The National Nanotechnology Initiative

Research and Development Leading to a Revolution

in Technology and Industry

Supplement to the President’s FY 2007 Budget

theNational

Nanotechnology Initiative
About the National Science and Technology Council

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) was established by Executive Order on November 23, 1993. The 

Cabinet-level council is the principal means by which the President coordinates science, space, and technology policies across 

the Federal Government. NSTC coordinates the diverse parts of the Federal research and development enterprise. An important 

objective of the NSTC is the establishment of clear national goals for Federal science and technology investments in areas 

ranging from nanotechnology and health research to improving transportation systems and strengthening fundamental research. 

The Council prepares research and development strategies that are coordinated across Federal agencies to form a comprehensive 

investment package aimed at accomplishing multiple national goals. Please call the NSTC Executive Secretariat at 202-456-

6101 to obtain additional information regarding the NSTC, or visit the NSTC website at www.ostp.gov/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 all questions in which science and technology (S&T) are important elements; articulating the 

President’s S&T policies 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 Science Advisor to the President 

and manages the NSTC for the President. Please call 202-456-7116 to obtain additional information regarding OSTP, or visit 

the OSTP website at www.ostp.gov/.

About this document

This document is a supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget Request submitted to Congress on February 6, 2006. It gives 

a description of the activities underway in 2006 and planned for 2007 by the Federal Government agencies participating in 

the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), primarily from a programmatic and budgetary perspective. It is based on the 

NNI Strategic Plan released in December 2004 and reports estimated investments for 2006 and requested investments for 

2007 by program component area (PCA), as called for under the provisions of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research 

and Development Act (Public Law 108-153). Please call 703-292-8626 to obtain additional information regarding the NNI, 

or visit the NNI website at www.nano.gov/.

About the cover

Central image: Phase contour map of piezoelectric lead barium zirconate (PBZ) nanotubes and surrounding electric fields 

obtained by electron holography, courtesy of Bernhard Frost and David Joy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Oak 

Ridge National Laboratory. Performed in a specially-equipped transmission electron microscope, electron holography exploits 

the wave-like characteristics of electrons to map the fields in and around nanomaterials. It provides valuable information on 

the nanometer scale about materials such as PBZ, which is being investigated for use in a new generation of small sensors and 

precise actuators. 

Background image: Germanium beads on a zinc oxide nanowire, courtesy of Zhengwei Pan, Chemical Sciences Division and 

Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

The Center for Nanophase Materials Science is the first of five Nanoscale Science Research Centers funded by the 

Department of Energy to go into full operation (in 2006) and is a key part of the National Nanotechnology Initiative’s 

investment in research infrastructure. 

Cover and book design

Cover design by Nicolle Rager of Sayo-Art. Book design by Kathy Tresnak of Koncept, Inc., and staff members of the 

National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO).

Copyright information

This document is a work of the U.S. Government and is in the public domain. Subject to stipulations below, it may be 

distributed and copied, with acknowledgement to the 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 the NNCO if no provider is identified.

Printed in the United States of America. 2006.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative

Research and Development Leading to a Revolution

 in Technology and Industry

Supplement to the

President’s 2007 Budget

July 2006

Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology 

Committee on Technology

National Science and Technology Council
Report prepared by

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY (CT)

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

CT Co-Chairs: Richard Russell, Associate Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)

 Robert Cresanti, Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology

CT Executive Secretary: Anne Chaka, National Institute of Standards and Technology

NSET Subcommittee Agency Co-Chair

Altaf Carim

NSET Subcommittee OSTP Co-Chair

Celia Merzbacher

National Nanotechnology Coordination Office Director

Clayton Teague

NSET Subcommittee Executive Secretary

James Murday

Department and Agency Representatives

Office of Science and Technology Policy 

(OSTP)

Celia Merzbacher 

Office of Management and Budget 

(OMB)

Irene Brahmakulam

Bureau of Industry and Security 

(BIS/DOC)

Kelly Gardner

Consumer Product Safety Commission 

(CPSC)

Mary Ann Danello

Treye Thomas

Cooperative State Research, Education 

and Extension Service (CSREES/USDA)

Hongda Chen 

Department of Defense (DOD)

William Berry

David Stepp 

Mihal Gross 

James Murday 

Gernot Pomrenke

Department of Education (DOEd)

Richard LaPointe

Sharon Lee Miller

Department of Energy (DOE)

Kristin Bennett

Altaf Carim

Patricia Dehmer

Sara Dillich

Aravinda Kini

John Miller

Brian Valentine 

Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS)

Eric Houser

Richard Lareau

Keith Ward 

Department of Justice (DOJ)

Stanley Erickson

Department of Labor (DOL)

Brad Wiggins

Department of State (DOS)

George Atkinson

Ralph Braibanti

Christopher Rothfuss

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Richard John

Annalynn Lacombe

Richard Livingston

Department of Treasury (DOTreas)

John Bobalek

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Barbara Karn

Stephen Lingle

Nora Savage

Philip Sayre

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Norris Alderson

Stanley Brown 

Richard Canady

Forest Service (FS/USDA)

Christopher Risbrudt

Theodore Wegner

Intelligence Technology Innovation 

Center (ITIC)

Susan Durham

International Trade Commission (ITC)

Elizabeth Nesbitt

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration (NASA)

Minoo Dastoor

Murray Hirschbein

National Institutes of Health (NIH/DHHS)

Gregory Downing

Eleni Kousvelari

Peter Moy

Jeffery Schloss

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health (NIOSH/CDC/DHHS)

Vladimir Murashov

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST/DOC)

Michael Postek

Robert Shull

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Lance Haworth

Maryanna Henkart 

Mihail Roco

James Rudd

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

Michele Evans

Technology Administration (TA/DOC) 

Connie Chang

John Sargent

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 

(USPTO/DOC)

Charles Eloshway

Bruce Kisliuk
July 17, 2006

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: 

I am pleased to forward with this letter the annual report on the multi-agency National 

Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). This Supplement to the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2007 

describes the programs and activities taking place across all 25 of the agencies that are 

participating today in the NNI. Nanotechnology research and development (R&D) is inherently 

multidisciplinary and the rate of progress depends on the strong interagency coordination that is 

taking place, as described in this report, to leverage expertise throughout the Federal Government. 

The NNI is now in its sixth year, and the proposed budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 is nearly 

triple the amount spent at the outset of the program in FY 2001. This investment is distributed 

across 13 agencies, supporting missions that range from addressing our energy needs and 

developing technologies for early diagnosis of disease to enhancing homeland and national 

security. Funding under the NNI supports a broad range of R&D, along with a geographically 

distributed infrastructure of research centers and user facilities that house leading edge equipment. 

The NNI also works with the private sector and State and regional stakeholders to facilitate 

technology transfer of NNI R&D results, thus advancing nanotechnology development efforts for 

commercial and public benefit. The NNI also aids scientific advancement and commercialization 

through education and workforce preparation programs. 

As part of these efforts to advance nanotechnology, the Federal Government supports a 

coordinated program, with participation by both research and regulatory agencies, to understand 

potential health and environmental effects of nanotechnology. In addition, the NNI is expanding 

its activities in outreach and public engagement as part of its efforts to assess and address societal 

and ethical concerns associated with this emerging area of technology. 

Nanotechnology is a priority element of the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) that was 

announced by the President in his 2006 State of the Union address, and over half of the FY 2007 

NNI budget is going to the agencies that are targeted by the ACI (i.e., the National Science 

Foundation, Department of Energy Office of Science, and the National Institute of Standards and 

Technology). As described in this report, the NNI is taking steps to leverage resources across all 

agencies to ensure that the Federal program leads to the expeditious and responsible development 

of nanotechnology for the Nation’s benefit and in support of our continued global leadership.

Sincerely,

John H. Marburger, III 

Director 

E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E O F T H E P R E S I D E N T

OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY

WA S H I N G TO N , D. C . 2 0 5 0 2

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................. i

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area (PCA) ....................................................................................... 1

PCA 1: Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes ....................................................................... 2

PCA 2: Nanomaterials .............................................................................................................................. 6

PCA 3: Nanoscale Devices and Systems .................................................................................................... 10

PCA 4: Instrumentation Research, Metrology, and Standards for Nanotechnology .................................. 15

PCA 5: Nanomanufacturing .................................................................................................................... 18

PCA 6: Major Research Facilities and Instrumentation Acquisition .......................................................... 21

PCA 7: Societal Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 25

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007 ............................................................................................................ 35

Budget Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 35

Utilization of SBIR and STTR Programs to Advance Nanotechnology .................................................... 40

Summary of Areas of Emphasis in 2006 and 2007 ................................................................................... 41 

Appendix A. Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... 47

Appendix B. Agendas for 2005 Open Meetings of the National Academies Committee to Review the NNI ..... 49

Appendix C. Contact List .................................................................................................................................. 55

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Tables and Figures

Table 1. List of Federal Agencies Participating in the NNI During 2006...............................................................v

Table 2. NNI Budget, 2005-2007 ...................................................................................................................... 35

Table 3. Estimated 2006 Agency Investments by Program Component Area ...................................................... 36

Table 4. Planned 2007 Agency Investments by Program Component Area......................................................... 37

Table 5. Budget for Environmental, Health, and Safety R&D, 2005-2007......................................................... 39

Table 6. Budget for Education and Ethical, Legal, and Other Societal Issues, 2005-2007................................... 39

Table 7. 2004 Agency SBIR and STTR Awards.................................................................................................. 40

Table 8. 2005 Agency SBIR and STTR Awards.................................................................................................. 40

Figure 1. NNI Centers, Networks, and User Facilities........................................................................................ 23
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget i

Overview

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), 

now in its sixth year, is a highly successful, 

collaborative, cross-cutting program among 

25 Federal agencies, 13 of which have budgets for 

nanotechnology research and development (R&D). With 

the strong support of this Administration and Congress, 

the NNI has been and will continue to be a major driver 

for the responsible development of nanotechnology 

in the United States and the world. Because of the 

NNI, (1) Federal agencies have initiated major new 

nanotechnology R&D activities that support national 

goals and agency missions; (2) there is an extensive and 

growing infrastructure of nanotechnology research and 

education centers; and (3) the 25 participating agencies 

(see Table 1, p. v) are working together to maximize the 

effectiveness of their individual and collective investments 

through communication, coordination, and joint 

programs.

The NNI is an important supporting component of the 

President’s American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) 

announced in the 2006 State of the Union address. The 

ACI supports the technological innovation that drives 

the U.S. economy through policies that stimulate private 

investment and entrepreneurship and that improve the 

ability to attract and retain the best and the brightest 

to high technology study and work. Within Federal 

agencies, the ACI calls for increased spending for physical 

science research, improved math and science education, 

and training to ensure a skilled U.S. workforce for the 

21st century. The goals of the ACI and the NNI are 

aligned. In particular, proposed spending for physical 

science research called for in the ACI and included in the 

President’s 2007 Budget includes nanotechnology R&D 

programs described in this report. 

The vision of the NNI is a future in which the ability 

to understand and control matter on the nanoscale 

leads to a revolution in technology and industry. 

Agencies participating in the NNI continue their 

dedication to the goals outlined in the December 

2004 NNI Strategic Plan (nano.gov/html/about/

strategicplan2004.html). These goals are: 

1.	 Maintain a world-class R&D program

2.	 Facilitate technology transfer

3.	 Develop educational resources, a skilled workforce,

and supporting research infrastructure and tools

4.	 Support responsible development of nanotechnology

The NNI Strategic Plan also outlines seven major subject 

areas for investment, called program component areas 

(PCAs), under which related projects are grouped. 

