferences. 

USPTO: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office contributes a variety of nanotechnology-related patent data 

that is used as a benchmark to analyze nanotechnology development and for trend analysis of 

nanotechnology patenting activity in the United States and globally. The data shows that since the start of 

the NNI in 2000, both the percentage of nanotechnology-related U.S. patents assigned or owned by 

universities and the percentage of nanotechnology-related U.S. patents with government interest 

statements have nearly doubled. Both of these increases are likely attributable to the increased Federal R&D 

funding from the NNI. Regarding international nanotechnology-related patenting activity, U.S. inventors 

continue to lead in the total number of nanotechnology-related patent publications globally; however, that 

lead has been shrinking. U.S. inventors continue to lead in the total number of nanotechnology-related 

patent publications in three or more countries, holding almost a third of the total, indicating their aggressive 

pursuit of international intellectual property protection. 

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 1.3

NNI agencies, NNCO, National Academies, and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and 

Technology (PCAST): As discussed in Chapter 1 of this report, the NNI participating agencies and NNCO 

contribute significant background information and other resources, as appropriate, to the periodic reviews 

of the NNI by the National Academies and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. 

USDA/NIFA and NSF: NIFA and NSF provided funding and leadership to the inaugural Gordon Research 

Conference on Nanoscale Science and Engineering for Agriculture and Food Systems, which was held at 

Bentley University in Waltham, MA, June 7–12, 2015. The conference covered a broad range of topics, 

including nanotechnology and its relevance to future agriculture and food systems, public perception and 

acceptance of nanotechnology applications in food, advances in nanoscale materials and their applications 

in sensors for rapid detection, nanoscale delivery systems for food and feeds, risk assessment, policy and 

regulation, intervention strategies for improving food safety and agricultural biosecurity, nanotechnology 

 

73 nano.cancer.gov/action/recent
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 55

applications and implications in plant production and the environment, discovery and applications of novel 

nanobiomaterials, and nanotechnology-based approaches for improved livestock systems. The cutting-edge 

research findings presented at this conference drew 139 participants from 15 countries. The NNCO Deputy 

Director delivered a keynote presentation.

Objective 1.4 – Advance a portfolio of Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs) that are 

each supported by three or more NNI agencies and address significant national 

priorities.74

Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion75

Individual agency contributions to this NSI

DOD/Air Force: The AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate continued to contribute to this NSI 

through the end of 2015. Activities were focused in three areas: (1) developing approaches to fabricate 

nanotechnology-based solar collection and conversion devices on flexible and lightweight substrates to 

enable structural power applications (such as solar aircraft wings); (2) designing reproducible recombination 

layers for tandem (multilayer) devices; and (3) developing direct-write approaches for on-demand, low-cost, 

scalable integration of these devices onto aircraft skins. These devices are expected to have the greatest 

impact for applications requiring very high specific power density, such as unmanned air vehicles and 

persistent high-altitude airships. The AFRL Aerospace Systems Directorate, in collaboration with university 

researchers, is continuing solar energy research by exploring carbon nanodots as a fuel adjunct and possible 

solar hydrogen generation technology.

DOD/Army: Under the Solar NSI, AMRDEC researchers patented a tiny photovoltaic solar cell for the 

conversion of light energy into electrical energy. The active region was composed of nanometer-thick layers 

of metals like silver or gold between similarly thin semiconductor layers, dramatically reducing the size of 

the photovoltaic cell by a factor of almost a thousand. 

DOD/Navy: The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Biomaterials and Bionanotechnology Program contributed 

to this NSI by supporting academic researchers to investigate the influence of biomolecules, specifically 

peptides, during the growth process of platinum (Pt) nanocrystals (i.e., from nucleation to the final crystal) in 

order to achieve rational materials synthesis and functionalization; and explore the use of silk-based

materials as the foundation of a new generation of eco- or bioresorbable energy-harvesting devices 

(photoactive devices).

DOE: The DOE Office of Science has supported a wide array of basic research related to solar energy 

collection and conversion in areas such as photovoltaics, solar photochemistry, and solar fuels. Funded Solar 

NSI projects in the Office of Basic Energy Sciences included a significant fraction of the Solar Photochemistry 

Program, a number of Energy Frontier Research Centers, and the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis 

(an Energy Innovation Hub). This research has been aimed at gaining a fundamental understanding of light 

capture and conversion, charge separation and transport, and catalytic processes in a wide variety of 

materials and chemical systems.

 

74 For additional information on the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives, see the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan 

www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan and www.nano.gov/signatureinitiatives. 

75 The Solar NSI was sunset in 2015. 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

56 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

The DOE-EERE Solar Energy Technologies Office supported a variety of projects related to nanotechnology 

research and development in this NSI at the intersection of scientific disciplines, such as those focused on 

crystal grain boundaries and nanoscale arrays of photoactive materials. 

NSF: NSF has supported basic research and interdisciplinary efforts by groups of primarily academic 

researchers to address the scientific challenges of highly efficient harvesting, conversion, and storage of solar 

energy—projects in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), Engineering (ENG), Computer and 

Information Science and Engineering (CISE), and Biological Sciences (BIO) Directorates. A primary emphasis 

was on the education, at all levels, of a highly trained scientific and technical workforce. NSF activities that 

addressed research topics related to this NSI included Engineering Research Centers such as the QESST ERC 

and the Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation activity.

The Sustainable Energy Pathways (SEP) Program is part of the NSF-wide initiative on Science, Engineering, 

and Education for Sustainability (SEES). The SEP solicitation calls for innovative, interdisciplinary basic 

research in science, engineering, and education by teams of researchers. One example of an SEP program 

that addressed the goals of the Solar NSI is the Development of Economically Viable, Highly Efficient Organic 

Photovoltaic Solar Cells program, administered through the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, 

and UCLA. This program is aimed at achieving low-cost solar energy conversion to electricity through the 

development of organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells, through evaluating the sustainability of OPV 

technology, and through addressing the environmental and economic aspects of OPV technology.

The MPS and ENG Directorates were responsible for over 80% of the NSF investment in the Solar NSI. 

Examples of investments relating to this NSI included research on photovoltaic energy conversion theory, 

modeling, surface chemistry, materials synthesis, device physics, engineering and characterization, and 

nanotechnology for power electronics.

USDA/NIFA: The NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) nanotechnology program supported 

research on interfacing plant-based photosystem I (PS I) proteins for biohybrid solar energy conversion. PS I 

is a protein that converts almost 100% of the light it absorbs into chemical energy to drive photosynthesis 

in green plants. The research team established the highest reported light-driven current (~1 mA/cm2

) for 

PS I-coated electrodes by depositing films of extracted PS I onto p-doped silicon to enable unidirectional 

transfer of electrons from the electrode into the protein film. The project has made continued technical 

breakthroughs leading to the production of commercially viable biohybrid solar cells.

Coordinated activities with other agencies and other institutions contributing to this NSI 

NIST and academia: Working with the University of Nebraska and the University of Toledo, NIST developed 

a suite of optical and electron-beam-based spectroscopic techniques for nanoscale mapping of local 

efficiency correlated with maps of material composition and defects in polycrystalline inorganic thin-film PV 

materials (e.g., cadmium telluride, CdTe) and emerging thin-film PV materials (perovskites). 

NSF and DOE: In addition to continued participation by NSF and DOE in the Solar NSI through September 

2015, the two agencies are cosponsoring the Engineering Research Center for Quantum Energy and 

Sustainable Solar Technologies, another research center that involves industry collaboration. This center has 

been jointly funded by NSF and DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Program since 2011. QESST research 

focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of electronic excitations, relaxation, and transport in 

nanostructured materials, leading to materials with electric-charge collection efficiencies in excess of the 

single-junction solar cell limit. Under development in this research center are sophisticated new III-V 

quantum-scale semiconductor materials and solar designs with projected efficiencies in excess of 50%, and 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 57

new photovoltaic energy concepts that will enhance planetary and deep space exploration. This center also 

works with companies to advance technologies toward commercialization.

NSF, DOE, and NIST: The annual “Photovoltaic Specialist Conference,” cosponsored by DOE, NSF, and NIST, 

continued to be held in each of the years following the articulation of this NSI (2010 through 2015). This 

conference also included a workshop titled PV Velocity Forum: Accelerating the PV Economy, which was 

jointly planned and implemented by DOE and NIST.

NSF, industry, and academia: Collaborative research centers have facilitated ongoing partnerships 

between participating agencies, industry, and academia, thereby helping to strategically focus R&D efforts 

and efficiently implement R&D advances. For example, the Silicon Solar Consortium Research Center is an 

NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) that involves joint NSF and industry funding. 

This center performs research on crystalline silicon crystal growth, impurities and defects, photovoltaic 

device processing, process modeling and simulation, and module issues. This center has created a 

multiuniversity, multicompany culture addressing the science and technology issues that the international 

photovoltaic silicon materials industry must solve in order to meet the future needs of advanced silicon solar 

cell manufacturing, while educating graduate students with photovoltaic materials/devices expertise to 

meet future workforce needs. As a collaborative agency–industry enterprise, this center conducts the critical 

research related to improving the efficiency of PV devices while addressing the manufacturing issues related 

to realizing the commercialization of these devices.

Sustainable Nanomanufacturing: Creating the Industries of the Future

Individual agency contributions to this NSI

DOD/Air Force: The AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is conducting research efforts in 

nanomanufacturing technologies; significant efforts throughout the Directorate are focused on the 

development of metallic, organic, and carbon nanotube inks for a wide range of nanoelectronic devices, 

including flexible, inherently rugged electronics. Nanomaterials are being developed for monitoring the 

spatial and temporal cure of composites to improve process efficiency and throughput. Large-area 

fabrication of optical nanostructures for spectral imaging and photonics is a focus of research leveraging 

existing manufacturing techniques. The Aerospace Systems Directorate, in collaboration with industry and 

academia, is developing nanocarbon-based membrane technology for catalysis, filtration, and refinement of 

fuels to improve system performance as well as logistics, resource accessibility, and sustainability. 

NASA: NASA continues to work with industry, universities, and other Federal agencies in the development 

of ultralightweight cores for efficient load-bearing structures and their application in aerospace 

components. This project, supported by the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Game Changing 

Development Program, is focused on the maturation and development of scalable methods to manufacture 

ultralightweight core materials as lower-mass alternatives to honeycomb or foam cores in composite 

sandwich structures. NASA will integrate the vendor-provided ultralightweight cores with both standard 

carbon fiber/epoxy- and carbon nanotube–reinforced face sheets. The resulting sandwich structures 

promise more than 40% mass reduction relative to conventional composite/honeycomb sandwich 

structures. Ultimately, NASA plans to construct large-scale (nominally 3 m x 3.4 m) sandwich panel dry 

structures for launch vehicle applications such as upper-stage skirt segments for the Space Launch System.

Since 2013, NASA researchers, under a Center Innovation Fund project, have been exploring the use of 

halogen intercalation chemistries to improve the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube yarns and fibers 

for use in lightweight data and power cables. In 2014, this research established a new world’s record for the 

electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube–based wires. Part of this work has continued in 2015 with support 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

58 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

from the Game Changing Development Program for the development and maturation of polyimide aerogels 

as wire insulators.

NIOSH: NIOSH is expanding its research activities that have direct connections to the NSIs. Many activities 

begun in 2014 and carried into 2017 are focused directly on safe and responsible development of 

nanomaterials, nanomanufacturing processes, and nanotechnology-enabled products throughout the life 

cycle. In 2015, NIOSH began to develop and disseminate case studies that demonstrate the utility of applying 

Prevention through Design (PtD) principles to nanomanufacturing. In 2017, NIOSH will continue its efforts to 

apply PtD principles to the design of safer nanomaterials by identifying physicochemical properties of 

nanomaterials that can be modified to decrease adverse biological responses. A research partnership with 

the University of Akron demonstrated that changing the structure of aluminum oxide nanowires can be used 

to modify their dissolution in the lung, thereby reducing the potential for damage. In 2016, similar work on 

TiO2 nanowires was published. NIOSH will use strategic partnerships with business and academia to develop 

and deploy effective Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) practices that can be incorporated into 

business and research plans. Partnerships with private nanomanufacturing companies will be expanded in 

2016–2017 to include extension of effective risk management practices into elements of the Administration’s 

Advanced Manufacturing priority area by working directly with the emerging National Network for 

Manufacturing Innovation. Many nanomaterial-enabled applications and products will realize full 

commercialization through advanced manufacturing technologies, and NIOSH will extend and reapply 

knowledge gained from nanomanufacturing into this area. [Funding for this activity is reported by NIOSH under 

PCA 5; the activity also is relevant to Objective 4.4.]

NIST: NIST continues to advance the availability of nanomanufacturing measurement technologies. The 

agency is developing quantitative, high-resolution tomography methods that can provide input data for 

nanocomposite models. These models accurately predict the electromagnetic properties of carbon 

nanotubes and graphene nanoparticles. NIST continues to develop new methods to aid in understanding 

the long-term reliability of carbon nanocomposites, including new approaches to performing accelerated 

aging and damage tolerance studies and fluorescence methods for in situ diagnosis of mechanical damage 

and aging effects. 

NSF: The NSF Nanomanufacturing Program and other core programs fund fundamental research projects 

and have contributions in carbon-based nanomaterials, optical metamaterials, and cellulosic nanomaterials. 

A program solicitation on scalable nanomanufacturing has had five competitions from 2011 to 2015, with

another planned for 2016. Activities are being organized for 2016 and 2017 in the Directorate for Biological 

Sciences and the Directorate for Engineering aimed at researching biology at the nanoscale for advanced 

manufacturing. 

USDA/FS: The two Forest Service-funded cellulose nanomaterial pilot production facilities, one at the Forest 

Service Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin, and a second located at the University of Maine 

in Orono, Maine, continue to be the two major suppliers of cellulose nanomaterials for research in the United 

States and internationally.

USDA/NIFA: NIFA’s current focus in nanomanufacturing is on nanobiomaterials derived from various forest, 

crop, and biomass by-products. There are ongoing research efforts in synthesis of carbon-based 

nanomaterials; development of cost-effective production methods; functionalization and characterization 

of nanomaterials; and exploration of applications such as piezoelectrics, renewable nanocomposite 

polymers, food packaging, barrier films, and energy and fuels.
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Coordinated activities with other agencies and other institutions contributing to this NSI 

DOD/Army and international organizations: ARL participated in the International Materials Research 

Congress 2015 to establish a pathway for more formalized international R&D alliances on various topics 

related to nanomaterials and nanomanufacturing. The conference highlighted groundbreaking 

nanotechnology-related materials science R&D from the Americas, including 2D materials for electronics, 

enhanced light–matter interactions for photonics, materials for structural polymers, advances in drug 

delivery, and CNT fibers and ropes. 

DOD/OSD and industry: A project of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) with Nanocomp 

Technologies under the Defense Production Act Title III Program for Advanced Carbon Nanotube Volume 

Production is providing infrastructure for the world’s first industrial-scale CNT materials manufacturing 

facility, and is producing ultralightweight functional products from CNTs in yarn, sheet, tape, and slurry 

formats. CNTs are some of the strongest, stiffest, and most robust materials yet discovered. Advanced CNT 

products play a major role in maintaining our military’s technological edge, providing warfighters with 

improved protection and survivability, enhanced mission effectiveness, and reduced operating costs. The 

project successfully stood up an operational pilot facility to produce CNT materials, using sustainable raw 

materials, for program test and evaluation purposes. Results from the past year’s program activities have

increased CNT product output by one order of magnitude with costs being reduced more than twelve-fold.

Annual production now approaches one metric ton, translating to millions of meters of CNT yarns and 

hundreds of thousands of square feet of CNT sheets and tapes. Demonstrations have included electrostatic 

discharge/electromagnetic interference shielding for spacecraft; the flight of lightweight CNT sheet–based 

structural honeycomb on a cube satellite; the flight of CNT data cables on several technology demonstration 

satellites and military aircraft; testing of CNT-enhanced thin soft ballistic vests and pressed composite armor 

for lightweighting helmets; and space flight of 3D printed brackets made from CNT-based slurry. Products 

have been or are being evaluated by more than 250 companies and organizations; of those products, 

approximately 80% are government-related, with the rest being engineered for commercial applications. 

NIST, NNI agencies, academia, and industry: In October 2015, NIST held a workshop, Advancing 

Nanoparticle Manufacturing, bringing together researchers from industry, academia, and government to 

identify challenges and opportunities for fast, accurate, low-cost methods to characterize nanoparticle 

properties in a manufacturing environment and thereby enable more efficient nanoparticle 

manufacturing.76 The organizers of this NIST workshop are currently preparing a report for publication.

NIST, academia, and industry: Two technologies developed at NIST—microwave technology used to 

characterize carbon nanocomposites during manufacture, and a scalable separations technology for carbon 

nanotubes—are being transferred to industry via SBIR awards. Resulting from these interactions, commercial 

microwave measurement systems are now available. NIST has partnered with universities to advance the 

understanding of carbon nanocomposite mechanical properties and lifetime performance. 

Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond

Individual agency contributions to this NSI 

DOD/Air Force: The AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is exploring nanoelectronic materials 

and their synthesis processes to improve device performance and reliability and to develop additive 

manufacturing technologies that are less dependent on foreign foundries. Currently, most electronic 

materials are manufactured abroad, which places the United States at a strategic disadvantage for next-

 

76 www.nist.gov/cnst/anm.cfm 
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60 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

generation electronic materials. Alternative processes for electronics manufacturing are being explored to 

allow for cost-effective and rapid progress in advanced nanoelectronic materials, which can include 0D (e.g., 

quantum dots), 1D (e.g., nanotubes and nanowires), and 2D (e.g., monolayer) approaches. These materials 

and processes are of strategic importance both for DOD applications (sensors, communications, navigation, 

etc.) and for commercial products in telecommunications, computation, medicine, and other fields. AFRL is 

actively researching these nanoscale electronic materials and their processing technologies as well as 

developing strategic partnerships with U.S. academic research centers and industry for research 

advancements and applications development via the Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation

(“Flex-Hybrid”) Institute and the Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation. Current 

research focuses on high-performance carbon, 2D and structured oxide nanomaterials for advanced radiofrequency electronics, robust nanoparticle quantum light sources, and cathode materials that have 

dramatically advanced the state of the art by leveraging nanostructure. The AFRL Information Directorate 

has invested in nanoelectronic memristor systems for 3D integrated, dynamic, neuromorphic, and lowpower electronic systems. 

DOD/Army: In partnership with researchers at Duke University and the University of Virginia, AMRDEC 

researchers have explained how nanostructures of the environmentally friendly wide-bandgap 

semiconductor zinc oxide efficiently emit visible light. Showing that the emission efficiency depends on the 

density of certain defects and the dynamics of certain carriers, the researchers were able to demonstrate 

quantum efficiencies approaching that of commercially available white light phosphors used in commercial 

fluorescent and solid state lighting. 

ARL researchers are leading a program entitled Understanding and Exploiting the Electronic Interface in 

Stacked 2D Atomic Layered Materials, the goal of which is to explore and exploit the layer interaction 

phenomena observed between 2D atomic layers in a heterogeneous stack. Emerging 2D materials such as 

graphene, molybdenum disulfide, and other transition-metal dichalcogenides have been shown to exhibit 

excellent electrical and optical properties as well as useful physical traits such as transparency and 

conformability. Their two-dimensional nature allows them to be stacked in varying orientations and on 

varying substrates to tailor their electrical and optical properties. The interface and surface properties of 2D

materials are intertwined, allowing the engineering of new material systems that behave quite differently

from their bulk counterparts. The program utilizes theoretical and computational modeling as well as 

research in materials growth, materials characterization, device fabrication, and testing. 

DOD/DTRA: Foundational research has matured to the point where DTRA is beginning to transition to 

nanotechnology-enabled applications, devices, and systems (PCA 3) to support development in topics 

supporting the Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond NSI.

DOD/Navy: The Nanoelectronics NSI project at the Naval Research Laboratory is focused in the area of 

quantum information science and has as its goal to create a new paradigm for manipulating quantum 

systems by trapping ultracold atoms in the evanescent field of silicon nitride (SiN) waveguides. This 

advancement will enable chip-scale quantum information systems. 

NIST: NIST is making significant advances in developing measurements and fabrication approaches for highperformance nanoelectronic materials and devices. Programmatic efforts span a wide range of topics such 

as graphene and related atomically two-dimensional materials (including detailed insights into the ways that 

these materials interact with metals to form high-performing device contacts), semiconductor nanowires, 

carbon nanotubes, and thin-film device platforms for electronic applications. Further, NIST is developing 

novel ways to measure and manipulate photons for a range of nanophotonic applications including 

nanoelectromechanical resonators for advanced radio-frequency communications. NIST is helping fill 

knowledge gaps for electronic devices, including improved measurement of device structure and 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 61

performance as well as energy barriers at materials interfaces for future ultralow-powered electronics. NIST 

is advancing quantum information and communication technologies through activities such as fabrication 

of nanoscale superconducting devices and development of epitaxial semiconductor quantum dots, and it is 

developing the expertise to enable the transition of quantum information–based technologies to platforms 

compatible with current silicon electronics technology. The NIST NanoFab, a shared resource in NIST’s Center 

for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST) user facility, and the MicroFabrication Facility located at NIST’s 

Boulder campus are supporting this NSI by providing researchers access to state-of-the-art tools for 

nanoelectronics fabrication.

NSF: The primary focus of the NSF Nanoelectronics NSI investment is on upstream, exploratory research in 

the following areas: new alternative “state variables” for logic and memory components and suitable 

computer architectures, computer-based research on new devices, integration of nanoelectronic and 

nanophotonic components into new systems, and new quantum information system components and 

systems. Examples of core programs covering this thrust are the Electronic and Photonic Materials Program 

within MPS’s Division of Materials Research; and the Electronics, Photonics, and Magnetic Devices Program 

within ENG’s Division of Electrical, Communications, and Cyber Systems. Examples of center activities include 

the Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs), the Science and Technology Centers 

(STCs), the Engineering Research Centers (ERCs), and the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers 

(NSECs). Two examples are the STC on Quantum Materials and Devices at Harvard University and the MRSEC 

for Quantum and Spin Phenomena in Nanomagnetic Structures at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. NSF 

has also supported the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (or NNIN, the foundation for the 

new National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure program,

77 NNCI), whose 14 universities have 

provided capabilities that include nanoelectronics. NSF’s newly established NNCI program consists of 16 

university user facility sites across the Nation, with a coordinating office to be awarded in 2016, with a diverse 

user facility portfolio for nanobiotechnology, nanoelectronics, nanomanufacturing, and other areas.

Coordinated activities with other agencies and other institutions contributing to this NSI 

DOD/Air Force and other NNI agencies: The AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing and Sensors Directorates 

work in coordination with other DOD and Federal agencies to direct the Integrated Photonics and FlexHybrid Manufacturing Innovation Institutes’ technical development strategies. 

DOD/DARPA, academia, and industry: Semiconductor devices are periodically “scaled” using advances in 

lithography and other chemical-mechanical-thermal processes. The scaling of conventional field-effect 

silicon devices (so-called "Moore's Law" scaling) is nearing fundamental and economic limits. The 

DARPA/SRC STARnet Program is exploring devices and approaches that may transcend the end of the scaled 

transistor. This program is also exploring other uses for new devices that can realize new types of circuits 

with advantages and functionalities that are not possible with conventional technologies. 

Coherent collective effects in topological insulators (TIs) enable advances beyond 2020 by fundamentally 

altering the trade-off between carrier mobility and coherence time of conventional materials. DARPA is 

investing in a number of TI-based technologies to quantify the potential impact and rapidly mature the area.

Investments include materials and fabrication while pursuing TI-based technologies for the basic building 

blocks of modern microsystems, including transistors, interconnects, thermoelectrics, and optical devices. 

NIST, DARPA, NSF, industry, and academia: Via the NRI and STARnet public–private partnerships, NIST, 

DARPA, NSF, and U.S. member companies support nine major interdisciplinary research teams at academic 

 

77 www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=136211 
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62 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

institutions across the Nation. Benchmarking of new devices in order to optimize the selection of future 

technology is a component of these programs. [Also applicable to Objective 2.2.]

NIST, ODNI, and industry: NIST is working with the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) 

in its Cryogenic Computing Complexity (C3) program to assist in the development of spin-based nanoscale 

cryogenic memory and logic for energy-efficient exascale computing, which is critical for many national 

priorities and for national security.78 Raytheon BBN Technologies, Hypres, Northrop Grumman, and IBM are 

part of this program. NIST is developing state-of-the-art measurement tools and benchmark data and devices

for IARPA.

NIST and industry: NIST is working with Intel under an Emerging Nanoscale Interface and Architecture 

Characterization (ENIAC) Program. More than ten projects are underway to develop the new measurements 

needed at future nodes of semiconductor manufacturing. 

NIST, industry, and academia: NIST is collaborating with several institutions to address new metrology 

challenges and to characterize emerging research materials for advanced electronics, particularly lowdimensional electronics. Materials under investigation include carbon nanotubes, graphene, topological 

insulators, and atomic-scale two-dimensional materials. 

Nanotechnology Knowledge Infrastructure (NKI): Enabling National Leadership in Sustainable 

Design

Individual agency contributions to this NSI

DOD/Air Force: The Materials and Manufacturing Directorate of AFRL is focused on highly parallel 

experimentation to promote rapid exploration of nanomaterial growth and processing characteristics. For 

example, in carbon nanotubes, after two decades of work, nanotube growth is still not well understood. This 

deficiency of understanding has had significant industrial impact where carbon nanotube synthesis is not 

well-controlled, which impedes our ability to scale production and decrease cost. Highly parallel and 

automated experimentation has the ability to map the huge, multiparameter processing space to explore 

growth behavior and examine alternative processing conditions. The newly developed Advanced 

Rheometric Expansion System (ARES) has been used to perform thousands of experiments in months, 

dramatically expanding the understanding of growth and leading to conclusive information on catalyst 

forms and growth processes. The system is being transitioned to explore other nanomaterial processing 

spaces. 

DOD/Navy: The ONR Biomaterials and Bionanotechnology Program is funding three efforts addressing 

computational materials by design: (1) developing a general-purpose, physics-based computational 

modeling platform that accurately predicts the 3D structure, mechanical properties (including flexibility), 

thermodynamic stability, and defect rate of nucleic acid–based nanostructures; (2) developing and applying 

atomistic-based, multiscale simulation models for three classes of proteins in order to predict the properties 

of protein materials throughout disparate ranges of time and length scales, i.e., creating a hierarchical theory 

of protein materials and designing materials with advanced functions; and (3) establishing a predictive 

modeling approach for the design of entropic forces in alpha helix/polymer conjugates to achieve 

hierarchical self-assembling polymer conjugated peptide systems with predictable order. Each of these 

efforts involves collaborations with experimentalists for validation of the models.

NIH: NIH/NCI, the NIH National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIH/NIBIB), and the NIH 

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH/NIEHS) have been and will continue to be active 

 

78 www.nano.gov/futurecomputing 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 63

participants in the NKI Signature Initiative as it seeks to support the development and adoption of consistent 

standards for reporting nanomaterial properties, databases to store nanomaterial characterization data, and 

protocols and best practices for publication and sharing of data. For example, the NKI objectives align well 

with NIH/NCI’s efforts to continue support for caNanoLab, a web portal and data repository for annotating 

and sharing information on the physicochemical, in vitro, and in vivo characterization of nanomaterials 

relevant to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control. This knowledge base also provides insight 

into regulatory filings, long-term use of nanomaterials, and computational modeling of nanoparticle 

behavior for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Materials will be updated in 2016 and 2017 as the NCI 

data-sharing coordinators from the Phase 3 Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer and researchers within 

the Innovative Research in Cancer Nanotechnology program carry out their research projects. To ensure 

timely release of research publications, the data coordinators receive hands-on training in the use of the 

caNanoLab. 

NIOSH: NIOSH supports the development of nanoinformatics tools for EHS practitioners. Specific activity 

areas include ongoing support for the Nanoparticle Information Library; migrating the GoodNanoGuide to 

nanoHUB at Purdue University; serving on the Nanomaterial Registry project board; and direct involvement 

in the planning and execution of the Nanoinformatics workshop series. The GoodNanoGuide effort will 

include the collection of data on workplace exposures, experimental evidence and modeling of toxic effects 

from categories of nanomaterials, knowledge and data on efficacy of controls, recommended exposure 

limits, and tools and guidance to support sustainable nanotechnology. [Funding for this activity is reported by 

NIOSH under PCA 5; it is also relevant to Objective 4.4.] 

NIST: NIST is advancing the availability of tools for predicting the physicochemical properties of 

nanomaterials. NIST efforts include the development of validated models for direct comparison with 

nanomechanical property measurements of nanowires with the goal of producing predictive models, highthroughput methods to generate large quantities of processing-structure-properties data for inclusion in a 

new database, software to compute interactions between magnetic spins for visualization of nanoscale 

domain structures, and a database of computationally generated electrical properties and structures of 

metal nanoparticles. Testing of the NIST nanoparticle database was completed in 2015, and deployment of 

the database will occur in 2016. 

NSF: NSF continues its participation in the NKI Signature Initiative through investments in nanoscale 

modeling and simulation, database networking, the computer user facility Network for Computational 

Nanotechnology (nanoHUB),79 and Cyber-Enabled Discovery and Innovation initiatives within its 

Cyberinfrastructure Framework for 21st Century Science and Engineering—activities such as Software 

Infrastructure for Sustained Innovation. NSF will also contribute to the foundations of this NSI by means of 

specific databases for nanoscale materials and processes, transformative thinking about models for linkage 

of properties and behaviors at different scales, extension of computational and statistical techniques to 

support development and use of the nanotechnology cyber toolbox to accelerate discovery and 

manufacturing of nanomaterials and nanodevices, advances in fundamental theory and modeling, 

techniques across ranges of scales (from first principles to coarse-graining and phase-field modeling), and 

education by integrating the cyber toolbox into the fabric of next-generation science and the training of the 

next-generation modeling community.

 

79 www.nanohub.org
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64 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Coordinated activities with other agencies and other institutions contributing to this NSI 

CPSC, DOD/Army, and NIST: A cooperative agreement established by CPSC and other agencies will conduct 

testing and develop models to identify the impacts that various matrices may have on the biological activity 

of nanomaterials. The models will incorporate information from a variety of sources on the potential impacts 

of nanomaterials on humans and organisms in the environment.

NIH, NIOSH, NSF, academia, and industry: NIH/NCI and NIH/NIEHS are actively engaged in this NSI and 

have jointly supported the Nanomaterial Registry with NIH/NIBIB since 2012. This registry is designed to 

become the definitive cross-disciplinary resource for nanoparticle characterization data for health, toxicity, 

and industrial concerns. It draws inputs from existing curated databases, including caNanoLab, and currently 

includes over 1,300 particle entries. Entries are populated on the web portal through curated data extraction 

using a Minimal Information About Nanomaterials (MIAN) characterization vocabulary architecture. MIANs 

capture the physicochemical characteristics, biological interactions, and environmental interactions of given 

particles. This homogenized vocabulary enables searches and comparisons based on MIAN similarity. The 

registry team is also working on integrating modeling and simulation tools through a portal between the 

Nanomaterial Registry and nanoHUB, an online simulation resource for nanotechnology supported by NSF. 

The NIH/NCI National Cancer Informatics Program (NCIP)80 continues to support the Nanotechnology 

Working Group, an NCIP interest group comprised primarily of external and academic researchers who 

develop and promote adherence to best practices in nanoinformatics. In 2015, working group members 

published a series of consensus papers focused on nanocuration as part of a Nanomaterial Data Curation 

Initiative and issued a call for nanotechnology data reporting guidelines.81 The working group also worked 

with publishers to improve access to and increase acceptance of nanomaterial data repositories. caNanoLab 

is now a recommended data repository for papers submitted to the Nature Publishing Group82 and the Public 

Library of Science (PLOS).83 In July 2015, Elsevier and NIH/NCI announced the implementation of two-way 

linking between articles published on Elsevier’s ScienceDaily84 full-text scientific research database and 

datasets stored in caNanoLab. Two-way linking provides simple and fast access to primary data underlying 

research results, improving communication between scientists, and hopefully enabling greater 

reproducibility of research results. Elsevier journals will also allow deposition of data into caNanoLab by 

authors during the publication process.

Outreach to scientific publishers has led to multiple publishing companies (including Nature Publishing 

Group, the American Chemical Society, and Elsevier) joining discussions on the implementation of shared 

policies for the deposition of nanoparticle characterization data into federally supported databases. The 

collection of these data as part of the publication submission policy will streamline data collection and 

increase use of nanoparticle information databases. 

NIOSH, NNI agencies, industry, and academia:NIOSH will continue collaborations that started in 2014 and 

2015 with the Nanoinformatics Consortium that includes Federal partners NCI, NIH, NIST, Pacific Northwest 

National Laboratory, and DOD, and many public- and private-sector partners: UCLA, the National 

 

80 cbiit.nci.nih.gov/ncip 

81 www.beilstein-journals.org/bjnano/single/articleFullText.htm?publicId=2190-4286-6-179

82 www.nature.com/sdata/data-policies/repositories

83 journals.plos.org/plosone/s/data-availability#loc-recommended-repositories

84 www.elsevier.com/solutions/sciencedirect
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Nanomanufacturing Network, nanoHUB, RTI International, MIT, and the NanoBusiness Commercialization 

Association. [Also relates to Goal 4.] 

NIST, industry, and academia: NIST continues to support the Center for Hierarchical Materials Design 

(CHiMaD), a NIST center of excellence led by Northwestern University in partnership with Argonne National 

Laboratory, the University of Chicago, and other contributing organizations. CHiMaD is advancing the 

Materials Genome Initiative vision of integrating computation, data, and experiment for the design of new 

materials through an array of projects including many with a focus on nanotechnology, such as directed selfassembly for nanomanufacturing, 2D nanoscale materials, and organic electronics. [This is also relevant to 

Objective 1.1.]

Nanotechnology for Sensors and Sensors for Nanotechnology: Improving and Protecting Health, 

Safety, and the Environment

Individual agency contributions to this NSI 

DOD/Air Force: The AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is continuing the development of 

nontraditional sensors to detect biomarkers that indicate fatigue, cognition, and other indicators of human 

performance. Work is also focused on identifying binding agents for these biomarkers and the transducer 

devices that would indicate a binding event and thereby signal the detection of the biomarker. Carbon 

nanomaterials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes have been demonstrated as potential transducer 

devices. Efforts are also focused on formulating inks of the binding agents for simple device fabrication and 

reliable, repeatable performance. 

DOD/Navy: The ONR Biomaterials and Bionanotechnology Program funded a university researcher to 

develop a versatile, rapid (<1 minute) sensing module for the detection of explosives (picric acid, 

trinitrotoluene [TNT], and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine [RDX]) that uses luminescent silver 

nanoclusters as transducers. The sensing module consists of a nucleic acid scaffold modified with silver 

nanoclusters and electron-donor units. Formation of donor–acceptor complexes between the electrondonor unit associated with the sensing unit and the analyte explosives exhibiting electron-acceptor 

properties concentrates the explosives in close proximity to the silver nanoclusters, leading to the 

luminescence quenching (decreased luminescence) of the silver nanoclusters, which provides a readout 

signal for the quantitative detection of the explosives.

FDA: FDA plans to continue participating in the Sensors NSI in 2016 and 2017, especially because many 

nanotechnology-based sensors are being developed for purposes that will require FDA review and approval.

NASA: NASA continues to support work in the development of sensors for the detection of chemical and 

biological species for use in planetary exploration, vehicle performance monitoring, and astronaut health 

management. Work on the development of autonomous chemical-biological sensor platforms based on

carbon nanotube and nanofiber sensing elements was initiated at the NASA Ames Research Center in 2014 

with funding from the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Game Changing Development Program. The 

work has demonstrated the ability of carbon nanofiber sensors to detect at low concentrations biomarkers 

for cardiac disease in devices that exceed medical requirements. A high school intern working on this project 

presented the results of her research to President Obama at the 2015 White House Science Fair.85

NIH: Several NIH institutes fund research in the area of nanosensors. NIH/NCI has a wide grant support 

portfolio in in vitro diagnostics focused on development of devices for detection of blood-borne cancer 

biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, and proteins. NIH/NCI worked with NNCOto help 

 

85 www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLQsvjtD7hw 
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66 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

organize the 2014 NNI Sensor Fabrication, Integration, and Commercialization Workshop. NIH/NCI also 

supports the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, which provides characterization protocols and 

data valuable for the EHS-focused Thrust 2 of the Nanosensors NSI.86 In addition to the NIH/NCI-specific 

portfolio, other institutes such as NIH/NHLBI also support nanosensor-related R&D through hallmark 

programs like the Programs of Excellence in Nanotechnology. For instance, Massachusetts General Hospital 

investigators have recently developed a nanoparticle-based sensor for detection of urinary markers for 

point-of-care diagnosis of acute kidney injuries or chronic kidney conditions. This highly sensitive system 

uses an automated on-chip assay followed by detection with a hand-held device that conveys the results.87 

In 2017, significant advances in the dental field will be pursued as a result of the proposed initiatives from 

NIH/NIDCR on biosensors in the oral cavity (see NIST contributions to Objective 1.1). Recent progress in 

wireless technologies, dissolvable nanotechnology-based electronics, microfabrication technologies, and 

improved sensing and drug delivery instrumentation will enable new capabilities for oral cavity biosensing. 

These advances will significantly contribute to improving and protecting health, because the biosensors 

developed as a result of this initiative will enable interactive and integrative communication between 

patients and healthcare providers, and for certain applications, will allow monitoring and treatment 

remotely. A complete list of funded grants can be found using the NIH RePORTER research project online 

reporting tool.

88

NIOSH: In 2017, NIOSH will continue its investment in the development, testing, and evaluation of directreading instruments capable of detecting and measuring airborne nanoparticles. NIOSH will continue to 

support the development of guidelines and voluntary consensus standards for identification of sensor needs 

specific to realizing the objective of developing realistic applications in complex workplace situations. One 

particle detection instrument has already been patented and licensed by NIOSH and is being manufactured 

by an instrument company. An advanced version of that instrument capable of elemental analysis is under 

development by NIOSH, and a prototype was created in 2016. [Funding for this activity is reported by NIOSH 

under PCA 5; this activity is also relevant to Objective 4.1.]

NIST: NIST is designing and fabricating nanomaterials for chemical and biochemical sensors and is 

developing chemical, spectroscopic, electrical, and optical measurement methods for environmental, 

biomedical, and defense applications. NIST is developing chip-scale technologies combining microfluidics, 

ultrafast lasers, and biochemistry to rapidly characterize the performance of fluorescent proteins in living 

cells, and to select those cells with the most useful performance characteristics. NIST has also developed and 

deployed cryogenic x-ray spectrometer systems based on nanoscale superconducting sensors for use at 

national synchrotron facilities to enable new measurements on nanoscale materials such as biological 

molecules. NIST is developing methods for fabricating and measuring small-footprint, wearable, and flexible 

sensors based on semiconductor nanowires that detect environmental pollutants and explosives, as well as 

carbon-based nanostructures that detect and deactivate chemical threat agents. An ongoing effort to 

develop periodic arrays of metallic nanodomes for photonic signal-based detection of drugs and DNA will 

be expanded in 2016 to include nanoantennae for detection of disease biomarkers in noninvasive breath 

analysis testing. 

NSF: Through its Nano-Biosensing, Biophotonics, and other programs, NSF supports development of novel 

sensitive, discriminative, low-cost, and easy-to-operate biosensing systems; innovative ideas in the 

 

86 More information on the Nanosensors NSI and its thrust areas can be found at www.nano.gov/NSISensors within 

the Sensors Portal Menu section, “About the NSI.”

87 journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0133417

88 projectreporter.nih.gov/reporter.cfm 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 67

development of novel biorecognition strategies; multifunctional nanomaterials and interfaces with 

predefined physical, chemical, or biological characteristics for biosensing applications; and fundamental 

studies of biomacromolecule confinement and orientation at the micro- and nanoscale interfaces for 

biosensing applications. NSF also supports the development of sensors to detect engineered nanoparticles 

in a variety of environmental matrices.