This Supplement to the President’s 20071 Budget serves 

as the annual report for the NNI called for by the 21st

Century Nanotechnology Research and Development 

Act (Public Law 108-153). The report provides details 

of the NNI budget for the current year (2006) and 

the proposed budget for 2007, broken out by program 

component area. This report also includes information on 

spending for the development and acquisition of research 

facilities and instrumentation, a discussion of external 

reviews of the NNI and how recommendations are being 

addressed, a description of how the NNI participating 

agencies are implementing the NNI Strategic Plan, and a 

summary of nanotechnology R&D funding through the 

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small 

Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Budget Summary

The 2007 NNI budget request for nanotechnology R&D 

across the Federal Government is nearly $1.3 billion, 

an increase of 21% over the 2006 request2. Estimated 

spending in 2006 is over $1.3 billion, an increase of 

8.6% over 2005 expenditures. Over the last six years, 

spending for nanotechnology has nearly tripled from an 

estimated $464 million in 2001. The increase reflects this 

1. General note: In conformance with Office of Management and 

Budget style, references to years in this report are to fiscal years, unless otherwise noted.

2. 2006 figures can be found in the NNI Supplement to the President’s 

FY 2006 Budget, available at www.nano.gov/NNI_06Budget.pdf.

Executive Summary
ii The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Executive Summary

Administration’s continuing strong support for the NNI 

program, based on its potential to expand knowledge, 

strengthen the U.S. economy, support national and 

homeland security, and enhance the quality of life for all 

citizens.

The five agencies investing the most in nanotechnology 

R&D (i.e., National Science Foundation, Department 

of Defense, Department of Energy, National Institutes 

of Health, and National Institute for Standards and 

Technology) each have investments distributed across at 

least six of the seven PCAs. Funding among the PCAs 

by all 13 agencies with nanotechnology R&D budgets 

reflects a balanced strategic investment. Planned 2007 

funding by PCA is as follows:

1. Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes 

($401 million)

2. Nanomaterials ($250 million)

3. Nanoscale Devices and Systems ($263 million)

4. Instrumentation Research, Metrology, and Standards 

for Nanotechnology ($77 million)

5. Nanomanufacturing ($41 million)

6. Major Research Facilities and Instrumentation 

Acquisition ($164 million)

7. Societal Dimensions ($82 million)

All the agencies participating in the NNI are still 

adjusting to the analysis and use of PCAs for categorizing 

their investments in nanotechnology R&D, which began 

in 2006. Quantitative estimates are provided based on 

selections of programs or projects that best match the 

PCA definitions provided in the 2004 NNI Strategic 

Plan. With this qualification and a reminder that any 

conclusions about trends are based on only two years 

of data, the major changes in the 2007 funding are 

slight decreases in funding for PCA 2 (Nanomaterials) 

and PCA 3 (Nanoscale Devices and Systems), and 

funding increases in PCA 4 (Instrumentation Research, 

Metrology, and Standards for Nanotechnology), 

PCA 5 (Nanomanufacturing), and PCA 6 (Major 

Research Facilities and Instrumentation Acquisition). 

With the same qualifications, planned 2007 funding 

for PCA1 (Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena and 

Processes) and PCA 7 (Societal Dimensions) has 

remained relatively unchanged.

The Societal Dimensions PCA includes approximately 

$44 million for programs that are directed primarily 

at environmental, health, and safety (EHS) R&D, up 

from a 2006 requested funding level of $38.5 million. 

Interagency planning and coordination in this area 

is expanding. The Societal Dimensions PCA further 

includes $38 million for education-related activities and 

research on the broad implications of nanotechnology 

for society, including economic, workforce, educational, 

ethical, legal, and other social implications. 

Changes in the NNI for 2006 and 2007: 

Highlights

The NNI underwent a substantial structural change in 

2005 with the implementation of the December 2004 

NNI Strategic Plan. The vision, goals, and program 

component areas that were outlined in that plan were 

reflected for the first time in the NNI Supplement to the 

President’s 2006 Budget, released in March 2005. These 

overall drivers for the NNI remain the same for 2007. 

This report therefore focuses on the significant progress 

that has been made toward achieving those goals since the 

release of the NNI Supplement to the President’s 2006 

Budget. Some highlights that have taken place since the 

release of that document or that are planned for 2007 

follow:

 The advanced infrastructure of research centers 

and user facilities that supports the entire spectrum 

of nanotechnology R&D is being substantially 

augmented. The number of centers and user facilities 

in operation will exceed 50 in 2006 and will grow 

further in 2007. Funded jointly and individually by 

several agencies, the facilities, instrumentation, and 

expertise are a key component of the NNI.

 Individual multiyear projects, as well as the overall 

portfolio of research, aimed at understanding 

the potential environmental, health, and safety 

implications of nanotechnology continue to mature 

and grow. The Nanoscale Science, Engineering, 

and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee’s 

Nanotechnology Environmental and Health 

Implications (NEHI) Working Group coordinates 

activities among agencies with research and 

regulatory responsibilities. NEHI is in the process of 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget iii

Executive Summary

preparing a document that identifies EHS research 

needed to enable risk assessment of nanoscale 

materials, products, and processes. 

 NSET Subcommittee members continue to 

participate in and provide financial support for 

the American National Standards Institute’s 

Nanotechnology Standards Panel (ANSI-NSP) 

and the ANSI-accredited Technical Advisory 

Group (TAG) to the International Organization 

for Standardization Technical Committee on 

Nanotechnologies (ISO TC 229). Support of 

these efforts to develop common terminology and 

other standards is very important for advancing 

nanotechnology applications and commercialization. 

Three major topics are being pursued by the ANSI 

TAG to ISO TC 229: (1) general terminology and 

nomenclature for nanotechnology, (2) metrology and 

instrumentation for nanotechnology, and (3) health, 

safety, and environmental aspects of nanotechnology. 

Within the efforts of the ISO TC 229, the United 

States is leading the international efforts to develop 

standards on health, safety, and environmental 

aspects of nanotechnology.

 The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and 

Technology (PCAST) released its first report in May 

2005 in its capacity as the National Nanotechnology 

Advisory Panel (NNAP), assessing the first five 

years of the NNI and making a number of useful 

recommendations for future improvements. That 

report is discussed in some detail in the sidebar on 

page vi.

 Following release of the NNAP report, the NSET 

Subcommittee of the Committee on Technology 

of the National Science and Technology Council 

began implementing some of the NNAP’s 

recommendations. Specifically, the NSET 

Subcommittee has:

 Reached out to the Department of Education 

and the Department of Labor with the result 

that they have joined the NNI as participants. 

This will facilitate enhanced coordination of 

the Federal Government’s efforts to address 

education and workforce issues associated with 

nanotechnology.

 Addressed the NNAP’s recommendation to 

increase the NNI’s outreach to and coordination 

with the States, by organizing and conducting a 

second workshop on “Regional, State, and Local 

Initiatives in Nanotechnology” on November 

3-4, 2005. The workshop provided a forum for 

interchange of ideas among the leaders of regional, 

state, and local nanotechnology initiatives and 

identified means to promote continued success of 

those initiatives and to strengthen the role of the 

States in achieving NNI goals.

 The NSET Subcommittee member agencies, through 

the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office 

(NNCO), provided substantial input to and support 

of the National Academies’ evaluation of the NNI in 

2005, with expectation of a report release in 2006. 

Consideration and implementation by the NNI 

of recommendations will begin in late 2006 and 

continue through 2007.

 The NNI, through the National Nanotechnology 

Coordination Office and other channels, is 

broadening its activities for public engagement in 

2006 and 2007.

 Agency-specific highlights are summarized briefly 

here, with more detail on the changes for 2006 and 

2007 provided in Section 1 of this report.

 DOD: Support continues for program 

activities seeking to discover and exploit unique 

phenomena at nanoscale dimensions to enable 

novel applications that enhance warfighter 

and battle systems capabilities. Support also 

continues for nanomaterials research to enable 

robust incorporation and design of nanoscale 

phenomena and the realization of novel 

materials properties based on these phenomena. 

Added support for nanomanufacturing 

research is anticipated via the SBIR/STTR and 

Manufacturing Technology (MANTECH) 

programs in order to facilitate transition to and 

a supply of nanotechnology-based products for 

defense technologies.

 DOE: Physical construction of four of the 

five Nanoscale Science Research Centers will 

be completed in 2006, and full operations 

will be supported at these major user facilities 
iv The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Executive Summary

in 2007; a fifth center will remain under 

construction. The 2007 request includes a 

substantial increase in funding for research 

at the nanoscale, largely for activities related 

to the hydrogen economy, solar energy 

conversion, fundamental studies of materials 

at the nanoscale, and instrumentation for 

characterizing materials at the nanoscale.

 EPA: With an almost 100% increase in 

nanotechnology-related R&D funding for 

2007, EPA will continue to focus the majority 

of research in 2006 and 2007 on the potential 

health and environmental implications of 

nanomaterials; increased efforts in the area 

of risk assessment and risk management 

needs for nanomaterials; and research on 

nanoscale technologies as potential solutions to 

environmental problems.

 EPA has released a draft white paper for public 

comment that looks broadly at how various 

environmental statutes can and will be applied 

to protect public safety and the environment 

with respect to nanotechnology. This white 

paper is the point of departure for additional 

activities such as developing a research strategy 

and implementing programmatic activities.

 FDA: Several new nanotechnologybased biomedical device applications of 

nanotechnology have been approved, including 

nanocomposites for orthopedic and dental 

applications.

 NIH: Continued significant ramp-up of 

nanotechnology R&D funding includes 

implementing the Nanomedicine Roadmap 

Initiative; the National Cancer Institute’s 

Nanotechnology Platform Partnerships 

and Nanotechnology Characterization 

Laboratory; the National Heart, Lung, and 

Blood Institute’s Programs of Excellence in 

Nanotechnology; and the Nanotechnology 

Program Area at the National Institute of 

Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.

 NIOSH: Emphases include release of an initial 

document with recommended practices for safe 

handling of nanomaterials in the workplace, and 

formation of Nanotechnology Field Teams that 

are conducting field studies in partnership with 

stakeholders to observe and assess occupational 

health and safety practices and control 

technologies in facilities where nanotechnology 

processes and applications are used.

 NIST: Several new programs are being initiated 

to develop physical standards and measurement 

methods for engineered nanoscale materials, to 

accelerate their use in new classes of materials, 

and to aid in assessing environmental impact. 

NIST has established the Center for Nanoscale 

Science and Technology and the Advanced 

Measurement Laboratory, and is applying these 

and other existing resources and expertise to the 

development of leading nanotechnology and 

nanomanufacturing measurement science. 

 NSF: Prominent initiatives include a new focus 

and corresponding program announcement 

on “Active Nanostructures and Nanosystems,” 

implementation of the Center for Hierarchical 

Nanomanufacturing, and increased support for 

fundamental research in the physical sciences 

and materials at the nanoscale. 

 USDA: The Forest Service has joined the NNI 

budget crosscut, with a budget request for 

2007 of $2.1 million focused on applications of 

nanotechnology to enhance utilization of forest 

resources and research on low-cost forest product 

feedstocks for nanomanufacturing. 

Organization of the Report

 Section 1 describes the NNI R&D programs under 

each of the seven PCAs, including specific strategic 

priorities, highlights of the 2007 budget request, 

interagency coordination activities, and a brief 

overview of activities underway or planned by each 

participating agency for 2006 and 2007. 

 Section 2 provides detailed budget information by 

agency and PCA and summaries of agency areas 

of emphasis for 2006 and 2007. Section 2 also 

provides information on agency use of the SBIR 

and STTR programs to achieve NNI goals, and 

it describes coordinated interagency activities in 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget v

Executive Summary

the following areas of emphasis: environmental, 

health, and safety research; nanomanufacturing; 

industry liaison in support of technology transfer 

and commercialization; standards development; 

infrastructure development; and interdisciplinary 

research. Finally, Section 2 summarizes changes in 

NNI agency activities.

 Appendices include a glossary, agendas of the open 

meetings of the National Academies as part of their 

review of the NNI, and contact information for 

agency staff involved in the NNI.

  

Table 1 

List of Federal Agencies Participating in the NNI During 2006

Federal agencies with budgets dedicated to nanotechnology research and development

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES, Department of Agriculture)

Department of Defense (DOD)

Department of Energy (DOE)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Department of Justice (DOJ)

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Forest Service (FS, Department of Agriculture)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, Department of Commerce)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, Department of Health and Human Services/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

National Institutes of Health (NIH, Department of Health and Human Services) 

National Science Foundation (NSF) 

Other participating agencies

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS, Department of Commerce)

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Department of Education (DOEd)

Department of Labor (DOL)

Department of State (DOS)

Department of the Treasury (DOTreas)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA, Department of Health and Human Services)

International Trade Commission (ITC)

Intelligence Technology Innovation Center (ITIC)

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

Technology Administration (TA, Department of Commerce)

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO, Department of Commerce)
vi The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

External Reviews of the National Nanotechnology Initiative

The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (Public Law 108-153, hereafter referred to as the Act), which 

was signed into law by President Bush in December 2003, calls for a triennial external review by the National Research Council 

of the National Academies of several aspects of the National Nanotechnology Initiative, including its technical accomplishments, 

the appropriateness of agency funding levels, successes in technology transfer, and consideration of societal interests. As called 

for in the Act, the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office has commissioned the first of these reviews. Members of 

the NSET Subcommittee briefed a National Academies review committee at all five of its open meetings in 2005 (see agendas, 

Appendix B), and provided substantial additional background materials. A final report is expected in 2006. 

The National Research Council (NRC) reviewed the National Nanotechnology Initiative previously in 2002. An analysis 

of the recommendations of the 2002 NRC report and how the NNI has responded to its recommendations was included 

in the NNI Supplement to the President’s Budget for 2006. 

In July 2004, PCAST was designated as the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel (NNAP) called for by the Act. The 

NNAP has ongoing responsibilities for providing an assessment of and recommending improvements for the NNI. In 

May 2005, PCAST released its first report in its capacity as the NNAP (www.nano.gov/html/res/FINAL_PCAST_NANO_

REPORT.pdf). The report addresses four key questions: (1) Where do we stand? (2) Is this money well spent and the 

program well managed? (3) Are we addressing societal concerns and potential risks? and (4) How can we do better? The 

following is a summary of PCAST’s answers to these questions:

The United States is the acknowledged leader in nanotechnology R&D. The U.S. Federal Government investment is 

roughly one-quarter of the current government investment by all nations and is leveraging even larger investments by 

private companies as well as State and local governments. The United States leads in the number of start-up companies 

based on nanotechnology and in research output as measured by patents and publications. The U.S. leadership position, 

however, is under increasing competitive pressure from growing public and private activities around the world.

The money the United States is investing in nanotechnology is well spent; the recent NNI Strategic Plan provides an 

appropriate way to organize and manage the program; and the NNI’s coordinated interagency approach and its efforts 

to interact with industry and the public are laudable. Continued robust funding is important for long-term U.S. 

economic well-being and national security. 

The NNI recognizes that the societal implications of nanotechnology—including environmental and health effects—

must be taken into account and is moving deliberately to identify, prioritize, and address such concerns. 

While the overall assessment of the NNI in this report is positive, PCAST offers the following recommendations 

aimed at further strengthening the NNI:

Technology Transfer—To further facilitate technology transfer from the lab to the marketplace, the NNI should 

expand efforts to dialogue with U.S. industry, increase Federal-State coordination, and improve knowledge 

management of and access to NNI assets, e.g., user facilities and instrumentation.

Environmental and Health Implications—The NNI should continue its efforts to understand the possible toxicological 

effects of nanotechnology and where harmful human or environmental effects are proven, pertinent Federal agencies 

should apply appropriate regulatory mechanisms. The report calls for strong interagency collaboration as well as 

international coordination on this issue.

Education/Workforce Preparation—The NNI should establish relationships with the Departments of Education and 

Labor to develop education and training systems to improve the Nation’s technical proficiency in areas related to 

nanotechnology.

Societal Implications—The NNI must support research aimed at understanding societal (including ethical, economic, 

and legal) implications of nanotechnology and must actively work to inform the public about nanotechnology.

The NSET Subcommittee and the NNI agencies are acting upon these recommendations. For example, the NNI agencies 

reached out to the Departments of Education and Labor and they have become members of the Subcommittee; a second 

workshop on Regional, State, and Local Nanotechnology Initiatives was held; and research centers on Nanotechnology 

in Society were established. Details of these and other activities that respond to the PCAST report’s recommendations 

are included within the program highlights elsewhere in this report.

•

•

•

•
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 1

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) 

research in each of seven program component 

areas (PCAs) is described in this section in 

terms of the following outline: 

 PCA title.

 NNI agencies participating in the PCA, including 

those with and without budgets for nanotechnology 

research and development (R&D) in this area. 

Inclusion in the list of participating agencies 

indicates a significant relationship to the agency’s 

mission, interest, or needs. Standard acronyms are 

used for agency names; see Table 1 or the glossary in 

Appendix A for the full names of agencies.

 A brief description of why the PCA is important for 

the overall vision and goals of the NNI.

 A list of long-range strategic interests underlying 

the 2007 budget request in the PCA. Strategic 

interests and activities bridge multiple agencies and 

encompass a broad range of topics, including specific 

topics for R&D, targets for particular applications, 

goals for research and development, functional goals 

for infrastructure, and milestones for educational 

programs and public engagement.

 A list of selected 2007 programmatic highlights 

in the PCA. The highlights are specific tactical 

approaches within the long-range strategic areas, 

generally bridging across multiple agencies.

 A summary of interagency planning and 

coordinating activities supporting the 2007 request 

in the PCA.

 A concise description by agency of the major 

programs within the PCA that are underway in 2006 

and planned for 2007. The descriptive section for 

each PCA is not intended to be a thorough overview 

of the nanotechnology programs of the agencies. 

Planning and Coordination Across PCAs

Several NNI planning and coordination activities support 

all the PCAs: 

 Participation in the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, 

and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the 

Committee on Technology of the National Science 

and Technology Council enables coordination 

of activities under all of the PCAs among the 

participating agencies, for example, through 

participation in proposal evaluations, program 

reviews, and workshop planning. 

 A number of agencies with regulatory 

responsibilities—CPSC, EPA, FDA, NRC, OSHA, 

USDA—participate in the NNI and its working 

groups to coordinate with research agencies and 

support the NNI vision and goals. Such coordination 

helps inform regulatory decision-making and also 

helps guide the programs at the research agencies. 

The readiness of regulatory agencies to address 

materials, devices, and other nanotechnologybased products will have significant impact on this 

technology’s success as an engine for economic 

growth and public benefit. 

 All NNI agencies share an interest in enhancing 

awareness of, and where appropriate, engaging in 

international R&D activities.

 In the past year, the USDA Forest Service, the 

Department of Labor, the Department of Education, 

and the DOD’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency 

(DTRA) joined the NSET Subcommittee. The 

Forest Service is requesting a budget of $2.1 million 

for nanotechnology R&D in 2007, which will 

facilitate enhanced interagency planning and 

coordination in the Fundamental Nanoscale 

Phenomena and Processes; Nanomaterials; Nanoscale 

Devices and Systems; Nanomanufacturing; 

and Societal Dimensions program component 

areas. The Department of Education and the 

Department of Labor are joining NSET but 

do not have specific nanotechnology R&D 
2

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

budgets. However, their participation is expected 

to enhance interagency coordination, especially 

with regard to PCA 7, Societal Dimensions, 

in helping NSET address the educational and 

workforce issues associated with the continued 

development and exploitation of nanotechnology. 

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is funding 

studies to examine how nanotechnology can enhance 

chemical and biological defenses and is collaborating 

with other NNI agencies, in particular DOE.

PCA 1: Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes

NNI Agencies Requesting 2007 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DHHS (NIH), DOC (NIST), 

DOD, DOE, DOT (FHWA), EPA, NASA, NSF, USDA (CSREES), USDA (FS)

Other Participating Agencies: CPSC, DHS, DOC (BIS), DOC (TA), DOJ, ITIC

The overarching aim of coordinated NNI funding 

for Program Component Area 1 is to advance 

the knowledge frontiers of nanoscale phenomena 

and processes toward the goal of systematic control over 

matter at the nanoscale. Such advanced knowledge is 

a foundation for innovation in all application areas for 

nanotechnology. Representative R&D includes discovery 

and understanding of the basic science of collective 

electron, optical, and magnetic phenomena; biological 

and biochemical mechanisms; and quantum size effects 

in nanoscale and nanostructured matter. All these 

processes and phenomena play a key role in, for example, 

development of novel DNA sequencing techniques; 

new energy conversion technologies; development of 

new sensors for use in detecting pathogens or toxins in 

food and agricultural systems; and detecting chemical, 

biological, radiological, or explosive agents. 

President’s 2007 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

Federal agencies involved in this PCA have identified the 

following critical R&D areas as essential for discovery, 

understanding, and application of nanotechnology:

 Enhanced surface and interface effects arising at the 

nanoscale

 Basic science of self-assembly, directed self-assembly, 

programmed self-assembly, biologically driven selfassembly processes, and other processes necessary for 

manipulating and controlling matter at the nanoscale 

 Basic research on nanoscale phenomena and 

processes such as collective electron, optical, and 

magnetic phenomena in assemblies of nanostructures 

to advance innovation in data storage and data 

processing systems 

 New mathematical and simulation capabilities and 

tools with high spatial and temporal resolution, such 

as virtual laboratories and immersive visualization, to 

guide experimental investigations

 Application of novel tools and concepts emerging 

from nanotechnology to improve understanding of 

biological processes 

 Biomedical mechanisms for improved diagnostics, 

therapeutics, and treatments of disease 

 Quantum size effects for improved light sources and 

photovoltaic cells and, in combination with surface 

effects, for application in unique catalysts

 Dynamic events at the nanoscale, particularly with 

respect to ultrafast phenomena, including chemical 

bond formation 

 Fundamental physics of nanoscale processes such 

as manipulating single charges in nanostructures 

and devices typified by Josephson junctions, singleelectron tunneling devices, and quantum Hall effect 

devices 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 3

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

Highlights of the 2007 Request

□ Investigation of principles of assembly and 

positional control of nanoscale objects (such as 

nanotubes, nanowires, quantum dots, etc.) with 

potential to create devices, arrays, or systems via 

self-assembly, templated assembly, and biologically 

assisted assembly

□ Basic research on nanoscale phenomena and 

processes for application to hydrogen production, 

hydrogen storage, hydrogen-based fuel cells, and 

nanotechnology-based batteries and capacitors, in 

support of a hydrogen economy

□ Research on the synthesis, characterization, 

properties, and assembly of individual 

nanostructures, including nanostructures in biology 

and for catalysis

□ Merging nanotechnology-enabled measurements 

with fundamental biomedical research to generate 

novel insights into disease mechanisms and 

treatment options; and discerning the design of 

biological systems to guide future nanotechnology 

systems designs

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2007 Request

DOD, DOE, NASA: Coordinating research efforts in 

directed energy conversion.

DOD, DOE, NASA, NIH, NIST, NSF: Developing 

and operating centers of excellence and user facilities to 

support R&D on this PCA.

EPA, NASA: Jointly developing a testing technique and 

methodology for the identification, characterization, 

and correlation of carbon nanotubes and combustion 

processes.

NASA, NIST: Collaborating in carbon nanotube research 

highlighted by a joint workshop.

Trans-NIH: Coordinating the Nanomedicine Roadmap 

Initiative and two nanoscience and nanotechnology 

program announcements (including one for Small 

Business Innovation Research, SBIR) across the institutes 

and centers of the NIH.

2006 and 2007 Activities by Agency

DHHS (NIH): Use novel tools and concepts emerging 

from nanotechnology to improve understanding of 

biological processes. Much of biomedicine is based on 

cellular and subcellular (molecular and macromolecular) 

phenomena, so nanotechnology offers unique 

opportunities for measurement and manipulation in this 

biologically important size scale.