USDA/NIFA: NIFA continues to utilize multiple funding authorities to support development of 

nanobiosensors for more sensitive, specific, and robust detection of pathogens, toxins, and contaminants in 

food to ensure food safety and biosecurity. For example, the AFRI nanotechnology program funded a project 

to develop a multiplex biosensor system with biomolecular probes for rapid detection of common 

foodborne bacterial pathogens. NIFA also continues to support the development of sensors for monitoring 

the environmental stresses in crop and livestock production and the distribution of agricultural chemicals in 

fields to provide critical information for precision agriculture. NIFA has been supporting and providing 

leadership to a multistate research committee (NC119489: Nanotechnology and Biosensors). The committee 

has been effective in advancing nanoscale science and engineering for nanosensor development and 

commercialization. 

Coordinated activities with other agencies and other institutions contributing to this NSI 

DOD/Air Force, industry, and academia: The AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate activities in 

nanotechnology for sensors are highly coordinated with the AFRL Human Effectiveness and Sensors 

Directorates as well as the AFRL-sponsored Nano-Bio Manufacturing Consortium (NBMC). Numerous 

universities, including Northeastern University and the University of Cincinnati, contribute to the work, as do 

several companies, including MC10, General Electric, and Brewer Science. (See below under Coordinated 

Activities for Objective 2.2 for more information about NBMC.)

DOD/Army and academia: In partnership with Duke University and the Universidad de Santander

(Columbia), AMRDEC pioneered a demonstration of ultraviolet surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using 

novel metal nanostructures, detecting analytes up to 10 million times more sensitively than without the 

nanostructures.

NIH and NNI agencies: NIH/NCI has actively participated in the redesign of the Sensors NSI web portal on 

the NNI website90 based on feedback from participants in the 2014 NNI Sensor Fabrication, Integration, and 

Commercialization Workshop.91 The new sensors portal has one section devoted to sensor development and 

one section devoted to sensing nanomaterials. Each section includes information about and links to 

programs within agencies participating in this NSI, funding opportunity announcements, fabrication and 

testing facilities, standards organizations, regulatory guidance and information, databases, and professional 

and industrial organizations. The portal is intended to act as a consolidated source of information on Federal 

support for sensor development and private resources open to outside users. NIH/NCI also participated in 

the July 2015 information webinar that accompanied the launch of the new web portal.

NIOSH, NIH, FDA, NIST, DOD, NASA, NSF, and EPA: NIOSH participates with other agencies in an initiative 

to develop nanotechnology-enabled sensors and sensors for nanomaterials for EHS research applications. 

The objective of the initiative is to identify opportunities for the development and commercialization of 

sensors that will enable more specific tracking of engineered nanomaterials throughout their life cycles. This 

 

89 www.nimss.org/projects/13116 

90 www.nano.gov/SensorsNSIPortal

91 www.nano.gov/2014SensorsWorkshop 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

68 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

detection and measurement capability will support the efforts of private-sector companies to demonstrate 

responsible development. In 2017, NIOSH plans to continue its efforts in detection of airborne nanoparticles 

into specific applications in the areas of detection of nanomaterials in biologic systems to evaluate and 

predict biological behavior and translocation between organ systems. An aligned effort is the reapplication 

of more sensitive and specific detection technology to evaluate worker exposures to nanomaterials, with an 

ultimate goal of real-time detection. Starting in 2016 and continuing into 2017, NIOSH will evaluate the 

feasibility of applying advanced sensing technology to biomarkers as a means of evaluating nanomaterial 

exposure and possible early response in support of ongoing nanomaterial worker surveillance. [These 

activities also relate to Objective 4.1.] 

NIST and DOD/Navy: NIST is working with NRL to develop nanometer-scale, magnetic tunnel junction 

sensors to detect magnetic fields for use in military, space, and civilian applications.

NIST and industry: NIST is working with a small company to develop nanoparticle-containing, inkjet-printed 

sensor substrates for ultrasensitive detection of illicit narcotics and explosives. This work includes the 

establishment of optimal protocols for sensor production as well as nanometer-scale surface chemical 

characterization of the as-prepared sensor surfaces. 

NIST is collaborating with a small company to scale up a NIST-developed, top-down process of dry and wet 

etching to fabricate gallium nitride (GaN) nanowire arrays for low-power, high-selectivity chemical and 

biochemical sensors.

Goal 2: Foster the transfer of new technologies into products for commercial 

and public benefit.

The purpose of Goal 2 is to establish processes and resources to facilitate the responsible transfer of 

nanotechnology research into practical applications and capture its benefits for national security, quality of 

life, economic development, and job creation. Several factors are necessary to successfully commercialize 

any new technology. Scalable, repeatable, cost-effective, and high-precision manufacturing methods are 

required to move the technology from the laboratory into commercial products. Investments by both the 

public and private sectors are needed to shepherd technologies to maturity. Maximizing the benefits of 

nanotechnology developments to the U.S. economy requires efforts to remove barriers to global 

commercialization and an understanding of the potential markets for a given product. Goal 2 encompasses 

four objectives that detail how the NNI focuses its resources and broadens its engagement with academia, 

industry, and the international community to reach this goal. 

The NNI member agencies also have a number of activities uniquely targeting technology transfer from lab 

to market, for example, workshops to obtain input from industry and academia, SBIR and STTR programs to 

fund innovations in small businesses, and cutting-edge research infrastructure for use by all nanotechnology 

researchers, including those from industry. 

Objective 2.1 – Assist the nanotechnology-based business community in understanding 

the Federal Government’s R&D funding and regulatory environment. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 2.1 

DOC/BIS: The Bureau of Industry and Security advances U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic 

objectives by ensuring an effective export control and treaty compliance system and by promoting 

continued U.S. leadership in strategic technologies, including nanotechnology. BIS accomplishes its mission 

by maintaining and strengthening adaptable, efficient, and effective export control and treaty compliance 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 69

systems. BIS export control outreach and education activities constitute the first stage in the bureau’s contact 

with U.S. exporters and provide guidance and transparency to new and experienced exporters regarding the 

Export Administration Regulations (EAR). BIS’s activities include seminars, webinars, teleconferences, and onlocation panel sessions at various conferences. Additionally, one-on-one counseling assistance is provided 

for extended hours of daily operation. Over the past few years, BIS has developed capabilities to offer training 

online and via interactive webinars. Through these programs, BIS provides guidance on regulations, policies, 

and practices and helps to increase businesses’ compliance with U.S. export control regulations. BIS has also 

developed an introductory series of easy-to-use training modules. This service offers exporters and reexporters a cost-saving mechanism to learn about U.S. dual-use export controls. BIS services are particularly 

useful for small and medium-sized businesses that operate with limited compliance resources.

FDA: FDA routinely presents its scientific considerations and regulatory approach on nanotechnology to 

stakeholders, including the nanotechnology-based business community, through participation in various 

public forums, conferences, and workshops. For example, FDA has issued four final guidance documents 

providing greater regulatory clarity for industry on the use of nanotechnology in FDA-regulated products. 

All four guidance documents encourage manufacturers to consult with the agency before submitting 

documentation to FDA or before taking their products to market. Consultations with FDA early in the product 

development process help to facilitate mutual understanding about specific scientific and regulatory issues 

relevant to the nanotechnology product and help to address questions related to safety, efficacy, public 

health impact, and/or regulatory status of the product. FDA plans to issue at least one draft guidance in 2016

for public comment. FDA has a webpage that provides nanotechnology-based businesses and consumers 

with relevant documentation to understand FDA’s position on nanotechnology, to communicate 

information about research that FDA is conducting, and to notify businesses and the public regarding public 

meetings held by FDA.92

NASA: NASA’s internal TechPort (technology portfolio) website was established in 2012 to manage NASA’s 

advanced technology investments and make information on them more accessible first to employees and 

contractors and eventually to the public. The website, now publicly available,93 contains information on 

NASA’s efforts in nanotechnology R&D, including work funded at NASA centers, grants and contracts with 

industry, and the products of these activities. TechPort continues to be updated regularly.

NSF: The agency supports programs to promote university–industry interaction (Grant Opportunities for 

Academic Liaison with Industry or GOALI, I/UCRCs, and Partnerships for Innovation or PFIs); translational 

research (ERCs and the Innovation Corps or I-CorpsTM); and small business innovation (SBIR/STTR) in 

nanotechnology. It has supported the National Nanomanufacturing Network since 2005 for university–

industry–government collaboration and databases in nanomanufacturing.

USPTO: The transfer of new technologies into products for commercial and public benefit depends on 

effective mechanisms that protect new ideas and investments in innovation and creativity. USPTO is at the 

cutting edge of the Nation's innovation system, providing intellectual property policy advice and guidance 

to the Executive Branch. The agency has put in place several initiatives to keep pace with the rapid advances 

being made in nanotechnology. It continues to provide in-depth nanotechnology-specific training events 

for patent examiners as well as to foster communication among examiners across multiple disciplines. 

USPTO has a subset of patent examiners across all technology disciplines who serve as points of contact to 

assist other examiners with nanotechnology issues related to patent examining. 

 

92 www.fda.gov/scienceresearch/specialtopics/nanotechnology 

93 techport.nasa.gov/home 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

70 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 2.1

NSF and NNI agencies: NSF will continue to cosponsor nanotechnology regional alliance conferences 

together with other agencies by providing additional funding for academic participants and by setting a 

long-term perspective. Among the conferences supported is the annual National Nanomanufacturing 

Network conference.

NNCO and NNI agencies: The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office conducts a number of activities 

in support of this objective, in conjunction with and in support of NNI participating agencies:

• NNCO staff includes a full-time industry and state liaison (ISL) staff member who maintains 

contacts with industry organizations and many individual companies, serving as a resource to help 

the nanotechnology business community understand the Federal Government’s R&D funding and 

regulatory environments. The NNCO ISL had nearly 400 in-person or telephone meetings with 

companies in 2015. The ISL staff member also attends various industry conferences and 

participates in the monthly conference calls of the NanoBusiness Commercialization Association.

• The NNCO Director and Deputy Director perform a significant amount of outreach to both the 

business and academic communities, including visits to individual companies and presentations at 

various conferences. Together, NNCO staff members attended over 50 meetings and conferences 

in 2015 that also included industry attendees, or where commercialization issues of interest to 

industry were discussed.

• In cooperation with NNI participating agencies, NNCO maintains an industry “frequently asked 

questions” (FAQ) page on the NNI website that includes information about both funding 

opportunities and regulatory issues.94 The website also includes a “business development” section 

with additional information relevant to this objective.95

• In 2015 and continuing into 2016 and 2017, NNCO has been working with NNI agencies to 

implement a new series of webinars to increase the NNI’s outreach to the research and business 

communities. These include a specific series of webinars on issues of interest to small and mediumsized enterprises and another series in support of the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives.96 An 

NSI webinar held in November 2015, “A Regulatory Case Study for the Development of 

Nanosensors,” directly addressed this objective and featured a presentation from FDA intended to 

help the business community understand better how it reviews nanotechnology-enabled 

products.

Objective 2.2 – Increase focus on nanotechnology-based commercialization and related 

support for public–private partnerships. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 2.2 

DOE: In order to transfer new technologies into the market, the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy supports incubator programs in key program offices, which provide early-stage assistance 

to help startup companies cross technological barriers to commercialization while encouraging private 

sector investment. A new High Performance Computing for Manufacturing program, funded through the 

DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office, provides national laboratory supercomputing resources and modeling 

expertise to U.S. industry. Additionally, DOE-EERE funds three manufacturing development centers through 

 

94 www.nano.gov/bizfaqs

95 www.nano.gov/businessdevelopment 

96 See www.nano.gov/PublicWebinars for a complete list.
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 71

the Photovoltaic Manufacturing Initiative and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Process 

Development Integration Laboratory.

ARPA-E’s Technology‐to‐Market program provides awardees seeking to develop novel energy technologies 

with practical training and critical business information to equip projects with a clear understanding of 

market needs to guide technical development and identify follow-on funding. Awardees are required to 

provide a technology‐to-market plan prior to receiving an award and must work closely with ARPA‐E’s 

technology‐to‐market advisors throughout the project, developing custom strategies to move projects 

toward the marketplace. In addition, ARPA‐E facilitates the relationships with investors, government 

agencies, small and large companies, and other organizations that are necessary to move awardees to the 

next stages of technology development. 

NASA: NASA continues to support the development and commercialization of nanotechnology-related 

products through its SBIR and STTR programs. In 2015, this support included funding of R&D related to the 

development of advanced nanoscale materials, electronics, sensors, propulsion systems, and propellants. 

NIH: NIH/NCI continues to participate in the Translation of Nanotechnology in Cancer (TONIC) consortium it 

initiated in 2012. This consortium brings together representatives from the NIH/NCI Alliance for 

Nanotechnology in Cancer research centers and awards, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and 

patient advocacy groups to promote collaboration between academia and industry and share knowledge 

across groups about best practices in translating nanotechnology from the laboratory to the marketplace. 

TONIC members meet regularly by phone and at national meetings to discuss the potential clinical and 

commercial value of nanotechnologies currently under development. A nanodrug working group is 

developing clinical protocols to test nanoparticle drugs in patients, with the intention of addressing 

limitations and gaps specific to nanoparticle therapeutics arising from their distinct mechanisms of action 

and in vivo behavior.

In October 2015, NCI partnered with the Center for Advancing Innovation (CAI)

97 to launch the 

Nanotechnology Startup in Cancer Challenge (NSC2

).98 The challenge features nanotechnology inventions 

from scientists at NIH but also is open to teams that wish to bring their own technologiesinto the challenge. 

The goal of the challenge is to accelerate the commercialization of cancer nanotechnology by launching and 

mentoring new start-up companies around nanotechnology inventions. Teams enter the NSC2 by submitting 

the business plans they have built around their chosen inventions, including details on the expertise and 

backgrounds of team members and the suitability for the challenge of any external inventions. Promising 

teams and inventions will be invited to join the NSC2 and to prepare a two-minute elevator speech and 

business summary in order to determine their progression to the business plan stage of the NSC2

. In that 

stage, participants will develop ten-page business plans and 20-minute “pitches” to be delivered to NSC2

judges; CAI will coach participants, who are expected to be young entrepreneurs and students. The winners 

(a maximum of three per NIH invention and no more than four companies built on external inventions) will 

receive $2000 and advance to the final stage of the challenge, start-up. At start-up, teams will launch their

companies, apply for licenses for the inventions, and seek funding to advance development of their

technologies. NIH/NCI management hopes that this model will increase market access to promising 

inventions that currently lack a commercialization path.

Phase 3 of the NIH/NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer maintains NCI’s commitment to clinical 

translation of promising nanotechnologies for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control of cancer, 

 

97 www.thecenterforadvancinginnovation.org

98 www.nscsquared.org
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72 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

with each of the six centers in the Alliance expected to bring one technology to the point of clinical testing 

by the end of the five-year program. This phase is a continuation of the Alliance’s previous successes, in which 

eight Alliance-affiliated therapeutics and five devices and instruments were brought to clinical trials or 

Institutional Review Board–approved studies in humans.

NSF: NSF sponsors public–private partnerships (e.g., NRI and I-CorpsTM) and centers that advance 

collaboration with industry (e.g., the Nanosystems ERCs and NSECs). NSF sponsored the Nanotechnology 

Undergraduate Education (NUE) project, NanoTRA–Texas Regional Alliance to Foster Nanotechnology 

Environment, Health, and Safety Awareness in Tomorrow's Engineering and Technology Leaders. NSF also 

has supported a survey on nanomanufacturing through sponsorship of a study entitled Nanotechnology 

and Commercialization—Achieving Sustainable Nanoproducts. This study, conducted by the National 

Center for Manufacturing Sciences, is a follow-up to previous similar studies sponsored by NSF and consists 

of a 30-question online survey supplemented by interviews.99

USDA/FS: To foster the commercialization of cellulose nanomaterials, the Forest Service will continue to 

co-invest in the P3

Nano public–private partnership with the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities. 

In 2015, P3

Nano held a meeting to review the progress of the first eight projects funded for a total of 

$3 million. Several of the project leads presented laboratory-prepared prototypes seeking industry support. 

Examples of these prototypes include cellulose nanomaterials to improve concrete strength, cellulose 

nanomaterials coatings to preserve fruit freshness, and reduced-noise snack bags. The Forest Service 

continues to participate in the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 229 (ISO 

TC 229) Nanotechnologies technical committee and leads the ISO TC 229 cellulose nanomaterials 

terminology project.

USDA/NIFA: The USDA SBIR program housed in NIFA has supported nanotechnology R&D aiming at 

commercialization. Topics of the NIFA SBIR projects included nanotechnology-enabled sensor technologies 

for detection of microbial pathogens and insects and crop environmental stresses, nanoscale delivery of 

antimicrobial agents, and nanocellulose composites to improve polymer functionalities. 

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 2.2

CPSC and NIH: In 2017, CPSC, in collaboration with NIH/NIEHS, proposes the development of a new 

nanotechnology center at NIH/NIEHS to assist stakeholders, including manufacturers, in understanding riskbased approaches for product evaluation and to develop testing methods (e.g., exposure assessment) that 

will be used to identify and mitigate potential product hazards. The center will serve as a resource for 

manufacturers and distributers of nanotechnology-enabled products for approaches to ensuring the safe 

use of nanotechnologiesin products, as well as for consumer groups and others in the general public having

a desire to learn more about nanomaterial use and implications. [Also relevant to Objectives 2.3, 4.1, and 4.3.] 

DOD/Air Force, other DOD agencies, industry, and academia: The Nano-Bio Manufacturing Consortium 

and the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) programs are two examples of where DOD 

is utilizing public-private partnerships to support fundamental and applied research and foster 

commercialization. 

The AFRL Materials and Manufacturing and Sensors Directorates work in coordination with other DOD and 

Government agencies to direct the America Makes, Integrated Photonics, and Flex-Hybrid Manufacturing 

Institutes to promote the industrialization of nanomaterials and nanotechnology. AFRL’s nanotechnology 

investments will substantially contribute to the development of manufacturing technologies via these and 

 

99 www.ncms.org/index.php/2014/01/ncms-launches-2014-u-s-nanomanufacturing-survey 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 73

other NNMI institutes, and those investments will be leveraged to synergistically transition advances in

nanotechnology. 

NBMC, sponsored by several AFRL directorates, aims to explore new partnering, business, and collaboration 

models between suppliers, integrators, innovators, and government researchers. This three-year effort aims 

to bridge the gap between research and technology development in nanomaterials and nanotechnology by 

creating a shared environment for academic and industrial scientists to pursue transition opportunities. This 

consortium is based on government-industry-university cost-sharing, with technical efforts selected by a 

team representing the member institutions. The initial platform being developed is a wearable human

performance assessment patch. The institute will integrate manufacturability early in the development 

process by fostering common design tools and techniques; metrology, validation, and standards; and 

interface requirements and modules. Nanomaterial-based sensors operating on nature-inspired principles 

will produce unprecedented levels of sensitivity and performance for a range of applications in aerospace, 

medicine, and human performance monitoring. [Also applies to the Nanosensors NSI and Nanomanufacturing 

NSI.] 

DOD/DARPA, industry, and academia: The private companies and universities participating in DARPA’s 

STARnet Program have all agreed to the same intellectual property (IP) rights. (DARPA has usual and 

customary IP rights for DOD.) STARnet participants are encouraged to collaborate and to work with university 

researchers under the program, sharing the research with all, and gaining knowledge and expertise along 

the way. 

DOE and NSF: NSF (Directorate for Engineering) and DOE (EERE Solar Training and Education for 

Professionals) cosponsor the Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar Technologies ERC, which works with 

companies to advance technologies toward commercialization. 

NIST, NSF, industry, and academia: NSF and NIST continue their support of the NRI, which in 2015 

performed a benchmarking of the new proposed devices and is planning for a more systems-oriented 

research strategy. Annual funding for three multiuniversity research centers and 18 university awards 

continued in 2015. [Also relevant to Objective 2.3.]