While much of biology is grounded in nanoscale 

phenomena, NIH has not reclassified most of its basic 

research portfolio as nanotechnology. Projects are 

classified as nanotechnology when any of the following 

criteria is met: nanotechnology tools and concepts 

are used to study biology; engineering approaches are 

applied to the development of new nanoscale devices and 

systems for the early detection and treatment of diseases; 

proposals are made to engineer biological molecules 

toward functions very different from those they have in 

nature; or proposals involve manipulation of biological 

systems by methods more precise than can be achieved 

by using molecular biological, synthetic chemical, or 

biochemical approaches that have been used for years in 

the biology research community. 

Under the Nanomedicine Roadmap Initiative launched 

in 2004, NIH funded four Nanomedicine Development 

Centers in 2005 and will expand the centers program 

in 2006. The initial goal is to develop and apply new 

tools with which to extract quantitative information on 

macromolecular systems in living cells or organisms, 

generating far more complete predictive models of 

biology at the molecular and longer length scales than 

are available today. In the process, engineering principles 

underlying biology will be developed. In later stages of 

the program, these discoveries will be used to develop 

systems for healthcare.

Other NIH programs related to this PCA include 

(a) the National Institute of General Medical Sciences 

program area entitled Single Molecule Biophysics and 

Nanoscience; (b) a portion of the National Heart, Lung, 

and Blood Institute and National Cancer Institute (NCI) 

nanotechnology programs (with the majority of funding 

under the PCA on Nanoscale Devices and Systems); (c) a 

portion of the NCI’s Integrative Cancer Biology program; 

(d) a portion of the National Human Genome Research 

Institute program to develop novel DNA sequencing 


1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

technologies (with additional work under the PCA on 

Nanoscale Devices and Systems), which will develop 

new fundamental knowledge needed to support device 

development; and (e) several projects under the NIH 

Roadmap Initiative on Molecular Libraries and Imaging 

to develop fundamental new approaches for molecular 

imaging in biological systems. 

DOC (NIST): Continue development of the Center 

for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST) and 

the Advanced Measurement Laboratory to establish a 

measurement infrastructure for the electronic, magnetic, 

and optical properties of nanostructures; devise ways to 

build “designer nanostructures” on an atom-by-atom 

basis; perform first-principles simulations of the structure 

and dynamics of nanoscale systems; and develop methods 

and devices for quantum information processing. Other 

areas of emphasis include the following:

•	 Investigation of the chemical forces that control 

electrical interplay between molecules in contact in 

moletronic devices 

•	 Development of quantum-based standards and 

measurement techniques for industrial applications

•	 Characterization and modeling of the nanoparticle/

polymer matrix interface to provide an understanding 

of the dispersion of nanoparticles in polymer matrices 

and to provide enhanced performance properties 

(such as durability, conductivity, scratch resistance, 

etc.) of polymer nanocomposites

•	 Development of fundamental knowledge at the 

nanoscale spatial and molecular levels on where, how, 

and why materials undergo chemical and physical 

degradation at nanoscale dimensions when they are 

exposed to the environment

DOC (TA): Monitor developments in the areas covered 

by the PCA, facilitate dissemination of this new 

knowledge to representatives of the business community, 

and examine their implications for U.S. domestic and 

international policies.

DOC (USPTO): Pursue efforts in the following two 

areas of relevance to all of the PCAs:

• The Nanotechnology Customer Partnership, 

whose objectives include exchange of information, 

cooperative efforts to provide patent examiners with 

in-depth technical training on the state of the art 

in nanotechnology, and identification of the best 

sources of nanotechnology-related information. 

Activities within the partnership include specific 

nanotechnology-related patent examiner training 

and continued work on the cross-reference art 

collection of 263 subclasses for nanotechnology, 

designated Class 977 and entitled “Nanotechnology.” 

Appropriate classification will allow examiners to 

more easily locate relevant technical information, 

thereby improving patent quality. 

•	 Ongoing discussions with the “Trilateral Offices” 

partners—the European Patent Office and the Japan 

Patent Office—regarding nanotechnology-related 

patent examining issues facing all three offices, 

including search and documentation issues and 

substantive examination issues.

DOD: Discover new phenomena and processes to 

enable breakthrough advantages for warfighter and 

battle systems capabilities; develop robust strategies for 

synthesis, characterization, and assembly of individual 

nanostructures; explore applications of nanostructures 

for revolutionary catalysis, chemical and biological 

agent scavengers, taggants, and sensors; and elucidate 

fundamental aspects of phonon and electron transport 

in individual nanowires and two- and three-dimensional 

nanostructures as they relate to the development of 

high-performance thermoelectric, thermionic, and 

photovoltaic devices for advanced solid-state power 

generation, cooling, and thermal management.

DOE: Support fundamental scientific research 

into nanoscale phenomena via grant programs and 

DOE National Laboratory research efforts, including 

investigations of mechanisms of hydrogen production 

and storage and of solar energy conversion. Research 

surface and interfacial chemical phenomena; catalysis; 

nanoparticle reactivity; photochemistry at the nanoscale; 

electronic, optical, magnetic, thermal, mechanical, and 

other materials properties; nanoscale organic-inorganic 

hybrids and interfaces; theory, modeling, and simulation; 

and advanced scientific computing. Investigate principles 

of assembly and positional control of nanoscale objects 

(such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, quantum 

dots, etc.) to create devices, arrays, or systems via selfassembly, templated assembly, and biologically assisted 

assembly. Develop and analyze novel X-ray, neutron, 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 5

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

electron, and other scattering phenomena to investigate 

dynamic and ultrafast processes at the nanoscale.

EPA: Develop innovative characterization approaches 

using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy 

to detect and characterize engineered nanoscale 

materials emitted from nanotechnology applications 

and conventional processes. Using nanotechnology 

tools and methods, EPA plans to fingerprint physical 

characteristics of engineered nanoscale materials, with 

special interest on C60 fullerenes. Engineered nanoscale 

materials are being used and researched in industry for a 

wide variety of applications including surface coatings, 

improving fiber optics, and improving battery and 

capacitor technology. Some baseline understanding of 

the levels of these molecules in the environment, their 

formation mechanisms, and analytical techniques needed 

to identify their presence is fundamental to assessing 

engineered nanoscale materials in the environment and 

their potential risks. During 2006 and 2007, EPA plans 

to further characterize the properties of engineered 

nanostructures by layer, separation distance, curvature, 

and tortuosity using statistical fringe analysis.

NASA: Pursue the strategy of using the biological model 

of hierarchical cellular organization for the application of 

nanotechnology and for the management of information 

as a paradigm for future space systems and explorers. 

Using real-time feedback loops, conduct research at 

the intersection of biology and nanotechnology to 

develop (a) a bio-analytical laboratory for interrogating 

extraterrestrial samples, (b) high-density transducer arrays 

for providing high-throughput, quantitative physiological 

monitoring for astronauts, and (c) diagnostic 

technologies for spacecraft environmental monitoring. 

The long-term goal is to capitalize on Nature’s model 

for the management of information, achieving complex 

functionality through the self-organization of a large 

number of primitive information inputs.

NSF: Support individual investigator research, 

interdisciplinary research, and education teams (small 

groups), science and engineering centers, and exploratory 

research. A funding priority for 2007 will be in the 

area of understanding and potential application of 

quantum effects, collective behavior, and other nanoscale 

phenomena. 

Special emphasis will be placed on research in the 

following areas: 

•	 Novel phenomena, quantum control, and basic 

engineering processes, i.e., discovering and 

understanding phenomena and design processes 

specific at the nanoscale, including collective 

behavior, new physical and chemical phenomena, 

and their implementation in mechanics, biology, 

electronics, and optics. A particular focus will be on 

collective behavior at the nanoscale—experimental 

and theoretical research aimed ultimately at 

understanding and controlling fundamental physical 

and chemical interactions and emergent behavior 

at the nanoscale. Potential applications include 

quantum computing and new devices and processes 

for advanced communications and information 

technologies. 

•	 Biosystems at the nanoscale: study of biologically 

based or inspired systems that exhibit novel properties 

enabling useful applications. Potential applications 

include exploitation of functions of cellular organelles 

and biomolecular motors; devices for research 

in genomics, proteomics, and cell biology; and 

biomedical applications such as improved drug 

delivery, biocompatible nanostructured materials 

for surgical implantation, and miniature sensors for 

diagnostics, e.g., for early detection of cancer. 

•	 Collective electron, optical, and magnetic phenomena 

in assemblies of nanostructures to advance innovation 

in data storage and data processing systems. 

•	 Merging science and engineering at the nanoscale: 

the convergence of nanotechnology with information 

technology, modern biology, and social sciences 

will stimulate discoveries and innovation in almost 

all areas of the economy. This theme includes 

investments in (a) nano-biology interface research and 

(b) nano-information technology interface research.

•	 Multiscale, multiphenomena theory, modeling, and 

simulation at the nanoscale to support large-scale 

computer simulation and new design tools and 

infrastructure in order to understand, control, and 

accelerate development in new nanoscale regimes 

and systems. Research on theory, mathematical 

methods, modeling, and simulation of physical, 

chemical, and biological systems at the nanoscale 

will include techniques such as quantum mechanics 

and quantum chemistry, multiparticle simulation, 
6

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

molecular simulation, grain and continuum-based 

models, stochastic methods, and nanomechanics. 

A special focus will be on understanding and 

control of fundamental interactions among 

nanoscale components at various length scales 

and exposed to various surrounding conditions 

(temperature, pressure, magnetic and electric field, 

light intensity, etc.).

USDA (CSREES): Research nanoscale phenomena and 

processes with significant implications for improving 

biological production, processing, and preservation. 

Research sensing mechanisms useful to ensure food safety 

and biosecurity, preserve and track product identity, 

improve environmental quality, and enhance production 

and process efficiency. Research promotion of optimal 

human health through novel delivery mechanisms of 

bioactive ingredients in foods.

USDA (FS): Conduct fundamental research on nanoscale 

properties and behavior of wood and its constitutive 

nanocomponents in order to help capture the value of 

wood-based lignocellulosic materials and their nanoscale 

architectures. This includes nanoscale phenomena 

and processes such as decay, photo degradation, and 

adhesion that require a range of test methods and 

metrologies to evaluate performance and accurately 

predict service life. Researchers from the Forest Products 

Laboratory will evaluate lignocellulosic materials, their 

degradation mechanisms, and chemical treatments to 

mitigate degradation using a range of chemical and 

nanoscale instrumentation (dynamic mechanical analysis, 

nanoindentation, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray 

tomography) to detect initial stages of wood deterioration 

in both preservative-treated and untreated wood 

products.

Program Component Area 2 recognizes that 

nanomaterials are the key to successful 

development of nanotechnology for a host of 

potential future applications ranging from computers and 

communications to healthcare. Commercial exploitation 

of nanotechnology will require precisely designed and 

controlled synthesis and processing of nanomaterials 

and a fundamental understanding and control of their 

properties and behavior. For some applications, simple 

nanostructured materials will suffice; for others, complex, 

hierarchically structured nanomaterials will be required. 

Examples of nanostructured materials include highdensity data storage media; metals with augmented 

mechanical properties and lower susceptibility to 

corrosion; ceramics that are cheaper to manufacture and 

that have more forgiving failure modes; new generations 

of energy storage materials; materials for improved 

healthcare, including advanced drug delivery systems; and 

composites with multifunctional capabilities enabled by 

the design freedom offered by hierarchical structures.

President’s 2007 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

 Uniform, reproducible synthesis and processing of 

research quantities of nanomaterials

 Harnessing of biological processes and nanoscale 

biomaterials for low-cost synthesis and templating of 

designed nanostructures

 Research on nanomaterials for use in sensing and 

detection, identity preservation and tracking, 

controlled delivery and release of therapeutic agents, 

and design of nanoengineered therapeutic tissues

PCA 2: Nanomaterials

NNI Agencies Requesting 2007 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DHHS (NIH), DOC (NIST), 

DOD, DOE, DOJ, EPA, NASA, NSF, USDA (CSREES), USDA (FS)

Other Participating Agencies: CPSC, DHHS (FDA), DHHS (NIOSH), DHS, DOC (BIS), DOC (TA), 

DOC (USPTO), DOT, DOTreas, ITC, ITIC 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 7

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

 Research on nanocomposites for applications 

including lightweight, high-strength materials for 

transportation vehicles and civil infrastructure, and 

on packaging materials with improved barrier and 

mechanical properties

 Development of precision nanostructure synthesis 

techniques required to provide process control over 

quantum transport characteristics of devices utilizing 

nanostructured materials

 Development of an improved knowledge base of 

information on chemical and biological properties 

of nanoscale materials to evaluate their uses for 

improving the environment and human health, and 

to avoid possible adverse implications

 Research focused on nanobiotechnology for 

improving biological production, processing, and 

preservation, and development of value-added novel 

materials and products to benefit agriculture and 

society 

 Development of high-strength, lightweight materials 

useful for space systems and other high-performance 

applications 

 Development of new adhesives and thermal 

protection materials for aerospace applications

Highlights of the 2007 Request

□ Research on controlled self-assembly and guided 

assembly of novel engineered nanoscale materials 

and hierarchical structures

□ Basic nanomaterials research for the hydrogen 

economy

□ Accelerated research in the areas of nanomechanical 

property measurements (e.g., elastic properties, 

hardness, strength, friction and adhesion, 

residual stress/strain, interatomic potentials); 

nanotube/nanoparticle metrology; critical 

dimensions; size distribution; electronic properties; 

structure; surface composition; separation by size 

and electronic properties; and biological properties

□ Research on characterizing and exploiting emergent 

properties of materials and hierarchical assembly of 

functional nanostructures from the molecular scale, 

including nanostructured catalysts, and materials of 

agricultural and biological origins

□ Intensified research on the use of nanotechnology 

and nanoscience approaches to design and develop 

new dental composite materials with superior 

properties

□ Initiation of a USDA Forest Service program to 

investigate use of crystalline cellulose and chemically 

or biologically modified cellulose to fabricate new 

lightweight, high-performance composites 

□ Research on bridging length scales from nano to 

micro to macro, to enable production of real-world 

materials that benefit from nanoscale processes, 

phenomena, and properties 

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2007 Request

DHS, NIST: Application of carbon nanotubes for 

improved fire resistance of construction materials, and 

investigation of the efficacy of engineered semiconductor 

nanoscale materials deposited on the surface of 

construction materials for deactivating biological agents 

and for decomposing hazardous chemicals.

DOC (BIS, TA), DOS, and other NNI agencies:

Support for the work of the President’s Export Council’s 

separately chartered Subcommittee on Emerging 

Technologies to maximize the economic potential of 

nanomaterials while simultaneously protecting the 

security interests of the United States.

DOD, DOE, DOT, EPA, NASA, NIST, NSF, USDA:

Collaboration and cooperation on the Hydrogen 

Research and Development (R&D) Interagency Task 

Force of the National Science and Technology Council, 

which also includes the U.S. Postal Service.

DOD, DOE, NSF: Ongoing collaborative research 

efforts in nanostructured materials.

DOD, NASA, NSF: Coordinated development of 

modeling and simulation tools for predicting properties 

of nanoscale materials and for developing and optimizing 

processes for nanomaterials fabrication.
8

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

DOE, NIST: Coordinated activity in nanotube 

characterization at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

FDA, NIH (NCI), NIST: Collaboration to address 

characterization of nanomaterials for biomedical 

applications.

NASA, NIST: Collaboration to develop measurement 

protocols for nanotubes and other nanoscale materials.

2006 and 2007 Activities by Agency

DHHS (NIH): Research is being conducted on 

development of innovative and body-friendly implantable 

materials based on biological nanostructures with desired 

physical, mechanical, and chemical properties, with 

shapes and textures that mimic extracellular matrix, for 

regeneration of damaged tissues. Goals are to construct 

“smart” multifunctional particles to target specific 

cells or tissues, sense medically relevant physiological 

or molecular signals, locally deliver measured doses of 

antibiotics or other therapeutics to reduce unwanted drug 

side effects, and intervene at the earliest stages of disease.

Within the National Cancer Institute’s Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory (further described under 

PCA 4, Instrumentation Research, Metrology, and 

Standards), the focus is on developing a characterization 

cascade for use in preclinical evaluations of nanomaterials 

intended for cancer therapeutics. 

At the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial 

Research, efforts are focusing on research leading to the 

development of nanostructured composite materials that 

are biocompatible, maintain the appearance of native 

teeth, and provide improved importance and longevity 

over the existing dental restorative materials.

DHHS (NIOSH): Populating the Nanoparticle 

Information Library, which provides base information 

about physical, chemical, and hazard properties of 

existing nanomaterials. This effort is being coordinated 

with other NNI agencies through the NSET 

Subcommittee to implement and maintain current 

guidance for the research community, industry, and the 

public on appropriate practices and strategies for safe 

handling of nanomaterials.

DHS: Materials with nanoscale structure are under 

development for use in threat detection and related 

applications. Nanomaterials of interest include carbon 

nanotubes, block copolymers, ceramic and metallic 

nanoparticles, nanoporous ceramic and metallic 

microstructures and devices, and biomaterials and 

biomimetic structures. Chemical modification and 

assembly of nanostructured materials for threat detection 

applications is also of interest. 

DOC (NIST): Development of measurements and 

standards to advance innovation and application of 

nanomaterials across all technology sectors. For example, 

programs to advance metrology of optical materials at 

the nanoscale will include multiphoton luminescence 

spectroscopy and refractive index measurements of 

group III-nitride semiconductors and improved growth 

methods and characterization of semiconductor quantum 

dots. Additionally, NIST is pursuing research on 

chemically functionalizing carbon nanotubes for use in 

chemical force microcopy, chemical sensors, and polymer 

nanocomposites to enhance physical and fire-resistant 

performance of polymeric materials. Characterizing 

material properties for nanoimprint lithography is also a 

growing area within NIST.

DOC (USPTO): Support the high level of commercial 

patenting activity in nanomaterials as described in the 

section on PCA1, Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena 

and Processes.

DOD: Research is underway to develop the precision 

nanostructure synthesis techniques required for a high 

degree of process control over quantum transport 

characteristics of devices utilizing nanostructured 

materials; to harness biological processes for low-cost 

synthesis and templating of designed nanostructures; 

to control and exploit interactions between synthetic 

and naturally occurring (biological) materials; and to 

develop nanoscale architectures to enhance local diffusion 

behavior, reaction kinetics, optical properties, and 

electrical properties.

DOE: Research is going forward on structure and 

evolution of nanostructured materials; X-ray, neutron, 

and electron scattering characterization; response 

to external stimuli such as temperature, fields, and 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 9

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

concentration gradients; phase transformations; 

mechanical behavior; radiation-induced defect cascades 

and amorphization; theoretical and computational 

models linking nanoscale structure to macroscale 

behavior; controlled synthesis mechanisms and process 

science, including self-assembly; organic and polymeric 

nanoscale systems; functionalized nanostructures and 

nanotubes; and novel nanoscale and nanostructured 

materials for hydrogen production, storage, and use, and 

for photovoltaics and other energy-conversion purposes.

EPA: In 2005, EPA synthesized and tested novel 

adsorbent materials designed to remove mercury and 

other air pollutants from the flue gas emissions of 

stationary combustion sources such as coal-fired power 

plants. In 2006, tests will be conducted in larger benchscale equipment and in a pilot-scale combustion system. 

Additional characterization of the materials will be 

conducted to determine specific sorbate-sorbent bonding 

mechanisms and other physico-chemical properties. 

In 2007, additional performance data will be collected 

with the goal being eventual full-scale testing and 

implementation of this technology at a commercial coalfired power plant.

NASA: Research will continue into nanomaterials 

with properties desired for future space systems, 

including large size per mass (for ultralarge apertures, 

solar sails, etc.) and high strength per mass (for launch 

vehicles, human habitats in space, etc.). R&D includes 

(a) development of predictive models/simulations to 

guide materials and processing design; (b) development 

of fundamental understanding of synthesis, growth, 

and nano-macro structure development mechanisms; 

(c) integration of physical and chemical forces with 

external fields to get desired properties during processing 

as well as development of the ability to control synthesis 

and manufacturing processes over all length scales; (d) 

development of inexpensive methods for production 

of highest-quality nanomaterials; and (e) development 

of adaptable synthesis, processing, and characterization 

methods to efficiently utilize resources of other planets.

NSF: Research aimed at discovery of novel nanoscale 

and nanostructured materials and at a comprehensive 

understanding of the fundamental properties of 

nanomaterials (ranging across length scales, and including 

interface interactions). Controlled design and synthesis 

of nanostructured materials with targeted properties, 

including ceramic, metal, polymeric, biomolecular and 

composite materials. Self-assembly and guided assembly 

of novel materials. Examples of possible benefits that 

could arise from this basic nanomaterials research include 

molecular electronics, nanostructured catalysts, thermal 

processes in nanostructures, advanced biomedical devices, 

quantum computing, development of high-capacity 

computer memory chips, two- and three-dimensional 

“designed” nanostructures, biophotonics, control of 

surface processes, and lubrication. Four new Materials 

Research Science and Engineering Centers awarded since 

2001 focus on nanomaterials research.

USDA (CSREES): Research in the following major 

areas: (a) nanoscale biomaterials of agricultural origins for 

novel uses; (b) nanomaterials that can be used in sensing 

and detection for food safety and biosecurity, identity 

preservation and tracking, and controlled delivery and 

release of functional contents; (c) novel biocatalysts; and 

(d) nanocomposite materials for various applications 

(e.g., improved barrier and mechanical properties of 

packaging materials). 

USDA (FS): Research and new instrumentation will be 

directed to understand the unique performance properties 

of wood fibers and their hierarchical architecture 

composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin polymers. 

Applications are expected primarily in two areas: alteration 

of solid wood to improve properties, and use of nanofibers 

in lightweight, high-performance composites.

Forest Products Laboratory scientists will be focusing 

their efforts on the following programs: 

•	 Examination of selective chemical modification of 

specific wood nanoscale domains to enhance the 

strength of solid wood and adhesively bonded wood 

assemblies 

•	 Development of nanoscale sol-gel wood coatings for 

improved resistance to ultraviolet light degradation 

and color change, and of biocides embedded in 

polymer matrices to address the need for new 

environmentally compatible preservatives 
10

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Program Component Area 3 focuses on the 

applied research and development needed to 

transition rapidly into technological application 

the multitude of scientific discoveries in nanoscale 

phenomena, processes, and materials. Many of the 

truly dramatic benefits from nanoscale science and 

engineering research arise when the unique properties 

of nanostructures and nanomaterials are engineered 

into useful devices and systems that take advantage of 

those properties. Such innovation in devices and systems 

grows from understanding the fundamental properties 

of individual nanostructures and of nanomaterials. The 

development of nanoscale devices and systems is expected 

to have broad applications across a variety of industries 

with significant economic benefits. For example, 

nanostructures will enable new devices for data gathering, 

logic, storage, and transmission, all of which will be 

incorporated into future-generation information systems. 