Objective 2.3 – Promote broader accessibility and utilization of user facilities, cooperative 

research centers, and regional initiatives to accelerate the transfer of nanoscale science 

from lab to market. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 2.3

DOE: DOE-SC continues to operate five Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRCs), which are national user 

facilities for interdisciplinary R&D at the nanoscale that serve as the basis for a national program that 

encompasses new science, new tools, and new computing capabilities. These are the Center for Functional 

Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Los 

Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, the Center for Nanoscale Materials at Argonne National 

Laboratory, the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the 

Molecular Foundry (MF) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Each center has particular expertise and 

capabilities in selected theme areas, such as synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials; catalysis; 

theory, modeling, and simulation; electronic materials; nanoscale photonics; soft and biological materials; 

imaging and spectroscopy; and nanoscale integration. For example, CFN conducts energy-related research 

on electronic nanomaterials and soft and nanobiomaterials, with emphasis on block co-polymer and DNAmediated self-assembly of nanostructures; and MF emphasizes combinatorial synthesis of nanomaterials, 

multimodal in situ imaging and spectroscopy, interfaces in nanomaterials, “single-digit” nanofabrication, and 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

74 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

high-resolution electron scattering. Information about capabilities at all five centers can be found at the 

newly launched NSRC Portal, https://nsrcportal.sandia.gov. 

DOE-EERE supports solar energy activities at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) though an 

annual operating plan that contains a collection of efforts related to nanotechnology. One example is 

research utilizing nanomaterials to enhance transparent conducting materials and efforts to increase the 

resolution of measurement techniques to electrically and optically probe grain boundaries, interfaces, and 

structures.

DOE SBIR-STTR programs help small businesses to develop and commercialize advances in ultraconductive 

nanomaterials, nanoscale and atomically precise catalysts, nanotechnology-enabled sensors and 

nanomaterials for nuclear applications, and atomically precise materials and nanomaterials for membranes 

for energy-efficient chemical separations.

NIST: The CNST user facility continues to provide users from industry, academia, and government access to 

the NanoFab, a state-of-the-art commercial tool set available at economical hourly rates and supported by a 

dedicated technical support staff. CNST continues to expand the range and depth of its nanofabrication

processes, making it easier to maintain and distribute the latest processes within the nanotechnology R&D 

community of researchers in academia and industry. The NanoFab hosts at least two nanofabrication tool 

vendor workshops per year to bring together government, industry, and academic researchers to discuss 

technologies of mutual interest.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 2.3

NIH, FDA, NIST, industry, and academia: The Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) is a 

formal interagency collaboration between NIH/NCI, FDA, and NIST. This collaboration initially started in 2004. 

In 2015, FDA and NIH/NCI signed a memorandum of understanding to continue ongoing collaborations in 

2016 and beyond. NCL continues to regularly engage with the nanotechnology R&D community by 

conducting preclinical assessments of nanomaterials for submission to FDA for regulatory approval. Over the 

past ten years, NCL has characterized over 100 different nanoparticle-based projects originating from 

academic, government, and industrial laboratories. The results contributed to the nine nanotechnologyenabled technologies that have gone on to receive Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from FDA. FDA 

has recognized an increase in nanotechnology-based products containing more complex technologies.

NCL makes its assays freely available to the public100 and has compiled its methods into a book, 

Characterization of Nanoparticles Intended for Drug Delivery. NCL’s three-tiered assay cascade includes 

physicochemical, in vitro, and in vivo characterization. NCL’s routine physicochemical characterization of 

nanomaterials goes beyond basic measurements of size and surface charge; it also includes batch-to-batch 

consistency evaluation, measurement of drug loading, confirmation of targeting ligand conjugation, 

quantitation of surface ligands, and nanoformulation stability assessment. NCL’s in vitro analysis includes 

sterility and endotoxin quantification (something researchers often overlook) and analysis of hematological 

compatibility and immune cell functions using human whole blood. NCL’s in vivo capabilities include 

toxicology, immunotoxicology, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and imaging studies. 

NIST, DOD/Army, industry, and academia: NIST is working with the Center for Research on Extreme 

Batteries (CREB) with participants from Government laboratories (ARL), academia (University of Maryland), 

and industry promoting access to nanoscale fabrication and characterization facilities for collaborative 

research in advanced battery materials, technologies, and characterization techniques. 

 

100 ncl.cancer.gov/working_assay-cascade.asp
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 75

NSF, DOD, NIST, and industry: NSF supports the National Nanomanufacturing Network (NNN), which 

includes the NSF NSECs and non-NSF centers in collaboration with DOD, NIST, and industry partners in an 

alliance to advance U.S. strength in nanomanufacturing. 

Objective 2.4 – Actively engage in international activities integral to the development and 

responsible commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled products and processes. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 2.4

DOC/BIS: BIS has developed and published two comprehensive documents on its Export Management and 

Compliance Programs (EMCPs), which are programs that can be established to manage a business’s exportrelated decisions and transactions to ensure compliance with the Export Administration Regulations and 

license conditions.101 Specifically, BIS has published “Compliance Guidelines: How to Develop an Effective 

Export Management and Compliance Program and Manual”102 and “EMCP Audit Module: Self-Assessment 

Tool.”103 Additionally, BIS conducts regularly scheduled outreach seminars dedicated to the topic “How to 

Develop an Export Management and Compliance Program” and continues to offer the webinar “Elements of 

an Effective Export Compliance Program” to its menu of online training offerings.

DOD/Air Force: To seed innovation in areas that are relevant to Air Force capabilities and that can potentially 

benefit from research and technology development in nanomaterials and devices, Air Force researchers have 

engaged the international community to encourage work in specific areas and characterization against 

metrics that indicate technology potential. In areas such as graphene nanodevices, nanomagnetic materials, 

and bio-inspired nanosensors, the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate has used both domestic 

and international input to establish recognized metrics that can facilitate wide technical evaluation on the 

part of researchers and both guide and identify research with technological potential in these areas. This 

process can also identify classes of materials that may provide unique advantages over a technology area, 

such as nanomaterial hair sensors and carbon nanotube biomolecule sensors, and allow for focused 

nanomanufacturing capability development to support broad-based commercialization. 

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 2.4

DOD/Air Force, Army, Navy, and international organizations: AFRL actively maintains close coordination 

with ARL and ONR to maintain a DOD-level awareness of international investment and research activities in 

electromagnetic, acoustic, and optical metamaterials as well as functional and structural nanomaterials 

technologies via informal and formal coordination bodies such as The Technical Cooperation Program with 

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. 

DOD/Army, EPA, NIST, OECD, standards developing organizations, and academia: To support 

environmental evaluations of technologies containing nanomaterials, the Army Engineer Research and 

Development Center (ERDC) is leading the development of standardized methods and technical guidance 

through ASTM International and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). These 

guidance documents focus on the environmental risk framework and on measuring nanoparticle dispersion, 

dissolution, aggregation and agglomeration, and bioaccumulation. These guidance documents are being 

developed through numerous partnerships with Federal agencies (EPA, NIST), universities, and international 

partners. 

 

101 www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/compliance-a-training/export-management-a-compliance 

102 www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/forms-documents/doc_download/1256-emcp-guidelines-november-2013 

103 www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/forms-documents/doc_view/10-emcp-audit-module-self-assessment-tool 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

76 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

FDA, NNCO, other NNI agencies, and international organizations: FDA scientists co-chair the US–EU 

Communities of Research (CoRs) for characterization of nanomaterials. This activity is part of the NNI/NNCO 

effort to coordinate and engage through international collaborations. FDA has participated in these 

collaborative research activities and engages other research, funding, and regulatory agencies. FDA 

scientists participated in a 2015 US–EU CoR workshop in Italy designed to bring together and coordinate 

these research and funding activities. This activity will be continued through 2016 and beyond, coordinated 

through NNCO.

NIH and international organizations: NCL is a partner with the European Union Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory (EU-NCL). The EU-NCL brings together nine partners from eight countries to 

facilitate harmonization of analytical protocols for characterization of nanomaterials intended for use in 

medicine and to standardize regulatory requirements for these materials.

NIOSH and international organizations: In 2017, NIOSH will continue research partnershipsthat started in 

2015 with INRS (the National Research and Safety Institute, France), HSL (the Health and Safety Laboratory, 

United Kingdom), TNO (Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, the Netherlands), IGF (the Institute for 

the Research on Hazardous Substances, Germany), CIOP-PIB (the Central Institute for Labour Protection, 

National Research Institute, Poland) and NRCWE (the National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 

Denmark) on the European UnionDustinano project, comparing “dustiness” (i.e., particle release with respect 

to inhalation exposure) evaluation methods for a limited set of nanomaterials. The collaborating 

organizations will explore the utility of dustiness as a metric for risk management decision making.

NIOSH, NIST, and international organizations: NIOSH is collaborating with NIST and the National Research 

Council of Canada (NRC-Canada) to develop and qualify new nanoscale reference materials to support 

measurement quality for established and emerging nanomaterials. In 2014, NIOSH collaborated with NIST 

on surface area measurements for NIST Standard Reference Material 1898: Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterial, 

which is now commercially available. In 2015, collaborations with NRC-Canada continued on qualification of 

two cellulose nanocrystal reference materials and one single-wall carbon nanotube reference material that 

is representative of an emerging high-value nanomaterial proposed for multiple applications. NIOSH and 

other agencies will use these reference materials to improve measurement quality, which enables new areas 

of research and strongly supports the critical and necessary intersection of materials measurement scientists 

with toxicology and occupational health professionals.

NIOSH, other NNI agencies, and international organizations: NIOSH, in collaboration with other NNI 

agencies, contributes in the areas of human health, exposure assessment, risk assessment, and risk 

management and controls by participating in multiple Communities of Research as part of the U.S.–EU effort 

to bridge EHS research efforts. In addition to active participation in the CoRs, NIOSH has actively engaged 

research institutes in Canada, Brazil, Japan, China, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Russia in several areas 

of nanotechnology EHS research collaboration.

NIOSH and standards developing organizations: NIOSH will continue to play an active role in ISO TC 229 

Nanotechnologies and ASTM International Technical Committee E56 on Nanotechnology, both of which 

focus on development of consensus standards for industry and commerce. A key ISO TC 229 project led by 

NIOSH will create a strategy for the development of categorical occupational exposure limits (OELs) for 

nanomaterials. This project was started in 2014 and will carry into 2017. The output of this effort will have 

broad applications in nanomanufacturing and will provide improved tools for more robust material 

characterizations in EHS research. Aligned with this effort is collaboration with ASTM International in which 

NIOSH is working to develop a standard guide on sample preparation for particle sizing and a standard guide 

on detection and characterization of silver nanomaterials in commercial products. 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 77

NIST, international organizations, and industry: NIST and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the 

national metrology institutes for the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively, are co-leading a

large international team of more than ten countries that has undertaken an effort to measure, validate, and 

make traceable Raman microscopy. Raman instrument manufacturers are also active participants. This 

technique, which is extensively used in nanotechnology, especially for carbon nanostructures such as 

nanotubes and graphene, provides detailed structural, mechanical, and electronic information. The results 

from this effort will enable all systems to provide reproducible and comparable data around the world.

NIST and standards developing organizations: NIST continues its active participation and leadership in 

the development of international consensus standards. Many of these standards are foundational for the 

development and responsible commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled products and processes. NIST 

provides physical, chemical, structural, and electrical property measurement expertise relating to a broad 

range of nanomaterials. NIST engagement for developing nanotechnology standards in ASTM International, 

the International Electrotechnical Commission, and ISO has led to standards for physicochemical and 

biological characterization, EHS-related topics, terminology, and device characterization. NIST participation 

has also ensured that international standards support the competitiveness of U.S. industry and do not 

adversely impact U.S. global trade and commerce. NIST contributes expertise informed by its research efforts 

in developing physical standards (such as Reference Materials and Standard Reference Materials) to support 

U.S. Government agency participation in organizations such as the Working Party on Manufactured 

Nanomaterials of the OECD. NIST raises awareness of standards development activities with other Federal 

agencies and helps in articulating U.S. nanotechnology-related standards positions through standards 

leadership and engagement in interagency groups such as the NSET Subcommittee, the Nanotechnology 

Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group, and the nanotechnology subgroup of the 

White House Emerging Technologies Interagency Policy Committee.

NNI agencies and international organizations: NSF, NIST, EPA, the U.S. Department of State, and other NNI 

member agencies continue to participate in OECD and other international forum activities.

USPTO and other nations’ patent offices: USPTO is moving to a new patent classification system, the 

Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC), which is jointly managed by USPTO and the European Patent Office. 

This new classification system is based on an internationally used patent classification system (IPC) that 

contains most of the world’s patent documents. As USPTO completes its initial transition to this new 

classification system, there will be a more harmonized, internationally consistent classification of 

nanotechnology-related patent documents.

Goal 3: Develop and sustain educational resources, a skilled workforce, and a 

dynamic infrastructure and toolset to advance nanotechnology.

Fundamental to the successful development of nanotechnology is the continued development of the 

infrastructure necessary to support this effort. A substantial investment, strengthened by interagency 

cooperation and collaboration through the NNI, is needed to develop the talent and facilities necessary to 

achieve the other NNI goals of advancing a world-class R&D program (Goal 1), fostering the transfer of new 

technologies into products for commercial and public benefit (Goal 2), and supporting responsible 

development of nanotechnology (Goal 4). 
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78 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

This goal encompasses three objectives104 that detail how the NNI will responsibly engage and educate the 

public and the workforce regarding the opportunities that nanotechnology offers and the skills it requires, 

along with providing needed access to advanced facilities and tools. Education is among the chief objectives 

of NNI-funded university research. In addition, specific programs target K–16 education, improve 

nanotechnology curricula in U.S. schools and universities, and educate the public about nanotechnology. 

The NNI continues to sustain, maintain, and upgrade its extensive network of research centers, user facilities, 

and other infrastructure for nanotechnology research, a key element of the original NNI strategy.105

Objective 3.1 – Sustain outreach and informal education programs in order to inform the 

public about the opportunities and impacts of nanotechnology.

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 3.1

DOD/DARPA: Through the DARPA STARnet Program, six multiuniversity centers have been formed, 

providing numerous formal and informal efforts for education and outreach. The program establishes a 

vibrant academic environment with frequent technical exchanges through seminars and webcasts that are 

open to the public. Research results are frequently published in technical and nontechnical journals, 

magazines, and books. Center directors and researchers conduct outreach to companies and government 

labs, and present their work in public meetings. 

NIH: Community and public outreach about cancer nanotechnology is built into the award structures for the 

research and training centers of the NIH/NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer. Alliance research and 

training centers have dedicated funds for outreach to the general, patient, and medical communities. 

Alliance members continue to participate in the NSF–initiated Nanoscale Informal Science Education 

Network (NISE Net) “NanoDays,” either by developing their own outreach activities or by participating in 

other activities organized in their areas. Alliance members also have developed courses and symposia on 

nanotechnology that are eligible for continuing medical education credits. In addition, the NIH/NCI Office of 

Cancer Nanotechnology maintains an informational website, nano.cancer.gov, that serves to educate the 

public in understanding nanotechnology and its impact on cancer as well as where it stands now. It also 

houses perspectives in the field for researchers engaged in cancer nanotechnology R&D. 

Training and education at the middle and high school levels is also an integral component of the grants 

funded by NIH/NHLBI through the Washington University Community Outreach program. In January 2015, 

Washington University investigators worked with the St. Louis Science Center Teen Café to organize a 

program on nanotechnology for primary school children. The students were introduced through 

presentations and experiments to the use of nanotechnology for ultraviolet light protection and stainresistant fabrics. On April 14, 2015, the Washington University PEN in conjunction with the Washington 

University Institute for School Partnership, organized a nanotechnology in-reach event for middle school 

students to raise awareness of the latest innovations in nanotechnology. In addition, NIH/NIBIB supported 

two research conferences that addressed research dissemination and education in nanotechnology: The 

June 2015 Telluride Science Research Meeting on Frontiers in Biomagnetic Particles IV and the ASME 

Conference on NanoEngineering for Medicine and Biology. 

NSF: Two Centers for Nanotechnology in Society with significant educational components are funded at 

Arizona State University (CNS-ASU) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (CNS-UCSB). CNS-UCSB 

 

104 For the full descriptions of the objectives of this NNI goal, see the 2014 National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic 

Plan, www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan or www.nano.gov/about-nni/what/vision-goals. 

105 For more information on NNI-supported research infrastructure see www.nano.gov/centers-networks. 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 79

supports interdisciplinary education across its research activities in various ways. For example, graduate 

students and postdoctoral researchers associated with one or more of the center's research thrusts are being 

mentored by their CNS advisors. Previous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers have received 

jobs in academia and in the private sector in areas related to societal implications of nanotechnology. CNS 

outreach activities include engaging with the Centers for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology at 

UCSB and with policy groups and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs); these activities promote 

increased awareness of societal issues within nanoscale science and technology. A program to increase 

diversity in science, technology, and political studies has been established. Public engagement efforts 

include media interviews, speaker series, NanoDays, web-based materials, and public presentations. CNSUCSB has established programs on integration of nanotechnology studies with societal sciences, 

nanotechnology undergraduate students and postdoctoral scholars’ participation in societal implications 

studies of the center, and a Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) internship program with the 

Center for Nanotechnology Science Infrastructure (CNSI), initiating over 100 new courses with over 50 new 

books and manuals. CNS-ASU has been offering an immersive training session for nanoscale science and 

engineering graduate students in Washington, DC, called Science Outside the Lab. CNS-ASU has also 

established an annual, two-week “Winter School” for doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars; the fourth 

annual Winter School took place in January 2016. Looking ahead, CNS-ASU plans to focus recruiting, funding, 

and other resources on students from underrepresented groups for the Winter School. It also plans to 

develop and implement targeted recruiting efforts for a new Graduate Certificate in Responsible Innovation 

and a minor in Science and Technology Policy, and it will organize and host recruiting events with the 

Hearing Research Center, the ASU American Indian Studies Program, and the American Indian Policy 

Institute, among others. It contributes to the international Society for the Study of Nanoscience and 

Emerging Technologies (S-NET). Both CNS centers have recently expanded their definition of 

nanotechnology to include synthetic biology and have applied some of the same practices in public 

engagement and public policy to issues related to synthetic biology and engineering biology at the 

nanoscale. 

The NSF-supported Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) Network and the 

Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) are two national networks serving the 

nanotechnology community and the informal science education community in 2015. NSF has supported the 

Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education program since 2003, with the last competition in 2015, and it 

plans to have another proposal solicitation in 2016. NSF also supported an in-depth workshop on education 

needs and approaches for nanotechnology in December 2014.

106 A dedicated portal of resources for the 

nanotechnology education community has been established based on the need identified at the NSEE 

workshop.

107

NSF has sponsored a series of videos in collaboration with NBC for mass distribution via TV: “Nanotechnology: 

Very Small Science,” and it is sponsoring a high school student competition “Generation Nano” in 2016, the 

results of which will be disseminated in 2017.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 3.1

CPSC and NIH: CPSC established an interagency agreement with the National Library of Medicine (NLM) in 

previous fiscal years to develop and post information on nanotechnology targeted to the general public. 

 

106 www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/nano/reports/educ09_murdyworkshop.pdf 

107 nseeducation.org/2014
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80 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

CPSC staff will continue to collaborate with NLM to develop information that will provide current information 

on nanomaterials to a nontechnical audience.

NIH, NSF, and academia: Community and public outreach about cancer nanotechnology is a systemic 

function of the NIH/NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer. Alliance research and training centers have 

dedicated funds for outreach to the general, patient, and medical communities. As noted above, Alliance 

members will continue to participate in the NSF NISE Net NanoDays. Other efforts include Nanotechnology 

Town Hall meetings hosted by Northwestern University for a lay audience; a free one-day mini-symposium, 

Nanobiomotors: Structures, Mechanisms and Clinical Implications, hosted by the University of Kentucky and 

open to the public; and annual The Art of Systems Biology and Nanoscience events hosted by the University 

of New Mexico. Alliance members also have developed courses and symposia on nanotechnology that are 

eligible for continuing medical education credits. 

Objective 3.2 – Establish and sustain programs that assist in developing and maintaining a 

skilled nanotechnology workforce.

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 3.2

DOD/Air Force: Through its Research Collaboration Program, AFRL is reaching out to students nationwide 

and sponsoring summer internships and research at laboratories and home institutions. The focus of this 

work in nanomaterials and nanodevices allows for greater exposure of students to topics in both 

nanoscience and nanosafety. This initial student contact with AFRL leads to ongoing relationships between 

students and AFRL researchers. Return interns, fellowship candidates, co-op employees, and new hires have 

resulted from this program, which bolsters both the overall workforce familiarity with nanotechnology issues 

and renews the AFRL workforce. Projects in nano-optical coatings for improved performance in imaging 

systems, nanomaterial biosensing systems, tunable nano-optical devices, and nano-modified fabrics for 

wearable electronics are among the projects that have shown promising results based on the efforts of 

student researchers. The experience gained by these students, both in the technical content of their work 

and in exposure to nanoscience laboratory practices, will augment their skills throughout their careers. [This 

is also relevant to Objective 4.4.]

DOD/Army: In partnership with the University of Arizona, AMRDEC laboratories were used for pioneering 

explorations of the relaxation dynamics of photo-excited electrons in graphene. The research was performed 

by a graduate student in the DOD Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) program 

who was subsequently hired by AMRDEC to develop nanoparticle-enhanced local welding of composite 

materials. 

DOE: By supporting fundamental and applied R&D, DOE supports students at both the undergraduate and 

graduate levels, as well as postdoctoral researchers, to gain expertise in nanotechnology. Additionally, the 

businesses supported by programs such as SBIR/STTR and the SunShot Incubator help create a skilled 

nanotechnology workforce. DOE-SC manages the Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program, 

which providessupplemental awards to outstanding U.S. graduate students to pursue part of their graduate 

thesis research at a DOE National Laboratory in areas that address scientific challenges central to the Office 

of Science mission.108

FDA: FDA workforce training focuses on lectures by experts in science issues concerning nanotechnology 

and hands-on laboratory training with analytical equipment used to characterize the physical and chemical 

 

108 science.energy.gov/wdts/scgsr
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 81

properties of engineered nanomaterials relevant to FDA-regulated products. In 2016, FDA will expand its 

training capacity to include focused lectures for regulatory reviewers, product-specific review training, and 

hands-on training on novel instrumentation. FDA also sponsors postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and 

student interns for fellowships in nanotechnology to support the development of a trained workforce. FDA 

will continue to support these activities in 2016 and 2017. 

NASA: NASA funds student fellowships in the area of nanotechnology. These fellowships train students in 

technical disciplines related to nanotechnology and familiarize the students with capabilities in Government 

labs that constitute some of the infrastructure that supports the advancement of nanotechnology. NASA is 

also funding foundational research specifically targeted to NASA mission needs in areas where there are gaps 

in the understanding of nanotechnology.

NIH: The NIH/NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer supports Cancer Nanotechnology Training Centers

that are establishing innovative research education programs supporting the development of a cadre of 

investigators capable of pursuing cancer nanotechnology research. The training programs are focused on 

mentored laboratory-based training in multidisciplinary research projects, but each training center also 

develops seminars, workshops, and short courses to teach the cross-cutting skills and knowledge necessary 

for successful research in cancer nanotechnology. The training centers also support career development 

activities for their participants. They have trained 125 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in 

multidisciplinary research, with a focus on cross-training in medical and physical sciences and engineering. 

More than 800 people, ranging from undergraduates to mid-career researchers, have participated in training 

center–organized or –hosted symposia, workshops, and conferences.

NIH/NCI has awarded five Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Research Training 

Grants (T32) focused on cancer nanotechnology. These Cancer Nanotechnology Training Center grants are

part of NCI’s Alliance Program, including participation in annual Alliance principal investigator meetings and 

data sharing activities. NIH/NCI will continue to make awards to meritorious applicants to the T32 program 

announcement, PA-14-015, that are organized around training centers in cancer nanotechnology, and to 

bring these training centers into the Alliance. These T32 awards are successors to the successful R25 Cancer 

Nanotechnology Training Center components of the second phase of Alliance funding and are being 

supported by a $2 million set-aside from NIH/NCI for cancer nanotechnology training. NIH/NINDS has also 

utilized the T32 mechanism to support predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers in the neurology field. In 

addition, the NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH/NICHD) has established a 

summer educational program on pediatrics and nanotechnology, and NIH/NIDCR is requiring U01 grantees 

involved in the novel dental restorative program to train postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, 

undergraduate students, and high school students in order to develop and maintain a skilled 

nanotechnology workforce.

NIOSH: Direct training of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists in NIOSH research 

laboratories has been offered in the areas of toxicology, aerosol characterization, and analytical 

measurements. Beginning in 2015, NIOSH entered into research agreements with three academic 

institutions to incorporate EHS training into their nanomaterial research curriculum. Going forward in 2017, 

NIOSH hopes to have specific examples of nanomaterial safety and Prevention through Design principles 

being transferred into the private sector as part of the program to provide trained technologists. Training 

courses developed and delivered by NIOSH at several levels for professional industrial hygienists and EHS 

practitioners are a direct output in support of responsible development of the technology. NIOSH will 

continue collaborations between the NIOSH nanotoxicology program and the materials science and 

engineering departments at West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, and North Carolina State universities 

to demonstrate the effectiveness of safety-by-design principles at the materials synthesis stage. 
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82 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

NSF: NSF supports education-related activities such asthe development of educational materials for schools, 

curriculum development for nanoscience and engineering, development of new teaching tools, 

undergraduate programs, technical training, and public outreach. NSF will continue to support two networks 

for formal and informal nanotechnology education with national outreach, led by The Pennsylvania State

University (Penn State) and the Museum of Science, Boston, respectively. 

USDA/NIFA: NIFA’s higher education programs support competitive grants to universities for developing 

nanotechnology curricula for undergraduate and graduate students in agriculture and food science and 

technology, including food engineering, food security, food safety, bioenergy, and sustainability.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 3.2

DOE and NSF: DOE and NSF cosponsor the Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar Technologies 

Engineering Research Center, which has a primary goal of creating educational resources and a skilled 

workforce in solar technology. 

NIST and NIH: NIST, in addition to providing training for any interested participants from the NIH/NIDCR U01 

projects with respect to instrumentation and standards development, has its own series of postdoctoral 

fellows receiving training in nanotechnology.

NIST andNSF: The NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology and the NSF Advanced Technological 

Education program are conducting a joint program to provide extended internships at NIST for community 

college students being trained in semiconductor manufacturing technology. In 2015, seven students 

“graduated” from the 12-week internship, which provides an opportunity to gain hands-on, practical 

experience in a nanotechnology facility working in nanofabrication, processing, characterization, and tool 

maintenance—areas specifically targeted to meet the needs of U.S. manufacturers for skilled technicians. 

The experience gained from this internship at CNST helps qualify the students to compete for highly skilled 

jobs working as engineering technicians in semiconductor manufacturing.

The NIST/NSF jointly funded Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program provides 

nanotechnology research opportunities throughout NIST laboratories and user facilities at both the 

Gaithersburg, MD, and Boulder, CO, campuses. In 2015, NIST hosted over 180 students for a variety of 

research activities, including nanotechnology-related projects. 

Objective 3.3 – Provide, facilitate the sharing of, and sustain the physical R&D 

infrastructure, notably user facilities and cooperative research centers.

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 3.3

DOD/Navy: Through a Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) grant, a university 

researcher is able to manipulate bacterial populations and measure their growth dynamics and gene 

expression, which he is utilizing while programming bacteria for functional materials fabrication. Another 

portion of the DURIP investment can be devoted to the researcher’s online worldwide DNA nanotechnology 

utility, “Computer-aided engineering for DNA origami (CanDo),” which automates the modeling and design 

of nucleic acid-based nanostructures. 

DOE: The Office of Science’s five Nanoscale Science Research Centers are housed in custom-designed 

laboratory buildings near one or more other major DOE facilities for x-ray and neutron scattering, which 

complement and leverage the capabilities of the NSRCs. For example, at the Argonne National Laboratory, 

the Center for Nanoscale Materials and the Advanced Photon Source (APS) share operation of a hard x-ray 

nanoprobe beamline that allows for unprecedented views deep within nanomaterials. Similarly, at Oak Ridge 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 83

National Laboratory, the capabilities at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences are closely tied to 

neutron scattering capabilities at the national laboratory, integrating synthesis science, 

theory/modeling/simulation, and advanced approaches for functional and structural imaging. The NSRC 

laboratories contain cleanrooms, nanofabrication resources, one-of-a-kind signature instruments, state-ofthe-art electron microscopy, and other instruments not generally available except at major user facilities. 

These facilities are available to the academic, industry, and government research communities for 

successfully peer-reviewed research projects. The NSRCs provide training for graduate students and 

postdoctoral researchers in interdisciplinary nanoscale science, engineering, and technology research. 

FDA: FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research and Office of Regulatory Affairs/Arkansas Regional 

Laboratory (NCTR-ORA) Nanotechnology Core Facility at the FDA Jefferson, Arkansas, Campus actively 

engage and collaborate with academic groups on research projects related to nanotechnology. A 

consortium of local universities in Arkansas is conducting research on graphene for the detection, 

quantitation, and application of this novel material. This research is funded by FDA through a Broad Agency 

Announcement. 

NIH: NIH supports cooperative or program-based laboratory resources and centers through a series of grant 

mechanisms (U01, U10, U24, P30, P41, P50, etc.) that service network and center awards. NIH/NIBIB has 

funded, for example, a Biotechnology Resource Center (P41 grant) on Biomodular Multi-scale Systems for 

Precision Molecular Diagnostics. The goal of this resource center is to design, build, and utilize a set of 

modular components that will be assembled into functional units in a plug-and-play format, resulting in a 

universal molecular processing system that can be deployed into a wide range of specific analysis formats. 

These platforms would be tested for the isolation, separation, characterization, and quantification of diseasespecific circulating biomarkers. 

NIST: NIST continues to sustain and update the capabilities and capacity in its nanotechnology user facility, 

the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, providing industry, academia, NIST, and other 

Government agencies with rapid access to world-class nanoscale measurement and fabrication methods 

and technology. Access is provided in two ways. First, in the NanoFab, users access a state-of-the-art 

commercial tool set at economical hourly rates, supported by a dedicated, full-time technical support staff. 

Second, in the NanoLab, users access the next generation of tools and processes through collaboration with 

the multidisciplinary research staff. The NanoFab continues to enhance its capabilities and capacity for 

industry-compatible 200 mm wafer processing, with notable additions, including an ion-beam-assisted 

cluster metal deposition system capable of processing wafers using twelve different materials in a single run; 

a high-rate deep silicon etching tool for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) applications; a fast-scan 

atomic force microscope for nanoscale topography characterization; a resist spray coater that enables 

processing of wafers with extreme topography; a soft lithography laboratory with state-of-the-art 

equipment, including a fully integrated microfluidic test station for bio researchers in a class-10,000 

cleanroom environment; and a cryogenic sample preparation system to enable biomaterial transmission 

electron microscopy. New capabilities in the NanoLab include nitrogen vacancy magnetometry, providing 

fast, nanoscale measurements of extremely small local magnetic fields, enabling diagnosis of 

inhomogeneities and defects in next-generation nonvolatile magnetic memory and spintronic devices; 

novel cold-atom-based focused ion beam imaging of optical microresonator modes, enabling development 

of new nanophotonic devices and architectures; and single-nanoparticle magnetometry with high 

throughput using nanoscale indicator films, enabling better process control in nanoparticle manufacturing 

applications. 

In addition to CNST, NIST maintains the Precision Imaging Facility (PIF) at the NIST campus in Boulder, CO, 

with staff expertise in nanoscale characterization in an ever-growing range of materials, from metal welds to 
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84 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

semiconductor nanowire LEDs (light-emitting diodes), to complex aerospace coatings and conducting 

oxides. PIF promotes collaborative research with local universities and DOE National Laboratories. 

A primary mission of NIST’s Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) is to provide state-of-the-art neutron 

measurement capabilities to the U.S. research and industrial communities. Installation of two new 

instruments (VSANS and CANDOR) will finish in 2017. VSANS will allow researchers to measure the 

characteristic size of material structures across five orders of magnitude, down to the nanoscale. This 

capability is critical to a broad range of real-world problems: for example, it can be used to measure the size 

distribution of voids that determine the shock resistance of explosives or the integrity of concrete used in 

nuclear waste storage. VSANS is a very small angle neutron scattering diffractometer that will collect data at 

rates 100 times faster than comparable instruments, making possible the study of nanoscale feature 

evolution in real time. Similarly, CANDOR is a reflectometer/diffractometer that will provide at least a tenfold gain over existing instruments used to study nanostructured materials such as proteins, magnetic 

storage devices, and solar cells; it will enable kinetic studies as a function of temperature or magnetic field. 

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 3.3

FDA, academia, and other NNI agencies: FDA’s Core Facilities at NCTR-ORA and its White Oak campus 

contain state-of-the-art equipment for the characterization, detection, and quantification of nanomaterials. 

These facilities are maintained through FDA-allocated funding for the purpose of providing FDA scientists 

the appropriate equipment and methods for conducting research. These facilities are used for collaboration 

and cooperation with several agencies, including NIST, NIH/NIEHS, and NIH/NCI, and with universities.

NIST, industry, academia, and other NNI agencies: The NIST CNST user facility is collaborating with 

industry and universities to develop and make available to users new nanoscale measurement and 

fabrication methods. For example, using the CNST NanoFab user facility, scientists from NIST, the University 

of Maryland, Rutgers University, and DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory collaborated to build a compact, 

low-loss, scalable nanomechanical plasmonic phase modulator. This device is small enough to support onchip dynamic routing of optical communication signals. In the past year, researchers from a biotechnology 

startup, working with NanoFab staff, have developed a diagnostic device capable of identifying infectioncausing bacteria in less than one hour. In an ongoing project, NIH scientists are working with NanoFab staff 

to develop a process for fabricating substrates with precisely controlled nanoscale curvature to measure the 

ability of proteins to bind to lipid bilayer membranes with negative curvature. These results will be used to 

help design more effective drug delivery vehicles. 

Goal 4: Support responsible development of nanotechnology.

Realizing the potential benefits of nanotechnology for human, social, and economic well-being, and for the 

environment, requires that responsible development of nanotechnology—both assessment and 

management of potential risks—be integrated into all aspects of the field, from world-class nanotechnology 

R&D (Goal 1) to commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled products (Goal 2). Responsible development 

is a fundamental component of all three objectives in nanotechnology-focused education, workforce, and 

infrastructure development (Goal 3). Research in support of Goal 4 addresses the recognized issues and 

opportunities surrounding the protection of humans and the environment that are shared by many 

stakeholder groups.
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 85

In 2011, the NNI developed, with input from stakeholders, a nanotechnology-related environmental, health, 

and safety (nanoEHS) research strategy with a broad, multiagency perspective.109 That document fully 

supports the Goal 4 objectives and details specific research needs in six interrelated and synergistic nanoEHS

areas: (1) a nanomaterial measurement infrastructure coupled with (2) predictive modeling and informaticsthat 

provides accurate and reproducible data on (3) human exposure, (4) human health, and (5) the environment, 

all of which are essential for science-based (6)risk assessment and management of engineered nanomaterials

and nanotechnology-enabled products. The NNI agencies, individually and collaboratively, will continue to 

provide information on progress toward addressing these research needs. 

Consideration of life cycle issues is a key component of all four objectives described below. Advances in these 

objectives require coordinated efforts involving multidisciplinary, multistakeholder national and 

international teams. 

Objective 4.1 – Support the creation of a comprehensive knowledge base for evaluation of 

the potential risks and benefits of nanotechnology to the environment and to human 

health and safety.

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 4.1

DOD/Air Force: Using core funding, AFRL scientists are accomplishing a multitude of nanotechnology 

research projects geared towards investigating the biological interactions of engineered nanomaterials 

(ENMs), including potential toxicity arising from resultant physicochemical and structural properties. This 

research will facilitate a better understanding of nano–bio interaction mechanisms, provide in-depth 

analysis of their corresponding effects, and aid researchers in devising appropriate ways to monitor exposure 

levels and develop control strategies to enhance Air Force force-protection efforts. Although the Air Force is 

working to minimize issues concerning the production, handling, and disposal of nanomaterials as they 

relate to future mission requirements, a significant knowledge gap remains with respect to the human and 

ecological health implications of increasing nanomaterial usage. It is critical to understand the transport and 

transformation of nanomaterials channeled through the environment and the human body, including their 

significant avenues of access and potentially adverse effects. Two key areas of immediate military relevance 

include propulsion and munitions systems, which employ nanomaterials not only in reducing sensitivity of 

the systems to accidental initiation during storage and delivery, but in generating more energetic 

propulsions/explosions and in ensuring long-term storage stability. Research in the Human Effectiveness 

Directorate focuses on understanding the toxicological properties of ENMs based on size, charge, shape, and 

functionalization. 

DOD/Army: ERDC is focusing on the development of predictive tools (NanoExPERT Tool Suite) to support 

the safe development of Army and DOD technologies containing engineered nanomaterials.110 To support 

these tools ERDC has developed nanoparticle databases, including tools, such as Value of Information (VOI) 

and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) tools, that can be used to inform investments in nanoEHS 

research. These studies have been applied to a wide range of engineered nanoparticles and will support 

future environmental assessments within DOD as well as other Federal agencies and industry. The research 

was published in 2015 in Nature Nanotechnology.

111

 

109 www.nano.gov/you/environmental-health-safety

110 el.erdc.usace.army.mil/nano 

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86 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

EPA: EPA research on ENMs is conducted within the agency’s Chemical Safety for Sustainability (CSS) 

research program. In 2015, EPA published the Chemical Safety for Sustainability Strategic Research Action 

Plan 2016–2019112 describing new objectives and outputs for EPA research on implications of ENMs. A key 

scientific issue for EPA nanomaterial research is the complexity of relating nanomaterial features directly to 

risks. An important avenue of investigation focuses on identifying critical intermediate properties of ENMs 

that are predictive of potential risks. Another key issue is understanding the interactions between ENMs and 

biological or other complex media. Methods are required to characterize nanomaterials in simple and 

complex media and to evaluate the release of nanomaterials from consumer products, and alternative 

testing approaches are needed to evaluate adverse outcome pathways of nanomaterials. Accurately 

predicting impacts of ENMs used in real-world conditions will depend on properties of both the ENMs and 

the matrices. Research will evaluate nanomaterials across a life cycle of product use ranging from 

manufacture to use and end-of-life disposal and will consider the release, fate, transport, and transformations 

of nanomaterials as they age.

EPA also has funded the creation of the EPA STAR Center for Organotypic Culture Models at the University of 

Washington, a Predictive Toxicology Center for Organotypic Cultures and Assessment of AOPs (adverse 

outcome pathways) for Engineered Nanomaterials. The overall goal of this center is to develop innovative 

organotypic culture systems to better evaluate the potential for cellular and organ toxicity following 

exposure to ENMs within an adverse outcome pathways (AOP) model. The funding period for this center is 

December 2014–November 2018.

113

NIH: NIH/NIEHS research efforts are designed to gain a fundamental understanding of the molecular and 

pathological pathways involved in mediating responses to ENMs. Towards this goal, comprehensive profiles 

are needed to gain detailed molecular understanding of the interactions between ENMs and biological 

systems. The recently concluded NIH/NIEHS Centers for Nanotechnology Health Implications Research 

(NCNHIR) consortium investigated the correlation between chemical and physical properties with biological 

endpoints to define hazard characteristics for a small library of ENMs. To gain a clear relationship between 

physicochemical properties and molecular, cellular, and organismal toxicological endpoints, two new 

funding opportunities (RFA-ES-15-013 and RFA-ES-15-012) were issued for which applications are currently

being accepted. The research supported by these new funding opportunities is built on the foundation of 

the earlier effort and aims to expand our understanding of the interactions between ENMs and biological 

systems using a wider and more representative set of ENMs with a high likelihood of human exposure. The 

redesigned structure and focus of the goals of the new Nanotechnology Health Implications Research (NHIR) 

consortium are twofold. The first is to enrich our knowledge base on ENM–biological interactions by 

expanding the library of ENMs and physicochemical properties to be investigated. This expansion will be 

achieved by focusing on specific ENMs with high production and use in consumer products as well as 

recently emerging 2D and 3D materials. The second is for NHIR to develop a comprehensive biological 

response profile for selected ENMs by surveying a wide range of test systems reflecting physiologically 

relevant models.