President’s 2007 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

The development of practical device and systems 

applications of nanoscale science and technology remains 

a top priority for the NNI. The strategic priorities 

underlying this PCA include the following:

Overarching Priorities

 Accelerating the transition of scientific discoveries 

into practical technologies for both civilian and 

defense applications 

 Creating science and engineering platforms—

materials systems or models that can be used 

as a stage or scaffolding for generic classes of 

experiments—thereby enabling reliable and 

reproducible experiments across a range of nanoscale 

materials or structures 

 Developing biomimetic devices and systems 

for simultaneously improving understanding 

of biological structures and enabling processes 

important to nonbiological applications

 Investigating nanostructures and nanoscale devices 

that can detect, prevent, or remediate failure 

processes in materials 

Application-Oriented Priorities

Aerospace

 Ultrasensitive and selective sensor devices

•	 Investigating the effects of nanoclays as additives 

and nanomaterials to alter the surface chemistry of 

biofibers to develop high-performance wood-plastic 

composites and engineered biocomposites

•	 Exploring nanoscale and nanostructured materials 

for a newly proposed biomass conversion system and 

chemical synthesis process

The Forest Service has procured new and enhanced 

instrumentation for evaluating materials at the nanoscale 

that will become completely operational during 2006. 

With reassignment of personnel to the nanomaterials 

program in 2007, this instrumentation will support a 

fully developed program.

PCA 3: Nanoscale Devices and Systems

NNI Agencies Requesting 2007 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DHS, DHHS (NIH), DOC 

(NIST), DOD, DOE, EPA, NASA, NSF, USDA (CSREES), USDA (FS)

Other Participating Agencies: CPSC, DHHS (FDA), DOC (BIS), DOC (TA), DOC (USPTO), DOJ, 

DOT, DOTreas, ITC, ITIC, NRC
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 11

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

Agriculture and Food

 Biomimetic devices for agricultural production and 

food quality/safety, with spin-offs in human health 

and environmental quality

 Nanostructure approaches to extend the applications 

of wood and wood products 

National Defense and Homeland Security

 Exploration of the implications of nanotechnology 

for the security of information technology systems, 

including (1) identification of security threats, 

objectives, and requirements, as well as associated 

security metrics, and (2) a testbed to identify 

challenges in developing security solutions for 

information technology systems built from nanoscale 

devices

 Enhancing capabilities of the individual warfighter

 Incorporation of high-performance materials and 

information control in autonomous platforms for 

enhanced warfighting with minimal risk to the 

individual warfighter

 Nanostructures for enhanced sensitivity and 

selectivity in chemical, biological, and explosive 

detection, enhanced adsorption in protective 

equipment, and enhanced remediation

 Nonvolatile, radiation-hard, low-power, high-density, 

random access memory

Energy

 High-efficiency solar energy conversion devices

 Solid-state lighting with improved efficiency over 

incandescent and fluorescent technologies

 Low-cost fuel cells, batteries, thermoelectrics, and 

ultracapacitors

 Reversible hydrogen storage materials operating at 

ambient temperatures 

Environment

 Improved knowledge of nanoscale devices and 

systems to evaluate their uses for improving the 

environment and to mitigate any possible adverse 

implications 

 Nanostructures capable of remediating polluted and 

other hazardous waste sites

 Demonstration of miniature and inexpensive 

technologies for rapid, continuous, simultaneous 

detection of multiple environmental contaminants

Information Technologies

 Support for complementary research, in 

collaboration with industry, aimed at exploring the 

limits of CMOS technology, particularly as CMOS 

devices are scaled down to the sub-100 nm level

 New nanodevices (such as Si-based quantum devices, 

molecular electronics, spintronics, optoelectronics, 

and organic thin-film transistors) to supplement or 

supplant the CMOS devices that are currently used 

by the semiconductor industry

 Investigation of the potential for nanostructures 

to implement quantum physics approaches to 

revolutionary information technologies

Medicine and Health

 Use of knowledge from fundamental investigation 

of biological systems and nanomaterials to develop 

systems for diagnosing and treating disease that 

are highly specific and effective and that minimize 

adverse effects

 Multifunctional devices for controlled delivery and 

release of micronutrients and bioactive compounds, 

and assessment and reporting of physiological 

condition 

 Medical devices and systems to diagnose, prevent, 

and treat debilitating conditions such as cancer, heart 

disease, and nervous system injury 

Transportation and Civil Infrastructure

 Condition-based sensing for reducing infrastructure 

maintenance costs

 Better concrete through the exploitation of 

nanostructures

Highlights of the 2007 Request

□ Extended efforts to develop a variety of missionspecific nanoscale devices described below in “2006 

and 2007 Activities by Agency”
12

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

□ Thrusts on innovative architectures to best exploit 

nanostructures in information technologies, 

including quantum computing and quantum 

communications

□ Addition of USDA/FS funding for research in 

this PCA, including assignment of Forest Service 

personnel to nanotechnology programs that will 

move from the screening stage to more fully 

developed programs

□ Applications of semiconductor nanowires, including 

development of electrically addressable nanowire 

lasers for homeland security and biomedical 

applications

□ R&D focused on the theme “Silicon 

Nanoelectronics and Beyond,” including evaluation 

and review with input from the semiconductor 

industry 

□ Continued growth of nanoelectronics device research 

in the “base” programs of appropriate agencies, e.g., 

exploratory research on replacing electron charge 

with alternative information carriers such as electron 

spin, electron phase, or molecular state

□ Accelerated research and development on novel 

nanoscale sensors for defense, homeland security, 

agricultural, and industrial applications. Examples 

include nanobarcodes for product identity 

preservation and tracking and nanotechnology-based 

devices for high-throughput screening

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2007 Request

All NNI agencies: Recently published and forthcoming 

NSET-sponsored workshop reports including 

“Nanobiotechnology” and “Nanoelectronics, 

Nanophotonics, and Nanomagnetics” that will provide 

guidance to agencies in formulating their nanodevice and 

nanosystems research programs.

DOD, DOE, NASA, NIST, NSF: Coordinated research 

efforts focused on the realization of robust quantum 

computing.

DOD, DOE, NASA, NSF: Cooperative efforts on 

materials, device development, and modeling for direct 

thermal-to-electrical energy conversion (thermoelectric, 

thermophotovoltaic, and thermionic).

DOD, DOE: Cooperative efforts between DOD (ARO) 

and DOE (Sandia National Laboratories) to develop 

monolithic absorber/bolometric sensors for terahertz 

detectors.

DOD, DOE, NASA, NSF: Coordinated programs for 

nanostructured electrodes and catalysts for fuel cells and 

batteries. 

DOD, NSF: Collaboration with the Semiconductor 

Research Corporation to develop the next generation of 

nanometer-scale lithography technology. 

EPA, DOE, USDA (CSREES): Ongoing EPA 

collaboration, begun in 2005, with USDA/CSREES 

and with DOE in the area of pervaporation, specifically 

membranes constructed of a polymer-zeolite composite 

and a zeolite-only matrix where the zeolites have 

nanoscale pores; continued partnerships are planned 

through 2006 and 2007.

NSF and other NNI Agencies: Organization of an 

academic-industry-government workshop on integration 

of nanoscale devices and systems in microsystems, of joint 

workshops with other agencies, and of student exchanges 

with researchers from Germany, Japan, Korea, France, 

and other countries.

USDA (CSREES) with other NNI agencies: Developing 

a better understanding of nanotechnology-based sensors.

2006 and 2007 Activities by Agency

DHS: Focus on sensing devices based on single-wall 

carbon nanotubes, conducting nanoparticle ensembles, 

semiconducting nanowires, and nanostructured 

microscale devices; chemical modification of nanoand microscale devices to effect enhanced interface 

interactions or modified physical properties; and novel 

chemical sensing transduction mechanisms or signal 

enhancements associated with nanostructured devices.

DHHS (FDA): FDA product centers have established 

working/communication groups and internal training 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 13

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

programs that identify potential nanotechnology 

products subject to FDA regulation. 

Maintain the website www.fda.gov/nanotechnology/ to 

explain FDA’s approach to reviewing nanotechnologyenabled products. 

Assist in development of analytical methods suitable 

for characterization of therapeutic products based on 

nanotechnology, which will be required to develop useful 

manufacturing process controls and lot release tests.

DHHS (NIH): Continue to support the development 

of new nanoscale devices and systems for the early 

and specific detection of disease before pathology has 

substantially damaged the body; treatment of disease 

by use of directed methods that reduce undesirable side 

effects; monitoring of treatment efficacy; and repair of 

tissue that is damaged due to inborn conditions and 

trauma (e.g., accidents, disease, environment, battlefield 

injury). 

At the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Alliance for 

Nanotechnology in Cancer (nano.cancer.gov/) has funded 

eight Centers of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence 

to serve as hubs to develop and apply nanotechnology 

devices and systems to the diagnosis, prevention, and 

treatment of cancer. The NCI Alliance has also awarded 

multidisciplinary cancer nanotechnology fellowships and 

twelve cancer nanotechnology platform development 

partnerships. These Alliance program activities are fully 

integrated with existing NCI programs and resources; 

funding initiated in 2005, will continue through 2006, 

and is requested for 2007.

At the National Human Genome Research Institute, the 

“$1000 Genome” program, initiated in 2004, expanded 

in 2005, and continuing through 2007, explores the 

development of nanosensors the size of individual DNA 

molecules for the rapid, inexpensive sequencing of DNA 

for use in medicine, sensors, etc.

At the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 

Programs of Excellence in Nanotechnology seek to apply 

nanotechnology to the diagnosis and treatment of heart, 

lung, blood, and sleep diseases. Another program goal is 

to train a cadre of investigators with the skills required to 

apply nanotechnology to this research.

At the National Institute of Neurological Disease and 

Stroke, programs support research to reduce the burden 

of neurological disease by investigating nanotechnology 

as a tool to study the development, structure, and 

function of the brain. Nanoscale devices will be used for 

in vivo imaging and drug delivery, with utility for clinical 

assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the 

nervous system.

DOC (NIST): Develop the theoretical underpinnings 

needed to enable the engineering of practical quantum 

computing devices. Other devices are being developed for 

quantum communications and for materials analysis of 

nanoscale contaminants in semiconductor manufacturing 

via microcalorimetry.

DOC (TA): Continue to monitor developments in 

nanoscale devices and systems and facilitate dialogue 

between industry, government, and academic research 

communities to accelerate commercialization of products 

based on nanotechnology.

DOD: Utilize breakthroughs in nanotechnology to 

provide revolutionary devices and systems to advance 

warfighter and battle systems capabilities. 

Establish a detailed understanding of nanoscale 

behavior related to electrochemical power source 

applications (batteries with enhanced discharge rate 

and energy density; high-energy-density capacitors; 

direct thermal-to-electrical energy conversion), fuel cell 

catalysts, and electrode structures.

Engage the DOD applied research and development 

communities to accelerate the transition of scientific 

discovery into DOD-relevant technologies. 

Work with the Director, Defense Research and 

Engineering Advisory Group on Electron Devices 

(AGED), U.S. Navy groups developing technology 

plans for Carrier Technology (CARTECH), Submarine 

Technology (SUBTECH), and Surface Ship Technology 

(SURFTECH) programs, the U.S. Army Research, 

Development, and Engineering Command (RDECOM) 

Nanotechnology Integrated Product Team, and the Air 

Force Research Laboratory Nanoscience and Technology 

Strategic Technology Team to examine future platform 

opportunities and requirements. 
14

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

DOE: Conduct research on electronic, magnetic, 

and optical properties of nanostructures, including 

quantum dots, nanoscale particulate assemblies, and 

lithographically produced nanoarrays. 

Research confinement effects in nanoscale and molecular 

devices and on contacts and interfaces leading to 

development of novel sensor concepts and lab-on-achip systems, and integration of nanoscale devices and 

components.

Initiate applied programs to leverage nanotechnology 

for improving fossil and renewable energy conversion, 

storage, and use.

EPA: Research pervaporation membranes constructed 

of polymer-particle matrices in which the particles are 

nanoscale or contain nanoscale pores. Such membranes 

will be used for the energy-efficient recovery of biofuels 

such as ethanol from process waste streams and for the 

removal of trace amounts of water from ethanol for fuel 

applications. Continue partnership with industry and 

USDA in 2006 to develop high-performance membranes 

and conduct bench-scale testing of this technology. 