NIOSH: NIOSH continues its efforts to develop more complete hazard and safety assessments using key 

classes of ENMs: carbon nanotubes; metal oxides; silver; the nanowire forms of silver, silica, and titania; 

graphene and graphene oxide; and cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers. In 2017, NIOSH will continue its 

efforts to develop a more realistic, “real world” evaluation of hazard and risk represented by various 

nanomaterials through their life cycles. In 2014, NIOSH expanded its field investigation efforts to include a 

 

112 www2.epa.gov/research/chemical-safety-sustainability-strategic-research-action-plan-2016-2019

113 cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/10443/report/0 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 87

focused effort on developing risk management practices that support responsible development of 

nanotechnology. In 2017, that particular element of the NIOSH field research effort will focus on outputs that 

support the Nanomanufacturing NSI along the life cycle of the nanomaterial. In 2016, NIOSH published a 

summary of the principles outlined in the 2012 NIOSH-sponsored Safe Nano Design Workshop.114 In 2017, 

NIOSH will continue with development and dissemination of key areas identified by workshop attendees 

and stakeholders, which include demonstrating change in nanomaterial toxicology through material design 

changes and disseminating case studies developed with private companies that demonstrate the 

effectiveness of incorporating facility and process design into the organization’s EHS strategy. Impact in this 

key program area has already been realized through NIOSH partnering with private sector companies to 

conduct on-site research that will result in the development and implementation of effective risk 

management practices that will ultimately result in safer, more efficient nanomanufacturing.

NIST: NIST continues to lead and make critical contributions to the Nanomaterial Measurement 

Infrastructure core research area as described in the 2011 NNI EHS Research Strategy. A hallmark of NIST’s 

nanoEHS research is the development of validated methods for physicochemical and biological 

measurements in complex environmental and biological media. For example, the first single-particle 

inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (sp-ICP-MS) traceable to the international system of units (Le 

Système International d’Unités) will be completed in 2016. This instrument will be used to determine 

bioaccumulation and particle size distribution of gold nanoparticles ingested by whole organism 

Caenorhabditis elegans roundworms. The robustness of an in vitro nanocytotoxicology assay defined by nine 

quality metrics was demonstrated via an interlaboratory study in 2015, and the assay is being finalized as an 

ISO standard. In 2016 and 2017, additional nanotoxicity assays will be validated using similar strategies. 

NIST is developing validated hyphenated instruments and methods capable of simultaneously measuring 

size, size distribution, and elemental composition of nanoparticles in complex environmental media, as well 

as advanced spectroscopy methods such as XPS to quantitatively measure the composition and coverage of 

surface-bound molecular coatings and conjugates. Such methods, along with NIST silver nanoparticle 

Reference Material 8017 issued in 2015, are being used to develop additional advanced methods for 

quantifying transformations of silver nanoparticles in environmental media, including bulk transformation 

products such as silver sulfide and surface transformation products. Another growing area of EHS research 

at NIST concerns the development of methods to detect and characterize nanomaterials incorporated in 

consumer products, both dispersed in matrices and as surface coatings, and methods to detect and quantify 

releases of nanomaterials from consumer products. For example, in 2016, NIST will complete a multiyear 

project on the determination and comparison of the detection limits of carbon nanotubes in CNT-polymer 

composites for four different orthogonal methods. NIST is developing and evaluating novel nanoparticlebased (nanoclay and nanosilica) fire-retardants and self-assembled coatings applied to many home 

furnishings and appliances, and it is developing capabilities to characterize fire behavior and combustion 

properties, including release of nanoparticles from such coatings. These nanoparticle-based fire retardant 

layer-by-layer coatings have been demonstrated to reduce the fire hazards associated with polyurethane 

foam by 30%. Decreasing the flammability of polyurethane foam, which is used in many home furnishings, 

will in turn lead to significant reduction in residential fire losses. This research will provide U.S. manufacturers 

with a novel and EHS-compliant fire-resistant coating technology. In 2017, NIST will develop methods to 

evaluate release of silver nanoparticles during common consumer activities, such as washing from cotton 

fibers intentionally loaded with varying concentrations of nanoparticles, and from commercial textiles.

 

114 www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/PtD/nanoworkshop/default.html
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88 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

NRC: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is an independent agency created by Congress. Its mission is to 

license and regulate the Nation’s civilian use of by-product, source, and special nuclear materials to ensure 

adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to 

protect the environment. As a regulatory agency, NRC does not typically sponsor fundamental research or 

product development; rather it is focused, in part, on confirmatory research to verify the safe application of 

new technologies in the civilian nuclear industry. Currently, the agency’s focus with nanotechnology is to 

monitor developments that might be applied within the nuclear industry in order for NRC to carry out its 

oversight role.

USDA/NIFA: The NIFA nanotechnology programs will continue supporting the EHS research targets that are 

most relevant to agricultural production and food applications. For example, a new project funded in the 

most recent funding cycle will investigate behaviors of nanobiomaterials in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and 

their risk assessment. Another project will attempt to elucidate absorption, accumulation, and toxicity 

mechanisms of titanium dioxide nanoparticles present in foods in the human GI tract. These studies will fill 

voids in the current knowledge matrix.

Coordinated Activities with other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 4.1 

CPSC, DOD, FDA, NIOSH, and NIST: The CPSC staff will continue its significant efforts to develop methods 

and data to identify and mitigate potential hazards from nanotechnology-enabled products. The CPSC staff 

signed several interagency agreements in 2014 with DOD, FDA, NIOSH, and NIST, with the work planned to 

continue into 2015 and beyond. These research studies will primarily focus on the application of 

nanomaterials to consumer products, the mechanisms that impact release of nanomaterials from a range of 

matrices, and approaches to quantify and characterize exposure to consumers and the general population.

CPSC and NIH: CPSC, in coordination with NIH/NIEHS, is proposing for 2017 a new nanotechnology center 

at NIH/NIEHS that will develop methods to characterize exposures and risks to consumers and the general 

population, and address the societal implications of nanomaterial use in consumer products. Research will 

target the development of methods for quantifying and characterizing the presence, release, and 

mechanisms of consumer exposure to nanomaterials. The center will provide other benefits to society by 

developing scientists with expertise in nanomaterials and consumer product safety research who will be able 

to further the public’s basic understanding of nanotechnology and develop innovative methods for the 

responsible use of nanomaterials in products. The center will also serve as a resource for manufacturers and 

distributers of nanotechnology-enabled products for approaches to ensuring the safe use of this technology 

in products, as well as for consumer groups and others in the general public with a desire to learn more about 

nanomaterial use and implications. [Also relevant to Objectives 2.2, 2.3., and 4.3.]

CPSC, NIOSH, and NIST: CPSC, in coordination with NIOSH and NIST, has developed a research program to 

characterize, quantify, and identify exposure limits for airborne nanomaterials released from products. 

Robust methods to quantify exposure will be developed in addition to testing of materials to identify 

thresholds for biological effects of materials released from manufactured products.

DOD/Air Force and Army: AFRL coordinates with the Army Corps of Engineers, which provides its expertise 

in life cycle analysis to help determine the risk of exposure to nanomaterials during different stages of their 

development. The organizations will use predictive and computational modeling approaches to identify 

potential releases of nanoscale particles from nanostructured materials and technologies. [Also applies to 

Objective 4.2.]

DOD/Army, DTRA, NIOSH, NIH, and academia: DTRA and the U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health 

Research (USACEHR) collaborated with the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center, the NIH/NCI NCL, and 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 89

Oregon State University to develop in silico models to predict the human toxicity of engineered 

nanomaterials. The physiochemical properties of ENMs, combined with rapid biology-based data and 

systematic literature datasets, will be used to improve predictive models of toxicity, provide a tiered 

approach to toxicological testing, and develop a strategy for grouping nanomaterials into subcategories 

based on their likely modes of toxic action (biological impact).

DOD/Army, industry, and academia: USAMRMC’s investments with the University of Michigan and 

NanoBio Corp. focus on the development of a novel, safe, and rapidly effective antimicrobial oil-in-water 

nanoemulsion for use as a DOD/Army topical treatment for multidrug-resistant wound infections. Work has 

included identifying the optimal concentration of the nanoemulsion to use in an infected trauma wound 

animal model. The nanoemulsion, with and without drugs, will be manufactured in 2016 in accordance with 

good manufacturing practices, and required stability testing will be completed. 

DOD/Army, other NNI agencies, industry, and academia: The Army invests in understanding the potential 

nanoparticle release, fate, transport, and toxicity processes that are required to understand and proactively 

manage risks to the environment and human health. The Army is developing tools, methods, and 

approaches to provide accurate and reliable information and data supporting risk assessment and 

management. These studies focus on the life cycles of nanotechnologies developed by the Army, other DOD

agencies, the MIT-ISN, academic partners, and industry. For example, the Armament Research, Development 

and Engineering Center (ARDEC) has partnered with the ERDC to begin a comprehensive program to 

understand the environmental consequences of nanomaterials. ARDEC will be providing ERDC with the 

necessary nanomaterials to support environmental testing and to help develop the database for materials 

that might impact DOD. Further, ERDC nanoscale research includes risk assessment research on specific 

materials and technologies that are priorities for partner institutions. Risk-based processes to quantitatively 

assess the benefits and impacts of nanomaterial-based products in the environment and computational 

approaches for the smart design of functional nanomaterials provide technical guidance on evaluating 

nanoEHS impacts during development, transition, and acquisition. Through partnerships with EPA, CPSC, 

NIST, and NIOSH, results of these studies will be used to support safe development of the nanotechnologies, 

enable more rapid fielding and commercialization, and meet regulatory requirements. 

DOD/Army, other NNI agencies, industry, and academia: ERDC is partnering within the DOD (U.S. Army 

Center for Environmental Health Research) and with other Federal agencies including NIST, EPA, CPSC, 

NIOSH, and NIH/NIEHS to develop the NanoGRID framework and ensure consistency in approaches within 

the Federal Government. The NanoGRID framework is being evaluated for use in supporting the 

development and transition of commercial products, including coatings, composites, sensors, and 

electronics, through multiple public–private partnerships with industry. This approach is also leveraging the 

expertise at several NIH/NIEHS, NSF, and EPA research centers—located at Oregon State University, Arizona 

State University, and Duke University, respectively—that are focusing on the development of life cycle- and 

risk-based approaches for evaluating the risks of nanotechnologies. 

EPA and CPSC: EPA and CPSC are nearing completion of a collaborative research project evaluating 

potential release of copper from pressurized copper-treated commercial wood products. The composition, 

particle size distribution, leaching, bioavailability, and exposure to micronized copper have been evaluated. 

Reports are now available to the public.115 EPA has entered into a new collaboration with CPSC on Evaluation 

of CPSC Wipe Method and Exposure Estimate to Nanomaterials in Surface Applications. The research under 

this agreement will focus on: application and utilization of the CPSC wipe method for comparison across 

(product) matrices and with different emerging nanomaterials; characterization of the nanomaterial 

 

115 nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi?Dockey=P100LJWI.txt 
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90 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

products either in development or currently available in the marketplace; evaluation of the potential for 

exposure from the use of the products identified through oral and inhalation exposure routes using in vitro

assays; characterization of the aerosol formation from application of emerging nanomaterials to surfaces; 

and determining the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological responses to inhalation of the emerging 

nanomaterials during applications and throughout the life cycle. 

EPA, NSF, and academia: EPA and NSF have co-funded a 2014–2018 grant entitled “Network for 

Characterizing Chemical Life Cycle: Life Cycle of Nanomaterials” with Arizona State University. This project will 

evaluate the trade-offs between using nanomaterials to improve the functionality of consumer products and 

the potential risk to humans and the environment.

116

FDA and CPSC: In 2014, FDA collaborated with CPSC through an interagency agreement on assessing 

whether current methods for determining migration of conventional additives are applicable to the 

evaluation of nanomaterial migration from solid and semisolid materials used in consumer products that 

contact food. This work is planned to continue through 2016.

FDA, NIST, and NIH: Apart from its research activities described under Goal 1, FDA actively engages in 

toxicological research in collaboration with the NIH/NIEHS National Toxicology Program (NTP) to understand 

the health hazards of nanomaterials (hazard assessment) and to develop novel methods for detection of 

nanomaterials in FDA-regulated products. FDA continues to conduct physicochemical characterization and 

standards development processes to enable responsible development of nanotechnology. Standards are 

also critical for the responsible development of nanotechnology-derived products from the standpoints of 

safety and efficacy. FDA continues to participate in standards development so that industry and other 

stakeholders can validate methods relevant to nanotechnology through reference materials produced by 

NIST. FDA publishes its research in peer-reviewed journals and communicates through guidance documents 

to industry. FDA collaborated with NCL to develop a panel of in vitro assays, which appear in the Handbook 

of Immunological Properties of Engineered Nanomaterials,

117 to evaluate the effects of nanomaterials on blood 

platelets and endothelial cells. Findings from these projects also serve in drafting guidances to industry and 

in helping to provide sound and scientifically based responses to inquiries from stakeholders. In 2016 and 

2017, FDA will continue to fund projects on an as-needed basis in areas where knowledge gaps exist.

NIH, EPA, CPSC, and NSF: NIH/NIEHS has had a wide range of discussions within the NEHI Working Group 

of the NSET Subcommittee and independently with NSF, EPA, and CPSC on the selection of nanomaterials to 

be investigated in Phase 2 of the Nanotechnology Health Implications Research Consortium, so that the 

research output will fill the gaps in the data needed for regulatory agency needs. EPA and CPSC may 

potentially participate once the new program is established. 

NIH, EPA, NSF, FDA, and NIOSH: Federal agencies such as NIH, EPA, NSF, FDA, and NIOSH have ongoing 

efforts and collaborations to share knowledge and materials on the topic of nanoEHS. In 2016, NTP, an 

interagency program headquartered at NIH/NIEHS, will continue to work with other interested agencies to 

develop NIH and/or interagency initiatives, as appropriate, in areas identified in the NIH section of Objective 

4.1 above. The nanomaterial characterization, standards, and safety assessment projects in collaboration 

with NTP will continue through 2016.

NIH and NIOSH: The NIH/NIEHS National Toxicology Program will be initiating a chronic toxicity evaluation 

of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in rodent models to better understand the potential health effects from 

 

116 cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/10212/report/0 

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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 91

low-dose “lifetime” exposures. This research will complement exposure assessment of nanomaterial 

manufacturing facilities being conducted in collaboration with NIOSH.

NSF, CPSC, the European Union, and academia: In 2015, NSF and CPSC participated in a joint solicitation 

for international collaborative efforts to support nanoEHS research with European Union countries.118 This 

program will support participation of investigators at U.S. universities in U.S.-EU consortium efforts to 

address nanoEHS research needs identified in the 2011 NNI EHS Research Strategy. [This program is also 

relevant to Objective 2.4.]

NIOSH and CPSC: NIOSH continues formal collaborations with CPSC to deliver research results that provide 

basic knowledge in two fronts: (1) characterization of the exposure potential and biological responses to 

inhalation of select nanomaterials from consumer products in support of human exposure risk assessments, 

and (2) investigations of actual worker exposure potential during manufacture and use of engineered 

nanomaterials along the life cycle. [This work is also relevant to the Nanomanufacturing NSI in Objective 1.4.]

NIOSH and DOD/Army: Throughout 2014 and 2015, NIOSH has supported efforts in the Army to develop

tools, methods, and approaches to provide accurate and reliable information and data supporting risk 

assessment and management of nanomaterials used in a variety of applications. Direct collaboration with 

the U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research resulted in risk assessment guidance that was 

applied in 2015 to identify and prioritize nanomaterials for more detailed evaluation. Starting in 2015 and 

continuing into 2017, NIOSH is supporting USACEHR efforts to identify priority nanomaterials that serve as 

models for computational approaches to predicting human and environmental health risks. This program 

effort will have application through ERDC and ARDEC. ARDEC will be providing ERDC with the necessary 

nanomaterials to support environmental testing and will help develop the database for materials that might 

impact DOD. Through additional NIOSH partnerships with EPA, CPSC, and NIST, results of these studies will 

be used to support safe development of the technologies, enable more rapid fielding and commercialization, 

and meet regulatory requirements. 

In 2015, NIOSH extended an interagency agreement with the Navy Medical Research Unit to explore 

correlations between laboratory toxicology testing, high-throughput screening techniques, and potential 

human health impacts of exposure to engineered nanomaterials. In 2017, NIOSH will continue to use the 

results of this research collaboration to evaluate its strategy for using a categorical approach to classify 

nanomaterials into hazard classes as a starting point for more effective risk assessment and management.

NIST, EPA, NIOSH, CPSC, OSHA, NRC-Canada, industry, and nongovernmental organizations: U.S. and 

Canadian federal agencies are working with industry on two interlaboratory pilot studies under the auspices 

of the NanoRelease Project, an effort to address the potential release of CNTs from CNT-polymer-based 

composites by sanding and by weathering. The protocols to produce released material were generated by 

small teams of researchers, and agreed-on methods are being used to detect and quantify discrete CNTs

released by the two processes. Data and metadata from the two interlaboratory studies are being deposited

into the private NanoRelease Data Repository hosted by NIST.

NIST and FDA: NIST is working with FDA to develop reproducible methods to release silver nanoparticles 

from food containers by wear processes and to examine the container surfaces for the presence of free silver 

nanoparticles. The use of nanosilver in food applications is an area of growing consumer concern; this joint 

research will enable evaluation of potential risks.

 

118 www.siinn.eu/en/joint-calls/,50.html 
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92 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

NSF, EPA, and academia: NSF and EPA joint research on environmental implications of nanotechnology, 

including development of new measurement methods for nanoparticle characterization and toxicity of 

nanomaterials, will continue to be investigated in the two dedicated multidisciplinary centers focusing on 

the environmental implications of nanotechnology at UCLA and Duke University; the awards are 

approximately $5 million per year for each center. Essential elements of these investigations will be research 

on methods and instrumentation for nanoparticle detection, characterization, monitoring, and 

environmental risk analysis, including interactions of nanomaterials with cellular constituents, metabolic 

networks, and living tissues; bioaccumulation and its effects on living systems; and the impacts of 

nanostructures dispersed in the environment. 

Objective 4.2 – Create and employ means for timely dissemination, evaluation, and 

incorporation of relevant EHS knowledge and best practices.

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 4.2

DOD/Air Force: AFRL is evaluating potential health risks of ENMs and identifying appropriate exposure 

limits, contributing to timely dissemination, evaluation, and incorporation of relevant EHS knowledge and 

best practices.

DOD: The DOD Nanomaterials Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health (ESOH) Working Group works

in coordination with the DOD Emerging Contaminants Governance Board to provide technical, policy, and 

legal information and guidances relating to safety and health issues associated with ENMs as well as their 

impact on DOD acquisitions policies. [This program is also relevant to Objective 4.4.]

DOD/OSD: The DOD Emerging Contaminants Program, part of DOD’s Chemical and Material Risk 

Management Program119 and its “strategic sustainability” goals,120 looks “over-the-horizon” to identify and 

assess chemicals and materials of emerging potential risk. Evaluation includes assessment of nanomaterials 

and involves proactive risk management actions to reduce risks to human health, the environment, and 

business functions, often in advance of regulatory requirements. The 2015 program continued screening of 

emerging nanomaterials and evaluation of their significance to DOD applications; the potential for 

incorporation into DOD weapons systems; and the associated business function, environmental, safety, and 

occupational health risks. The program also made progress in developing a framework for characterizing 

toxicity of engineered nanomaterials during DOD research and development phases to ensure betterinformed decision making with regard to selection of lower-risk, more sustainable nanomaterials. 

EPA: In 2015, results of EPA intramural research on engineered nanomaterials were published on its 

website121 and in approximately 35 peer-reviewed manuscripts or book chapters, and were presented at 

numerous national and international scientific meetings. 

FDA: Internal to FDA, select groups of staff meet regularly to review and discuss internal FDA research on 

assessing the safety and efficacy of nanotechnology in FDA-regulated products. FDA staff members who 

review the safety and efficacy of FDA-regulated products meet regularly to discuss products using 

nanotechnology and consult with FDA experts on nanotechnology. 

 

119 denix.osd.mil/cmrmd/ECMR/ECProgramBasics.cfm 

120 denix.osd.mil/sustainability/upload/DoD-SSPP-FY15-Final.pdf

121 www.epa.gov/nanoscience
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External to FDA, the projects funded by FDA result in peer-reviewed journal articles as well as scientific 

contributions to standards development. FDA provides nanotechnology reports and guidance documents 

on its website. In 2015, it issued a final guidance providing greater regulatory clarity for industry on the use 

of nanotechnology in FDA-regulated animal food products.122

NIH: To impact the timeliness of important EHS knowledge and practices, the research output from the 

earlier extramural efforts supported through the NIH/NIEHS NCNHIR and the newly formed NHIR consortia, 

and all research conducted by the National Toxicology Program, will be available publicly in the Chemical 

Effects in Biological Systems (CEBS) database, hosted by the National Toxicology Program at NIEHS. This data 

will be made available for meta-analysis on an as-needed basis. NIH/NIEHS is also participating in the 

international ProSafe data analysis efforts for dissemination and support for the widespread adoption of 

principles and methodology of Europe’s NANoREG123 related to testing, regulation, and safety of 

manufactured nanomaterials.

NIOSH: NIOSH will continue to disseminate the results of research from its nanotechnology research 

program in the form of publication of progress reports from all NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center 

projects, updates to the NIOSH nanotechnology topic webpage, the NIOSH Science Blog, technical meeting 

and symposia presentations, formal peer-reviewed journal publications, and NIOSH publications (also 

available online). The NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Nanotechnology Topic webpage124 is one of the 

top pages visited on the agency website. In 2017, NIOSH will continue with a multifaceted initiative focused 

on delivering knowledge and training to industrial hygiene and EHS practitioners, private sector 

nanomanufacturing companies, engineering students, and international research partners. NIOSH has 

refined the content and delivery of a higher-level exposure measurements and assessment strategy training 

course for EHS professionals and will continue to deliver the course in 2017. Plans for 2017 include publishing 

nanotechnology health and safety strategies for small to mid-sized nanomaterial producers and users of 

nanomaterials. In 2017, NIOSH will disseminate to companies information on individual process-based 

control strategies (Workplace Design Solutions) that draw from the broader 2013 NIOSH guidance 

document, Current Strategies for Engineering Controls in Nanomaterial Production and Downstream Handling 

Processes.

125

NIST: In 2015, NIST released a publicly accessible website, www.nist.gov/mml/nanoehs-protocols.cfm, which 

now contains 20 laboratory protocols concerning sample preparation, physicochemical measurements, and 

biological measurements of relevance to nanoEHS. These protocols for as-produced nanomaterials and 

nanomaterials in typical product matrices will enable researchers to perform step-by-step, reproducible, and 

validated procedures, an essential step in the harmonization of property measurements to enable direct 

comparisons between laboratories and greater consistency in reporting. NIST is continuing to populate the 

website with new and updated protocols. 

NSF: Research on the safety of manufacturing nanoparticles is performed and also provided to researchers 

and the public by four Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers and the NNIN (now transitioning to the 

NNCI126). Environmental implications of nanotechnology, including development of new measurement 

methods for nanoparticle characterization and toxicity of nanomaterials, will continue to be investigated in 

 

122 www.fda.gov/ScienceResearch/SpecialTopics/Nanotechnology/ucm301093.htm 

123 www.nanoreg.eu 

124 www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech

125 www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2014-102/pdfs/2014-102.pdf

126 www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=136211 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

94 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

and promulgated by the two centers for environmental implications of nanotechnology at UCLA and Duke 

University, as described in the Coordinated Activities section of Objective 4.1.

Coordinated Activities with other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 4.2 

CPSC, EPA, and NIST: CPSC, in collaboration with EPA and NIST, has begun to develop mathematical models 

that will be used to characterize the behavior of selected nanomaterials in the indoor environment and to 

estimate occupant exposure to nanomaterials. These models will address the unique properties of 

nanomaterials and use data derived from other interagency collaborations for development.

CPSC, NIOSH, and NIST: The CPSC staff, through a number of interagency agreements with agencies 

including NIOSH and NIST, has developed methods for characterizing the release of nanomaterials from a 

wide range of products and product matrices. These methods have been published in peer-reviewed 

scientific journals, and the data are being used to support the development of voluntary standards. For 

example, CPSC and NIST have been developing methods to evaluate abrading of coatings and finishes for 

floors and walls and have proposed that these methods be incorporated into an international ASTM E56 

standard. Methods used for characterizing nanosilver releases from textiles will support another ASTM 

standard for nanosilver release, as part of an interagency agreement with NIST. 

CPSC, DOD/Army, EPA, NIOSH, and NIST: CPSC partnered with the U.S. Army ERDC, NIOSH, EPA, and NIST 

to lead a national workshop, held in the summer of 2015 in Washington, DC, focusing on quantifying 

exposure to engineered nanomaterials.127 The Quantifying Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials (QEEN) 

workshop addressed the needs of industry and government partners in determining “real world” exposures 

to nanoparticles from products and technologies. Information from the workshop report will be used in 

development of the proposed CPSC–NIH/NIEHS nanotechnology center mentioned above in the section on

Coordinated Activities Contributing to Objective 4.1.

DOD/Army, other NNI agencies, and NNCO: ERDC is partnering with NEHI and NNCO to develop a webinar 

series to communicate solutions to industry concerns regarding workforce development in safe handling of 

nanomaterials, regulatory challenges, and quantitative methods to address uncertainty in liability 

assessments by insurance companies. 

DOD/OSD, NNI agencies, and national organizations: The DOD Emerging Contaminants Program 

maintains a Nano Materials Working Group that serves as the coordinating body for nanomaterials‐related 

environmental, safety, and health technical, policy, and legal information. The working group and its 

leadership provide a means to coordinate and connect with all military departments and DOD agencies and 

with other agencies and stakeholders broadly, including the Sustainable Chemicals and Materials for Defense 

Forum, a partnership between DOD and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. The 2015 focus of the 

working group included supporting an update to DOD policy 6055.05 on occupational and medical 

surveillance that ensures conservative, risk‐based measures in protection of workers, recognizing that 

traditional control measures may be ineffective and that there is a need for tailored exposure controls and 

medical surveillance. In addition, the group continued its systematic evaluation of emerging nanomaterials, 

identifying and screening nanomaterials of particular interest to DOD including a detailed evaluation of 

nanoscale cobalt phosphorous for potential DOD use as a hard-chromium coating substitute and its

associated toxicological and exposure risks. 

NSF, EPA, and academia: The Centers for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology at UCLA (UCCEIN) and at Duke University (CEINT) will increase dissemination of information to government regulators at 

 

127 www.nano.gov/qeenworkshop 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 95

State and Federal levels and to industry stakeholders, with a focus on decision support tools, nanosafety

training, and consumer product safety. In March 2015, UC-CEIN organized a workshop focused on advancing 

methods for considering environmentally relevant exposures to improve design of ecotoxicology studies of 

ENMs. 

NSF, CPSC, and the European Union: NSF, CPSC, and the EU are continuing their collaboration on a joint 

U.S.–EU solicitation for nanotechnology EHS. A focus is on implications of the next generation of 

nanotechnology products and productive processes, as well as public participation in nanotechnologyrelated activities. Research on both implications and applications of nanotechnology will address the sources 

of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials in the environment (in air, water, soil, biosystems, and 

working environments), as well as the nonclinical biological implications. These activities will support 

ongoing efforts to leverage knowledge and resources between researchers in the United States and the 

EU.

128 The results will be disseminated via the participating agencies’ websites, the annual NSF

nanotechnology grantees conference, peer-reviewed journal publications, and presentations at professional 

meetings in the United States and abroad.

Objective 4.3 – Develop the national capacity to identify, define, and responsibly address 

concepts and challenges specific to the ethical, legal, and societal implications (ELSI) of 

nanotechnology.

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 4.3

NIOSH: NIOSH is working to foster the responsible development of nanotechnology and the realization of 

its societal and commercial benefits along the product life cycle. Workers are among the first in society to 

have potential exposures to any new material, including nanomaterials, and thus the protection of the 

worker can be seen as the core of responsible development. Occupational safety and health criteria for 

responsible development of nanotechnology should be developed at the societal level (by government 

agencies, trade and professional associations, unions, nongovernmental organizations, and insurers) first, 

and then promoted for use at the business enterprise level (employers, suppliers, and business customers).

NSF: NSF supports research directed at identifying and quantifying the broad implications of 

nanotechnology for society, including social, economic, workforce, educational, ethical, and legal 

implications (broadly known as “ELSI”) through the Centers for Nanotechnology in Society (CNS) at the 

University of California, Santa Barbara, and Arizona State University, which are among the very few social 

science centers in the world looking at nanotechnology ELSI issues and operating on a large scale to involve 

multiple institutions and multiple disciplines. The overarching goal of both centers is to foster the integration 

of social science research with nanoscale science and engineering (NSE) to promote socially responsible 

innovations. CNS-UCSB does so by focusing on the broad range of individuals’ perceptions of risks—

including their beliefs, values, and ideologies—where risk perception is not regarded as a problem to be 

handled but rather as a factor that needs to be understood, and to be addressed by multiple stakeholder 

groups having multifaceted, complex, and evolving relationships. CNS-ASU focuses on the unifying 

framework of anticipatory governance, which involves promoting the involvement of multiple stakeholders 

in deliberations about plausible future technological developments. These two CNS centers promote 

increased awareness of societal issues within the nanoscale science and engineering community. They 

continue to inform policy via presentations to key State, national, and international regulators and 

policy makers. They also continue to engage in various public outreach engagements via media interviews, 

 

128 www.us-eu.org
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

96 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

speaker series, NanoDays, web-based materials, and public presentations. CNS-ASU also studies the ways in 

which NSE contributes to increasing or decreasing social and economic inequalities in different national 

contexts, and it explores ways to ensure that NSE can contribute to equity, equality, and responsibility as 

public values. Several public workshops were funded in 2015 and others will be funded in 2016. NSF (BIO, 

ENG, and SBE Directorates) have been working with the Nanotechnology in Society centers at both UCSB 

and ASU to explore the implications of synthetic biology as an emerging technology through the same lens 

as was done for the general nanotechnology area. 

Several of the newly awarded NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure sites have defined 

programs in studying the ethical, legal, and societal implications of nanotechnology and will disseminate 

those outcomes to the broader research community.

USDA/NIFA: NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative nanotechnology program supportsresearch on 

assessment and analysis of the perception and acceptance of nanotechnology and nanotechnology-based 

food or nonfood products by the public and agriculture stakeholders. For example, a new project funded in 

2015 used advanced eye-tracking methodologies to obtain a greater understanding of consumer decision 

processes while facing food and agricultural products that are affected by nanotechnology.

Objective 4.4 – Incorporate sustainability in the responsible development of 

nanotechnology.

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 4.4

DOD/Army: ERDC is developing the Nano Guidance for Risk Informed Deployment (NanoGRID), which is a 

framework to evaluate the environmental, health, and safety risks throughout the life cycle of DOD 

technologies. This approach is being evaluated using Army technologies currently in development (coatings, 

armor, and energetics) and is currently being evaluated by OSD for use in the DOD acquisition process.

Ultimately, the framework will be used to address the uncertainty in U.S. and international regulatory 

requirements as well as liability concerns regarding the use and end of use of technologies containing 

nanomaterials. 

ARL is conducting a multiscale research program to investigate low-cost, high-performance reinforcement 

of transparent composites using cellulose-based nanomaterials derived from renewable bioresources. 

Target applications include lightweight films and composites for use in ballistic protection and structural 

applications, with particular interest in reducing mechanical failure of transparent laminates. Significant 

accomplishments include development of cellulosic nanoarchitectures with tunable mechanical properties 

by using metal ions to bridge the fibrils; capability to generate well-dispersed silver nanoparticles in situ in 

nanocellulose gels, aerogels, and thin films; development of nanocellulose-reinforced poly(methyl 

methacrylate) nanofibers with improved modulus; development of new processes for drying; and dispersing 

nanocellulose particles to facilitate their use in nonpolar and transparent engineering polymers. ARL is also 

examining a new method of transforming plastic waste materials into value-added nanofibrous products 

with specific focus on water filtration membranes. Significant accomplishments include fabricated 

nanofibers from expanded polystyrene packaging and polyethylene terephthalate water bottles using 

solvent-based electrospinning. 

NIOSH: NIOSH is working with industry to implement effective controls and handling practices to 

significantly reduce worker exposure. Continuing in 2017, NIOSH will work with partner companies along 

their material life cycles and supply chains to identify where and how effective health and safety contributes 

to the overall sustainability of their processes and products. NIOSH is also collaborating with nanomaterial 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 97

manufacturers to evaluate the bioactivity of nanoparticles produced by these companies and to evaluate 

the effectiveness of surface modification in reducing this bioactivity.

NSF: NSF supports several programs under this objective, including the NSF-wide initiative for Science, 

Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (SEES), and the establishment and development of the 

Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (SNO) since 2012. Another area of investment in 2016 that will 

expand in 2017 is a focus on Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water Systems. In 2015, NSF 

funded a Workshop to Identify Opportunities and Challenges for Nanotechnology to Optimize and Unify 

Food, Energy, and Water Systems. 

USDA/NIFA: Sustainability is recognized as one of the key challenges facing agriculture and food systems. 

NIFA’s AFRI nanotechnology program has supported research projects that aim at enhancing sustainability 

of agricultural production and utilization of agriculturally based biomaterials and value-added novel 

products. For example, a new project funded in 2015 will develop nanocellulose-based hybrid fuel to reduce 

agriculture’s dependence on nonrenewable petroleum. Another example is to transform nanocellulose into 

an advanced biorenewable reinforcement with hyperbranched polymers to improve performance. A seed 

grant has been provided to explore technical feasibility of using nano-chitosan to improve fire-retardant and 

antifungal functions of wood products. 

Coordinated Activities with other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 4.4

DOD/Army, USDA/FS, and academia: The Army Research Laboratory has coordinated its nanocellulose 

activities with relevant leaders in preparation and processing, especially focusing on critical challenges in 

developing optimized nanocellulose-based composites. ARL collaborates with the USDA Forest Products 

Laboratory in probing the effects of nanocellulose surface chemistry and microstructure on composite 

properties; with Northwestern, Penn State, Purdue, and other universities on better understanding and

manipulating fundamental properties of cellulose nanocrystals and on developing improved materials and 

techniques for secondary processing; and with applied Army engineering laboratories and NIST to test and 

evaluate new materials.

NSF and USDA/NIFA: NSF and USDA/NIFA are developing a joint solicitation under an Innovations at the 

Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water Systems program that will include funding for research that will lead to 

innovative system and technological solutions to critical food, energy, and water problems. An overarching 

goal of this solicitation is to enhance understanding of sustainability in food, energy, and water systems. 
98 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

APPENDIX A. ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AFOSR Air Force Office of Scientific Research

AFRI Agriculture and Food Research Initiative 

(USDA/NIFA)

AFRL Air Force Research Laboratory

AMRDEC Aviation and Missile Research, 

Development and Engineering Command

(DOD/U.S. Army)

ARDEC Armament Research, Development and 

Engineering Center (DOD/U.S. Army)

ARL Army Research Laboratory

ARO Army Research Office

ARPA-E Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy

(DOE)

ARS Agricultural Research Service (USDA)

BIS Bureau of Industry and Security (DOC)

BRAIN Brain Research through Advancing 

Innovative Neurotechnologies (White 

House Initiative)

caNanoLab cancer Nanotechnology Laboratory portal

(NIH/NCI)

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

(DHHS)

CNS Centers for Nanotechnology in Society at 

Arizona State University and University of 

California, Santa Barbara (CNS-ASU and 

CNS-UCSB) (NSF)

CNST Center for Nanoscale Science and 

Technology (DOC/NIST)

CNT carbon nanotube

CoR Community of Research

CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission

DARPA Defense Advanced Research Projects 

Agency

DHHS Department of Health and Human Services

DHS Department of Homeland Security

DNI Director of National Intelligence

DOC Department of Commerce

DOD Department of Defense

DOE Department of Energy

DOEd Department of Education

DOE-SC DOE Office of Science

DOE-EERE DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy

DOJ Department of Justice

DOL Department of Labor

DOS Department of State

DOT Department of Transportation

DOTreas Department of the Treasury

DTRA Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DOD)

EERE (Office of) Energy Efficiency and Renewable 

Energy (DOE)

EHS environment(al), health, and safety

ELSI ethical, legal, and societal implications

ENG Engineering Directorate of NSF

ENM engineered nanomaterial

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

ERC Engineering Research Centers (NSF)

ERDC Engineer Research and Development 

Center (DOD/U.S. Army)

EU European Union

FDA Food and Drug Administration (DHHS)

FHWA Federal Highway Administration (DOT)

FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement

FS Forest Service (USDA)

IC Intelligence Community

ISO International Organization for 

Standardization

I/UCRC Industry/University Cooperative Research 

Center (NSF)

MIT-ISN The Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies

MPS Mathematical and Physical Sciences 

Directorate of NSF

MRSEC Materials Research Science and Engineering 

Centers (NSF)

nanoEHS nanotechnology environment, health, and 

safety (research, etc.)

nanoHUB Network for Computational 

Nanotechnology online user-focused 

resource for nanotechnology computation, 

simulation, and presentation (NSF)

NASA National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration

NBMC Nano-Bio Manufacturing Consortium

(DOD/Air Force)

NCI National Cancer Institute (DHHS/NIH)

NCL Nanotechnology Characterization 

Laboratory (DHHS/NIH/NCI)

NCNHIR NIEHS Centers for Nanotechnology Health 

Implications Research consortium (NIH)
Appendix A. Abbreviations and Acronyms

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 99

NCTR-ORA National Center for Toxicological Research

and Office of Regulatory Affairs (FDA)

NEHI Nanotechnology Environmental and Health 

Implications Working Group of the NSET 

Subcommittee

NHIR Nanotechnology Health Implications 

Research consortium (a successor to the 

NCNHIR)

NHLBI National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 

(DHHS/NIH)

NIBIB National Institute of Biomedical Imaging 

and Bioengineering (DHHS/NIH)

NICE Nanotechnology Innovation and 

Commercialization Ecosystem Working 

Group of the NSET Subcommittee

NIDCR National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial 

Research (DHHS/NIH)

NIEHS National Institute of Environmental Health 

Sciences (DHHS/NIH)

NIFA National Institute of Food and Agriculture 

(USDA)

NIH National Institutes of Health (DHHS)

NINDS National Institute of Neurological Disorders 

and Stroke (NIH) 

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health (DHHS/CDC)

NIST National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (DOC)

NKI Nanotechnology Knowledge Infrastructure 

(Nanotechnology Signature Initiative)

nm nanometer(s)

NNCI National Nanotechnology Coordinated 

Infrastructure (NSF)

NNCO National Nanotechnology Coordination 

Office

NNI National Nanotechnology Initiative

NNIN National Nanotechnology Infrastructure 

Network

NNMI National Network for Manufacturing 

Innovation 

NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

NRC-Canada National Research Council of Canada

NRI Nanoelectronics Research Initiative

NRL Navy Research Laboratory

NRO National Reconnaissance Office (IC/DNI)

NSE nanoscale science and engineering

NSEC Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers 

(NSF)

NSET Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and 

Technology Subcommittee of the NSTC

NSF National Science Foundation

NSI Nanotechnology Signature Initiative

NSRC Nanoscale Science Research Centers (DOE)

NSTC National Science and Technology Council

NTP National Toxicology Program

(DHHS/NIH/multiagency)

OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation 

and Development 

OMB Office of Management and Budget 

(Executive Office of the President)

ONR Office of Naval Research

OSD Office of the Secretary of Defense

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (DOL)

OSTP Office of Science and Technology Policy 

(Executive Office of the President) 

PCA Program Component Area of the National 

Nanotechnology Initiative

PCAST President’s Council of Advisors on Science 

and Technology

PtD prevention through design 

PV photovoltaic

QESST Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar 

Technologies (NSF/DOE Engineering 

Research Center)

RFA request for applications

RFI request for information

SBIR Small Business Innovation Research Program

SI International System of Units

SRC Semiconductor Research Corporation

STAR Science to Achieve Results (EPA)

STARnet Semiconductor Technology Advanced 

Research Network (DARPA, industry, 

universities) 

STEM science, technology, engineering, and 

mathematics

STTR Small Business Technology Transfer 

Research Program

TONIC Translation of Nanotechnology in Cancer

USACEHR U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health 

Research

USAF U.S. Air Force

USAMRMC U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel 

Command

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USGS U.S. Geological Survey 

USITC U.S. International Trade Commission

USPTO U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (DOC)

WMD(s) weapon(s) of mass destruction

XPS x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
100 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

APPENDIX B. CONTACT LIST

Affiliations are as of March 2016

OSTP

Dr. Altaf H. Carim

Assistant Director for Research 

Infrastructure

Office of Science and Technology Policy

Executive Office of the President

Washington, DC 20502

T: 202-456-7825

acarim@ostp.eop.gov

Dr. Lloyd J. Whitman

Assistant Director for Nanotechnology and 

Advanced Materials

Office of Science and Technology Policy

Executive Office of the President

Washington, DC 20502

T: 202-456-2924

lwhitman@ostp.eop.gov 

OMB

Dr. Danielle Jones 

Office of Management and Budget

Executive Office of the President

725 17th St., NW

Washington, DC 20503

T: 202-395-1741

Danielle_Y_Jones@omb.eop.gov

Dr. James Kim

Office of Management and Budget

Executive Office of the President

725 17th St., NW

Washington, DC 20503

T: 202-395-3085

James_H_kim@omb.eop.gov

Ms. Celinda Marsh

Office of Management and Budget

Executive Office of the President

725 17th St., NW

Washington, DC 20503

T: 202-395-5835

Celinda_A._Marsh@omb.eop.gov

NNCO129

Dr. Michael A. Meador 

Director

National Nanotechnology 

Coordination Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-5166 

mmeador@nnco.nano.gov

 

129 Additional NNCO staff contact 

information is provided on p. 104.