Perform pilot-scale studies in 2006 and work to transfer 

the technology to larger-scale private enterprises. 

Continue the relationship in 2006 with an industrial 

partner and DOE to test nanoporous zeolite membranes 

under real-world conditions, including the use of actual 

biomass fermentation streams. Through 2007, EPA 

will support DOE in development of high-efficiency 

solvent/fuel dehydration membranes, including those 

containing nanoparticles.

Support small businesses to develop nanoscale 

technologies and instruments for sensing, treatment, 

remediation, and prevention of pollution. Support 

development of new nanoporous filters for removal of 

gaseous pollutants and particulates from contaminated 

air streams; nanoparticulate catalysts for utilization 

in volatile organic compound treatment devices and 

related applications; microelectromechanical systems 

(MEMS) and nanotechnology-based devices for use in 

environmental analytical and monitoring instruments 

(including sensors and nanocomponents); and a personal 

sampling device for the detection and quantification of 

airborne nanoparticle exposures.

NASA: Research and develop nanoscale sensors and 

instrumentation that enhance remote sensing, vehicle 

health and performance monitoring, astrobiological and 

geochemical research, and manned spaceflight.

Research properties of structures that are determined 

not only by the layering of materials, but also by the 

three-dimensional shape of nanocomponents and their 

interaction properties. 

Address challenges facing development of nanoscale 

sensors, including (a) production and refinement, 

(b) manipulation and control, (c) lithography, 

(d) macro-micro-nano integration, (e) toxicology, 

(f) robust and reliable architectures, (g) self-calibrating 

networks, and (h) data fusion.

NSF: Begin a new focus on research on active 

nanostructures and nanosystems, and continue 

collaboration with the electronics and semiconductor 

industries on research related to “Silicon Nanoelectronics 

and Beyond.”

Focus research on both advanced silicon nanotechnology 

devices and on post-CMOS electronic, magnetic, and 

optical devices—research that explores the ultimate limits 

to scaling of features and examines alternative physical 

principles for devices employed in sensing, storage, 

communication, and computation, including biological, 

molecular, and other emerging areas of electronics at the 

nanoscale.

Continue R&D that applies the principles of nanoscale 

science and engineering to create novel, or to improve 

existing, devices and systems. Incorporate nanoscale 

or nanostructured materials to achieve improved 

performance or new functionality. 

Develop new concepts to understand interactions among 

nanoscale devices in complex systems, including the 

physical, chemical, and biological interactions between 

nanostructures and device components. 

Conduct interdisciplinary research on methods for design 

of systems composed of nanodevices, including multiple 

layers of abstractions and various mathematical models to 

represent component behavior in different layers. 

Develop each of the following: (a) new tools for sensing, 

assembling, processing, and manipulating nanostructures 

and devices; (b) techniques for manufacturing and device 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 15

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

integration from nanoscale to macroscale; (c) methods 

for controlling and testing nanostructures and devices; 

(d) design and architecture concepts; (e) specialized 

software for nanosystems; and (f) design automation 

tools for assembling systems of large numbers of 

heterogeneous nanocomponents, including fluidics and 

robotics. 

USDA/CSREES: Develop new sensors for improving 

agricultural production, enhancing food quality and 

safety, tracking product history, improving human 

health through optimal nutrition, and monitoring and 

improving environmental quality.

USDA/FS: Conduct R&D focused on incorporation 

of nanoscale materials, devices, and systems to improve 

the end-use performance of and add multifunctional 

capabilities to forest products.

USPTO: See the section on PCA1, Fundamental 

Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes.

PCA 4: Instrumentation Research, Metrology, and Standards for Nanotechnology

NNI Agencies Requesting 2007 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DHHS (NIH), DOC (NIST), 

DOD, DOE, DOJ, NSF, USDA (FS)

Other Participating Agencies: CPSC, DHHS (NIOSH), DHS, DOC (BIS), DOC (TA), DOC (USPTO), 

DOT, EPA

I

nstrumentation, metrology, and standards are 

key links in the chain from discovery to 

commercialization. Program Component Area 4 

aims to advance the boundaries of knowledge in 

instrumentation and metrology and to bring state-ofthe-art tools and techniques to bear in the development 

of standards for the nanotechnology community. 

Support of scientific instrument development enables 

new investigations that were previously not possible and 

may open up entire new fields of scientific inquiry.

Advances in tools for measurement and characterization 

of matter at the nanoscale have expanded knowledge 

and are integral to nanoscale R&D. On the other hand, 

the desire to be able to make measurements that are 

not possible today drives the development of even more 

powerful tools. Instrumentation to probe the nanoscale 

requires not just evolutionary improvements, but 

revolutionary developments in measurement schemes 

and instruments. Advances in this PCA impact all the 

PCAs and are vital to the overall success of the NNI. 

The ability to accurately and reproducibly measure the 

properties and performance characteristics of nanoscale 

materials, devices, and systems is a critical enabler for 

progress in fundamental nanoscience, in the design of 

new nanomaterials, in evaluating environmental, health, 

and safety impacts, and ultimately in the manufacture 

of new nanoscale products. This ability is also necessary 

for monitoring and protecting human health and the 

environment.

President’s 2007 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

To meet the emerging needs of the nanotechnology 

industry, the NNI’s investment strategy for this PCA 

balances further evolution and standardization of current 

tools and methods with creation of entirely new tools 

and techniques. Priorities include R&D in the following 

areas: 

 Revolutionary new techniques, tools, and 

instruments that enable major advances in spatial, 

temporal, and energy resolution limits

 Instrumentation combining sub-nanometer spatial 

resolution with chemical specificity and full threedimensional mapping of the atomic or molecular 

structure of nanomaterials and nanodevices at all 

points within their volume
16

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

 Enhancement of the U.S. nanometrology 

infrastructure supporting commercial manufacture 

of advanced products and development of nanoscale 

manufacturing

 Development of terminology and nomenclature that 

defines the growing number of nanostructures in 

a manner compatible with conventional molecular 

nomenclature

 Standardization of measurement techniques, 

nomenclature, and testing methodologies to 

facilitate assurance of quality, safety, and efficacy 

of nanoproducts, and their effective regulation and 

production

 Development of measurements and standards 

for nanomaterials that will provide the 

critical infrastructure for manufacturing and 

commercialization of nanotechnology

 Development and verification of advanced 

simulation, visualization, and data analysis 

techniques and supporting standards 

Highlights of the 2007 Request

 Strong advocacy for and participation by NSET 

Subcommittee members in the American 

National Standards Institute’s Nanotechnology 

Standards Panel (ANSI-NSP) and the ANSIaccredited Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to 

the International Organization for Standardization 

Technical Committee on Nanotechnologies (ISO 

TC 229). Support of these efforts to develop 

common terminology and other standards needed 

to advance nanotechnology applications and 

commercialization. Three major topics are being 

pursued by the ANSI TAG to ISO TC 229: 

(1) general terminology and nomenclature for 

nanotechnology, (2) metrology and instrumentation 

for nanotechnology, and (3) health, safety, and 

environmental aspects of nanotechnology. Within 

ISO TC 229, the United States is leading the 

international efforts to develop standards on health, 

safety, and environmental aspects of nanotechnology. 

NNI agencies will be supporting in part a 2007 

meeting in the United States of the Health, Safety, 

and Environmental Working Group of ISO TC 229.

 Major emphasis on advancing the state of the art 

of microscopies and analytical instrumentation 

for nanotechnology R&D, e.g., scanning probe 

microscopes, scanning and transmission electron 

microscopes, and electron, neutron, and photon 

spectroscopies. 

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2007 Request

NIH (NCI), NIST, FDA: Collaboration on tools 

and methodologies for nanoparticle metrology, and 

development of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) 

Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory analytical 

cascade to assess physical, in vitro, and in vivo properties 

of nanomaterials. 

NIST, NASA: Collaborative development of measurement 

protocols for nanotube characterization and fabrication.

NNI agencies and NNCO: Coordination and provision 

of funding and staff support for the ANSI Technical 

Advisory Group and ISO Technical Committee activity 

described above.

2006 and 2007 Activities by Agency

DHHS (NIH): Characterize and validate the suite of 

instrumentation to be used by the NCI’s Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory (NCL). The NCL aims 

to provide critical infrastructure and characterization 

services to nanomaterial providers in order to accelerate 

the transition of basic nanoscale particles and devices into 

clinical applications, thereby reducing suffering and death 

from cancer. The NCL will serve as a national resource 

and knowledge base for all cancer researchers to facilitate 

the regulatory review of nanotechnologies intended for 

cancer therapies and diagnostics. The NCL is described 

further under PCA7, Societal Dimensions. 

DOC (NIST): Establish the Center for Nanoscale Science 

and Technology (CNST) at NIST to support development 

of new metrology instrumentation, methods, and artifact 

standards for U.S. nanotechnology efforts. 

Support the development, at an elevated level, of a new 

measurement infrastructure essential to a wide variety of 

applications research, including such novel instruments as:
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 17

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

•	 Innovative atomic force microscopes (AFMs) 

including an atomic force acoustic microscope for 

nanomechanical property measurement and an 

AFM-based chemical microscopy technique using 

functionalized nanoprobes and carbon nanotubes to 

measure chemical properties of materials at nanoscale 

spatial resolution

•	 High-energy-resolution X-ray microcalorimeters for 

materials analysis of nanoscale contaminants that can 

undermine nanomanufacturing processes

•	 Electron microscopy and spectroscopy 

instrumentation for quantitative three-dimensional 

chemical imaging at the nanoscale

•	 State-of-the-art variable pressure scanning electron 

microscopy with traceable metrology capabilities

•	 Methodologies and techniques for characterizing the 

photo and catalytic activities of engineered nanoscale 

materials and nanopigments

•	 Methodologies and techniques for fabricating, 

characterizing, and modeling nanomaterials used 

for highly fire-resistant materials and firefighter 

protection

DOC (USPTO): Activities designed to support the high 

level of commercial patenting activity in instrumentation 

research, metrology, and standards for nanotechnology 

are described in the section on PCA1, Fundamental 

Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes.

DOD: Develop breakthrough next-generation 

instrumentation to support research on advanced 

nanotechnology-based materials and devices; extend 

magnetic force microscopy and enable robust singlespin measurement devices; extend new measurement 

capabilities into innovative sensors for use in defense 

missions.

DOE: Proceed with development of a transmission 

electron aberration-corrected microscope (TEAM), a 

major instrument innovation taking advantage of recent 

advancements in correction of electromagnetic lens 

defects to reach previously unobtainable performance 

levels. The design and realization of TEAM is a multiyear 

project involving five DOE-supported electron scattering 

research groups with substantial involvement of 

equipment manufacturers to develop a next-generation 

electron microscopy platform. 

Also, employ new beam line instrumentation at 

neutron scattering centers and synchrotrons to facilitate 

investigation of nanostructures. Enhancement of beam 

line instrumentation will continue in 2007 to provide 

unprecedented capabilities for dynamic characterization 

of nanomaterials properties such as structure and 

composition.

NIOSH: Establish a suite of instruments and protocols 

for characterizing nanomaterials in the workplace 

environment; develop and evaluate methods to assess 

worker exposure to engineered nanomaterials using 

available instruments and methods; characterize and 

measure engineered nanomaterials release, dispersal, 

and migration; conduct measurements of individual 

exposures to engineered nanomaterials; evaluate both 

current and developing instrumentation and methods 

for monitoring exposure to engineered nanomaterials; 

evaluate engineering control methods for engineered 

nanomaterials; and provide recommendations for 

reducing worker exposure to engineered nanomaterials. 

NSF: Support R&D pertaining to new nanotechnology 

tools, including next-generation instrumentation for 

characterization, measurement, synthesis, and design 

of materials, structures, devices, and systems, and 

particularly for temporal and spatial high-resolution 

imaging and measurement of nanoscale domains of 

scientific, systems engineering, and biological relevance. 