Dr. Lisa E. Friedersdorf

Deputy Director

National Nanotechnology 

Coordination Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4533

lfriedersdorf@nnco.nano.gov

CPSC

Dr. Treye Thomas

Leader, Chemical Hazards Program

Office of Hazard Identification & Reduction

Consumer Product Safety Commission

4330 East-West Highway, 

Suite 600

Bethesda, MD 20814

F: 301-987-2560

tthomas@cpsc.gov

DHS

Mr. Kumar Babu

Office of Research and Development

Science and Technology Directorate

Department of Homeland Security

1120 Vermont Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20005

T: 202-254-5842

kumar.babu@hq.dhs.gov 

DNI

Mr. Matthew J. Cobert

Nanotechnologies Branch Chief

National Reconnaissance Office

14675 Lee Road

Chantilly, VA 20151

T: 703 808-3115

cobertma@nro.mil

DOC/BIS

Ms. Kelly Gardner

Export Policy Advisor

U.S. Department of Commerce

Bureau of Industry and Security

Office of National Security and Technology 

Transfer Controls, Rm. 2600

14th St. & Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20230

T: 202-482-0102

Kelly.Gardner@bis.doc.gov

DOD

Dr. Jeffrey DePriest

New Technologies Program Manager

Counterforce Systems Division

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

8725 John J. Kingman Road, MSC 6201

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201

T: 703-767-4199

Jeffrey.DePriest@dtra.mil

Dr. Eric W. Forsythe

Staff Physicist

Army Research Laboratory

2800 Powder Mill Road

Adelphi, MD 20783

T: (301) 394 0606

eric.w.forsythe.civ@mail.mil

Dr. Mark H. Griep

Materials Engineer

Army Research Laboratory

4600 Deer Creek Loop

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005

T: 410-306 4923

mark.h.griep.civ@mail.mil

Dr. Akbar S. Khan

Senior Microbiologist & S&T Manager

Strategic Operations Division

Chemical Biological Technologies

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

T: 703-767-3391

Akbar.s.khan.civ@mail.mil

Dr. Antti J. Makinen

Program Officer

Office of Naval Research

875 North Randolph St.

Arlington, VA 22203

T: 703-696-0283

antti.makinen@navy.mil

Dr. Heather Meeks

Physical Scientist

Basic & Supporting Research Div.

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201

T: 703-767-3059

Heather.Meeks@dtra.mil
Appendix B. Contact List

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 101

Dr. Brian D. Pate

Physical Scientist

Basic & Supporting Research Div.

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201

T: 703-767-3388

Brian.Pate@dtra.mil

Dr. Gernot S. Pomrenke

Program Manager - Optoelectronics, THz 

and Nanotechnology

AFOSR/NE

Directorate of Physics and Electronics

Air Force Office of Scientific Research

875 North Randolph Street

Suite 325, Rm. 3112

Arlington, VA 22203-1768

T: 703-696-8426

gernot.pomrenke@afosr.af.mil

Dr. Lewis Sloter

Associate Director, Materials & Structures

Office of the Assistant Secretary of 

Defense for Research and Engineering

AT&L (ASDR&E)

4800 Mark Center Dr. 

Alexandria VA 22350-3600

T: 571-372-6511

Lewis.E.Sloter.civ@mail.mil

Dr. David M. Stepp

Chief, Materials Science Division

Army Research Office

AMSRD-ROE-M (Materials Science Division)

P.O. Box 12211

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

T: 919-549-4329

david.m.stepp.civ@mail.mil

DOE

Dr. Harriet Kung

Director, Office of Basic Energy Sciences

Office of Science

U.S. Department of Energy

SC-22/GTN

1000 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20585

T: 301-903-3081

Harriet.Kung@science.doe.gov

Dr. George Maracas

Division of Scientific User Facilities

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

U.S. Department of Energy

SC-22.3/GTN 

1000 Independence Avenue, SW 

Washington, D.C. 20585

T: 301-903-0064

george.maracas@science.doe.gov

Dr. Andrew R. Schwartz

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

U.S. Department of Energy

SC-22/GTN

1000 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20585-1290

T: (301) 903-3535

andrew.schwartz@science.doe.gov

Dr. David Forrest

Advanced Manufacturing Office

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable 

Energy

U.S. Department of Energy

Room 5F-065, MS EE-5A

1000 Independence Ave., SW 

Washington, D.C. 20585

T: 202-586-5725

david.forrest@ee.doe.gov

DOEd

Dr. Russell D. Shilling

Executive Director of STEM Initiatives

U.S. Department of Education

Room 4W306

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202

T: 202-453-5704

Russell.Shilling@ed.gov

DOJ

Mr. Joseph Heaps

Policy Advisor, Communications and Radio 

Frequency Spectrum Issues 

National Institute of Justice

Office of Science and Technology

810 7th Street, NW, Rm. 7206

Washington, DC 20531

T: 202-305-1554

Joseph.Heaps@usdoj.gov

DOL/OSHA

Dr. Janet Carter

Senior Health Scientist

Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration

Room N3718

200 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20210

T: 513-684-6030

Carter.Janet@dol.gov

DOS

Mr. Kenneth Hodgkins

Director

Office of Space & Advanced Technology

U.S. Department of State

OES/SAT, SA-23

1990 K Street, NW, Suite 410

Washington, DC 20006

T: 202-663-2398

HodgkinsKD@state.gov

Dr. Chris Cannizzaro

Physical Science Officer

Office of Space & Advanced Technology 

U.S. Department of State

OES/SAT, SA-23

1990 K Street, NW, Suite 410

Washington, DC 20006

T: 202-663-2390

CannizzaroCM@state.gov 

DOT

Mr. Peter Chipman

Office of the Assistant Secretary for 

Research and Technology

Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

T: 202-366-0934

Peter.Chipman@dot.gov

Dr. Jonathan Porter

Chief Scientist

Office of Research, Development, and 

Technology

Federal Highway Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

6300 Georgetown Pike

McLean, VA 22101-2200

T: 202-493-3038

jonathan.porter@dot.gov

DOTreas

Dr. John F. Bobalek

Program Manager

Office of Research and Technical Support

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Rm. 201-29A

14th and C Streets, SW

Washington, DC 20228-0001

T: 202-874-2109

John.Bobalek@bep.treas.gov

DOC/EDA

Mr. Thomas Guevara

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional 

Affairs

U.S. Department of Commerce

1401 Constitution Avenue, NW

Suite 71014

Washington, DC 20230

T: 202-482-5891

tguevara@eda.doc.gov

EPA

Dr. Tina Bahadori

National Program Director

Chemical Safety for Sustainability

Office of Research and Development

Mail Code 8101R

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20460

T: 202-564-0428

Bahadori.Tina@epa.gov
Appendix B. Contact List

102 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Dr. William Boyes

Chemical Safety and Sustainability 

Emerging Materials Project Co-Lead

Office of Research and Development

Mail Code B105-05 

Environmental Protection Agency

109 T.W. Alexander Drive

Research Triangle Park, NC 27711

T: 919-541-7538; F: 919-541-4849

boyes.william@epa.gov

Dr. Elaine Cohen Hubal

Deputy National Program Director

Chemical Safety for Sustainability 

Research Program

Office of Research and Development

Environmental Protection Agency

109 T.W. Alexander Drive

Research Triangle Park, NC 27711

T: 919-541-4077

Hubal.Elaine@epa.gov

FDA

Dr. Anil K. Patri

Chair, Nanotechnology Task Force

Director, NCTR-ORA Nanotechnology Core 

Facility

National Center for Toxicological Research

Food and Drug Administration

3900 NCTR Road

Jefferson, AR 72079

T: 870-543-7580

anil.patri@fda.hhs.gov

NASA 

Dr. Azlin M. Biaggi-Labiosa

Manager, Nanotechnology Project, Space 

Technology Project Office

Game Changing Development Program

NASA Glenn Research Center

21000 Brookpark Road, MS162-8 

Cleveland, OH 44135

T: 216-433-5044

Azlin.m.biaggi-labiosa@nasa.gov

Dr. Lanetra C. Tate

Principal Technologist

Space Technology Mission Directorate 

NASA Headquarters

300 E Street, SW 

Washington, DC 20546

T: 202-358-1071

lanetra.c.tate@nasa.gov

NIH

Dr. Lori Henderson

Program Director

Clinical Trials Branch/Cancer Imaging 

Program

Division of Cancer Treatment and 

Diagnosis

National Cancer Institute

6130 Executive Blvd.

Rockville, MD 20892

T: 240- 276-5930; F: 240-276-7890

hendersonlori@mail.nih.gov

NIH/OD

Dr. Elizabeth M. Baden

Health Science Policy Analyst

Office of Science Management and 

Reporting

Office of the Director

National Institutes of Health

6705 Rockledge Dr.

RKL1 BG, Rm. 743

Bethesda, MD 20817

T: 301-443-7996

elizabeth.baden@nih.gov

Dr. David A. Kosub

Public Health Analyst

Office of Science Management and 

Reporting

Office of the Director

National Institutes of Health

6705 Rockledge Dr.

RKL1 BG, Rm. 750

Bethesda, MD 20817

T: 301-496-9838

david.kosub@nih.gov

NIH/FIC

Mr. George Herrfurth

Multilateral Affairs Coordinator

Division of International Relations

Fogarty International Center

National Institutes of Health

Building 31, Rm. B2C11

Bethesda, MD 20892-2220

T: 301-402-1615; F: 301-480-3414

herrfurg@mail.nih.gov

NIH/NCI

Dr. Piotr Grodzinski

Program Director, Nanotechnology in Cancer

Office of Technology & Industrial Relations

Office of the Director

National Cancer Institute

National Institutes of Health

31 Center Drive, 10A52

Bethesda, MD 20892

T: 301-496-1550; F: 301-496-7807

grodzinp@mail.nih.gov

Dr. Scott McNeil

Director, Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory

National Cancer Institute at Frederick

National Institutes of Health

P.O. Box B, Building 469

1050 Boyles Street

Frederick, MD 21702-1201

T: 301-846-6939; F: 301-846-6399

mcneils@ncifcrf.gov

NIH/NHLBI 

Dr. Denis Buxton

Basic and Early Translational Research 

Program, DCVS

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

National Institutes of Health

6701 Rockledge Drive, Rm. 8216

Bethesda, MD 20817 

T: 301-435-0513; F: 301-480-1454

BuxtonD@nhlbi.nih.gov

NIH/NIBIB

Dr. Steven Zullo

Scientific Review Officer

Office of Scientific Review

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging 

and Bioengineering

Building Democracy II-952

6707 Democracy Blvd

Bethesda, MD 20892

T: 240-271-9007; F: 301-480-1675

Steven.Zullo@nih.hhs.gov

NIH/NIEHS

Dr. John R. Bucher

Associate Director

National Toxicology Program

NIEHS

National Institutes of Health

P.O. Box 12233

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

T: 919-541-4532; F: 919-541-4225

bucher@niehs.nih.gov

Dr. Christopher P. Weis

Toxicology Liaison/Senior Advisor

Office of the Director

NIEHS

National Institutes of Health

31 Center Drive, Room B1C02

Bethesda, MD 20892-2256

T: 301-496-3511

christopher.weis@nih.gov

NIH/NIGMS

Dr. Catherine Lewis

Director, Division of Cell Biology and 

Biophysics

National Institute of General Medical Sciences

National Institutes of Health

45 Center Drive, Rm. MSC 6200

Bethesda, MD 20892-6200

T: 301-594-0828; F: 301-480-2004

catherine.lewis@nih.hhs.gov

NIOSH

Dr. Charles L. Geraci, Jr.

Associate Director for Nanotechnology

Manager, Nanotechnology Research Center

National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health

1090 Tusculum Ave.

Cincinnati, OH 45226

T: 513-533-8339

CGeraci@cdc.gov
Appendix B. Contact List

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 103

Dr. Vladimir V. Murashov

Special Assistant to the Director

National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health

OD/NIOSH M/S-P12

395 E Street, SW, Suite 9200

Washington, DC 20201

T: 202-245-0668; F: 202-245-0628

vladimir.murashov@cdc.hhs.gov

NIST

Dr. Heather M. Evans

Senior Program Analyst

Program Coordination Office

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1060 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1060 

T: 301-975-4525; F: 301-216-0529

heather.evans@nist.gov

Dr. Ajit Jillavenkatesa

Senior Standards Policy Adviser

Standards Coordination Office

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1060

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1060

T: 301-975-8519; F: 301-975-4715

ajit.jilla@nist.gov

Dr. Debra L. Kaiser

Technical Program Director 

Materials Measurement Science Division

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8520

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8520

T: 301-975-6759; F: 301-975-5334

debra.kaiser@nist.gov

NRC

Mr. Brian Thomas

Deputy Director

Division of Engineering

Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Washington, DC 20555-0001

T: 301-251-7448; F:301-251-7425

brian.thomas@nrc.gov

NSF

Dr. Khershed Cooper

Program Director, Nanomanufacturing

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Engineering

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 505

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8301; F: 703-292-9013

khcooper@nsf.gov

Dr. Fred Kronz

Program Director, Division of Science, 

Technology, and Society

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and 

Economic Sciences

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 995 N

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-7283

fkronz@nsf.gov

Dr. Lynnette D. Madsen

Program Director, Division of Materials 

Research

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Mathematical and Physical 

Sciences

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1065

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-9035

lmadsen@nsf.gov

Dr. Mihail C. Roco

Senior Advisor for Nanotechnology

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Engineering

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 505

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8301; F: 703-292-9013

mroco@nsf.gov 

Dr. Nora F. Savage

Program Director 

Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, 

Environmental, and Transport Systems

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Engineering

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 565.41

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-7949, F: 703-292-9054

nosavage@nsf.gov

Dr. Grace J. Wang

Deputy Assistant Director

Directorate for Engineering

National Science Foundation

4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 505

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8301

jiwang@nsf.gov

USDA/ARS 

Dr. James Lindsay 

National Program Leader, Food Safety and 

Health

USDA Agricultural Research Service

5601 Sunnyside Avenue

GWCC BLTSVL

Room 4-2168

Beltsville, MD 20705-5138

T: 301-504-4674; F: 301-504-5467

James.Lindsay@ars.usda.gov

USDA/NIFA 

Dr. Hongda Chen

National Program Leader, Bioprocess

Engineering/Nanotechnology 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture 

U.S. Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Ave., SW #2220 

Washington, DC 20250-2220 

T: 202-401-6497; F: 202-401-4888

hchen@nifa.usda.gov

USDA/FS

Dr. World Nieh

National Program Leader, Forest Products 

and Utilization

USDA Forest Service 

1400 Independence Ave., SW 

Mailstop Code: 1114 

Washington, DC 20250-1114

T: 703-605-4197; F: 703-605-5137

wnieh@fs.fed.us

Dr. Theodore H. Wegner

Assistant Director

Forest Products Laboratory

USDA Forest Service

One Gifford Pinchot Drive

Madison, WI 53726-2398

T: 608-231-9434; F: 608-231-9567

twegner@fs.fed.us

USGS

Dr. Sarah Gerould

Staff Scientist

Ecosystems Mission Area

U.S. Geological Survey 

Mail Stop 301 National Center

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive

Reston, VA 20192

T: 703-648-6895; F: 703-648-4238

sgerould@usgs.gov

USITC

Ms. Elizabeth R. Nesbitt

International Trade Analyst for Biotechnology and Nanotechnology 

Chemicals and Textiles Division

Office of Industries

U.S. International Trade Commission

500 E Street, SW

Washington, DC 20436

T: 202-205-3355; F: 202-205-3161

elizabeth.nesbitt@usitc.gov

USPTO 

Ms. Gladys Corcoran

Technology Center Group Director

Patent and Trademark Office

P.O. Box 1450

Alexandria, VA 22313

T: 571-272-1300

Gladys.Corcoran@uspto.gov
Appendix B. Contact List

104 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2017 Budget 

Mr. Jesus J. Hernandez

Patent Attorney

Office of Policy and External Affairs

Patent and Trademark Office

P.O. Box 1450

Alexandria, VA 22313

T: 571-270-5975

jesus.hernandez@uspto.gov

Mr. Jerry Lorengo

Technology Center Group Director 

Patent and Trademark Office 

P.O. Box 1450

Alexandria, VA 22313

T: 571-272-0600

Jerry.Lorengo@uspto.gov

Mr. Peter C. Mehravari

Technology Center Group Director 

Patent and Trademark Office 

P.O. Box 1450

Alexandria, VA 22313

T: 571-272-1747

peter.mehravari@uspto.gov

Additional Staff Contacts,

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

Office (NNCO) 

Dr. Tarek R. Fadel

Staff Scientist 

NSET Executive Secretary

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-7926; F: 703-292-9312

tfadel@nnco.nano.gov

Mr. Geoffrey M. Holdridge

Policy Analyst and Contract Staff Director

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4532; F: 703-292-9312

gholdrid@nnco.nano.gov

Dr. Mike Kiley 

Industry and State Liaison

NICE Executive Secretary

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4399; F: 703-292-9312

mkiley@nnco.nano.gov

Dr. Shelah Morita

Policy Analyst

NEHI Executive Secretary

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4503; F: 703-292-9312

smorita@nnco.nano.gov

Ms. Marlowe Newman

Communications Director

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-7128; F: 703-292-9312

mnewman@nnco.nano.gov

Dr. Quinn Spadola

AAAS Fellow

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-2424; F: 703-292-9312

qspadola@nnco.nano.gov

Dr. Stacey Standridge

Staff Scientist

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8103; F: 703-292-9312

sstrandridge@nnco.nano.gov

Mr. Stephen Lehrman

Policy Analyst

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-2480; F: 703-292-9312

slehrman@nnco.nano.gov

National Science and Technology Council, Committee on Technology

Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology

National Nanotechnology 

Coordination Office

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Rm. 405

Arlington, VA 22230

703-292-8626

info@nnco.nano.gov

www.nano.gov