The Office of Interdisciplinary Activities’ Major Research 

Instrumentation program is a major contributor to NSF 

program activities in this area. 

USDA (FS): Develop new measurement techniques 

at the Forest Products Laboratory for forest and paper 

products, and implement a broad plan for nanomaterials 

metrology research in the Forest Service research 

program. 

Many techniques have been developed for measuring 

uniform surfaces of metals, ceramics, and coatings. 

However, these techniques must be modified to 

deal with rough and less homogenous surfaces that 

exist with lignocellulosic materials. Development 

of instrumentation and measurement techniques 

must provide key information about the properties 

of nanoscale domains of wood and cellulosic fibers. 

Standard techniques such as nanoindentation, surface 
18

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

probe microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning 

electron microscopy, along with surface preparation 

techniques such as focused ion beam and ion polishing 

systems, can be used for preparation and analysis of 

wood and surfaces. Finally, a surface-enhanced Raman 

spectroscopy technique using nanometer-sized silver 

particles can allow the Raman spectra of lignin to be 

detected without interference from cellulose.

In 2006, funding has been used to acquire new and 

enhanced instrumentation that will be made fully 

operational in the coming year. In 2007, more personnel 

will be assigned to develop the preferred analytical 

techniques.

PCA 5: Nanomanufacturing

NNI Agencies Requesting 2007 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DHHS (NIH), DOC (NIST), 

NASA, NSF, USDA (CSREES), USDA (FS)

Other Participating Agencies: DHHS (NIOSH), DOC (BIS), DOC (TA), DOC (USPTO), DOD, DOE, 

DOT, EPA, ITC, ITIC 

Program Component Area 5 is focused on 

nanomanufacturing. Development of the 

capability to manufacture nanoscale materials 

and devices is key to realizing the potential benefits 

of nanotechnology for society. Nanomanufacturing is 

taken here to include all means that have the capability 

to reproducibly transform matter—from a bulk form or 

from individual atoms, molecules, and supramolecular 

structures—into nanoscale or nanostructured materials, 

devices, or systems with desired properties and 

performance characteristics, typically in large quantities.

Additionally, nanomanufacturing includes the capability 

to integrate such nanoscale materials and devices into 

systems spanning nanoscale to macroscale dimensions. 

NNI programs in this area support the development 

of nanomanufacturing capabilities, including tools and 

processes for the modeling, design, and manufacture 

of nanomaterials, nanostructures, and nanosystems. 

Research and development programs address new 

methods for design, simulation, and production that 

enable scaled-up and cost-effective manufacturing of 

nanoproducts in the expectation that nanomanufacturing 

will be one of the principal technologies impacting the 

future of manufacturing in general. As processes are 

scaled from laboratory prototyping to fabrication of 

products, reproducibility and testability become critical, 

as do regulatory oversight and approval processes.

President’s 2007 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

 Research into use of self-assembly, directed selfassembly, programmed self-assembly, biologically 

driven self-assembly, and scanning-probe-based 

techniques for control of matter at the nanoscale, 

including biologically inspired processes and 

techniques, and research into methods for integrating 

manufactured nanoscale products into larger 

application structures

 Development of process control and quality control 

in manufacturing at the nanoscale based on traceable 

metrology

 Research and development on precompetitive 

nanomanufacturing problems such as scale-up and 

reproducibility of nanomanufacturing processes

 NSET Subcommittee coordination with other 

Federal efforts to enhance the manufacturing 

infrastructure of the United States, thereby providing 

jobs and other economic benefits
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 19

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

 Efforts to seek and utilize advice from the electronics, 

chemical, and other industries to sharpen the NNI 

program

 Development and demonstration of manufacturing 

processes that incorporate nontoxic constituents and 

that use less energy, water, and other resources

Highlights of the 2007 Request

□ Continued development of the NIST Center for 

Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST) and 

nanomanufacturing and nanofabrication programs

□ Establishment of a network for nanomanufacturing 

based on an NSF Center for Hierarchical 

Nanomanufacturing, including other NSF 

Nanoscale Science Engineering Centers (NSECs), 

DOD Multidisciplinary University Research 

Initiative (MURI) sites, and the NIST CNST

□ Identification of appropriate opportunities to 

introduce nanomanufacturing into the DOD 

Manufacturing Technology (MANTECH) program

□ Establishment of multiple programs to develop new 

metrology and characterization tools suitable for 

manufacturing environments

□ NSET Subcommittee participation in the National 

Science and Technology Council (NSTC) 

Interagency Working Group on Manufacturing 

Research and Development (IWGM)

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2007 Request

DOC (NIST, TA), NSF, DOD: Leading in establishing 

collaboration between the NSTC Interagency Working 

Group on Manufacturing Research and Development 

and the NSET Subcommittee.

DOD, NSF, NIST: Coordination of program plans and 

program reviews for development of R&D partnerships 

and for the nanomanufacturing R&D efforts highlighted 

above.

USDA, NSF: Developing new understanding of 

nanobiomaterials and nanobiodevices that may be 

integrated into novel applications in nanomanufacturing.

2006 and 2007 Activities by Agency

DHHS (NIOSH): Continue to develop and expand 

research, information, education, and recommendationbased programs to facilitate the integration of 

good occupational safety and health practices in 

nanomanufacturing. 

DOC (NIST): Continue planning to develop the 

necessary instrumentation, measurement science, 

and standards, as well as establish the materials and 

process characterization needed by industry for 

nanoscale manufacturing. Additionally, in support of 

the Administration’s emphasis on nanotechnology and 

manufacturing, NIST has identified the Center for 

Nanoscale Science and Technology as a top priority 

within the agency. It provides centralized access to NIST’s 

unique nanometrology facilities and nanofabrication 

resources, including the new Advanced Measurement 

Laboratory (AML), by researchers from industry, 

academia, and government. The CNST leverages the 

AML and broad metrology expertise across many 

disciplines at NIST to provide outstanding measurement 

capabilities for industry. By focusing on removing 

barriers to U.S. innovation in nanomanufacturing, the 

CNST directly addresses the R&D needed for this PCA 

and does so by converting science into technology for 

manufacturing. 

Support nanomanufacturing via new investments in 

NIST activities to develop:

•	 New dimensional test standards with atomic 

precision capability and integrity and standards for 

autonomous atom assembly

•	 Optimized fabrication tools to manipulate and probe 

physical and chemical properties of materials at the 

nanoscale

•	 New intrinsic calibration systems for basic physical 

properties 

•	 Methods for nanomanipulation of soft materials

•	 New, optimized high-resolution imaging and 

measurement methods for carbon nanotubes, fuel 

cells, and biological samples

•	 Improvements to fast, high-resolution positioning 

stage (154-picometer-resolution readout at rates of 

over 2 MHz) 
20

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

•	 Tungsten nanotip electron emitters for higherresolution electron microscopy

•	 Delivery of artifact standards for production 

metrology instruments, including linewidth, overlay, 

and 2D positioning

Additionally, emphasis is being placed on developing new 

metrologies in support of nanomanufacturing, including:

•	 Algorithms, devices, and systems to enable 

online process control of dimension and material 

composition

•	 Measurements of force dissemination for quantitative 

nanomechanical testing

•	 Novel fabrication platforms for testing functionality 

and operation of nanoimprint lithography, nanojet 

deposition, and other nanodevices

•	 A database of properties of atomic and molecular 

interactions among various materials to facilitate 

autonomous atom-by-atom assembly of 

nanostructures

•	 Measurements to assess functional and mechanical 

reliability of products during manufacturing

DOD: Guide and monitor the introduction 

of nanotechnology into military hardware; 

identify appropriate opportunities to introduce 

nanomanufacturing into the DOD SBIR, STTR, and 

MANTECH programs; enable the synthesis, generation, 

and assembly of individual nanostructures using lessons 

drawn from biology, including the use of viruses and 

related structures as templates for nanowires and for 

arrays of inorganic materials of particular interest; 

and develop affordable manufacturing approaches to 

nanostructured bulk materials.

It should be noted that Section 2 indicates zero DOD 

investment in PCA 5 because individual DOD research 

efforts addressing this PCA are primarily focused on 

other PCAs (i.e., PCA 2, Nanomaterials, and PCA 3, 

Nanoscale Devices and Systems). While numerous 

accomplishments in Nanomanufacturing have been made 

via defense research investments, and additional activities 

are underway as described above, these accomplishments 

have been made under research efforts aligned more 

closely with the objectives of another PCA.

DOE: Develop modular microlaboratories for 

collaborative work at the DOE Nanoscale Science 

Research Centers, such as the Center for Integrated 

Nanotechnologies’ “discovery platforms,” and other 

activities for the investigation of nanomanufacturability 

and related R&D on manufacturing processes.

EPA: Support development of nanotechnologybased process technologies that provide greener, more 

environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Of 

particular interest are nanotechnologies that reduce the 

use and release of toxic pollutants, especially persistent, 

bioaccumulative toxics, hazardous air pollutants, 

and volatile organic compounds. Examples include 

nanostructured coatings for dry machining, metal-free 

nano-laminated coatings, and nanomaterials with smart 

characteristics, including reactive coatings that destroy 

or immobilize toxic compounds. Additional areas for 

support include R&D on high-surface-area nanomaterials 

for new coatings and environmental applications, and 

development of technology for solvent-free production of 

nanometer-size high-performance ceramic powders and 

similar materials.

NSF: Support R&D aimed at enabling scaled-up, 

reliable, cost-effective manufacturing of nanoscale 

materials, structures, devices, and systems, including 

novel concepts for high-rate synthesis and processing 

of nanostructures and nanosystems. Ultraminiaturized 

top-down processes and increasingly complex selfassembly (or other bottom-up) processes are being 

explored. Biosynthesis and bioprocessing methods 

will be developed for the manufacture of biochips and 

novel biomaterials, improved delivery of bioactive 

molecules, engineering of nanoscale sensory systems, 

and modification of existing biomolecular machines 

for new functions. Awards have been made through 

the Nanomanufacturing Program in the Directorate 

for Engineering, through other NSF core programs, 

and in response to the research and education theme 

in the NSF-wide program solicitation. In April 2006, 

NSF made an award to the University of Massachusetts, 

Amherst, for the establishment of a Center for 

Hierarchical Nanomanufacturing and expects this center 

to become fully operational in 2007.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 21

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

PCA 6: Major Research Facilities and Instrumentation Acquisition

NNI Agencies Requesting 2007 Funding Related to This PCA: DHHS (NIH), DOC (NIST), DOD, 

DOE, NSF

Other Participating Agencies: DOC (TA), DHS, NASA

The NNI continues to invest substantial resources 

in establishing large multidisciplinary centers 

and user facilities as mechanisms to bring 

together and foster collaboration among groups of 

researchers from many disciplines. These centers and 

user facilities (see chart, page 23) also provide access 

to advanced and often costly instrumentation. The 

number of centers and user facilities in operation will 

exceed 50 in 2006 with the addition of up to four 

more NIH Nanomedicine Development Centers, 

the opening of three more DOE Nanoscale Science 

Research Centers (NSRCs), and awarding of the NSF 

Center for Hierarchical Nanomanufacturing. Provision 

of these resources is a critical component of the NNI 

goal to develop the supporting infrastructure and tools 

to advance nanotechnology and allows exploration of 

all the best ideas in nanoscience and nanotechnology 

by ensuring that leading-edge capabilities are broadly 

available. User facilities are readily accessible on a merit 

basis to researchers from academia, government, industry, 

and other research organizations. Access to centers 

focused in specific areas of research or application is 

available through collaboration with center researchers. 

Physical or computational facilities are geographically 

spread across the country to ensure easy access; individual 

facilities include distributed networks with multiple 

nodes, in addition to single-site centers. Included in 

Program Component Area 6 are facility planning, 

facility design and construction activities, acquisition 

and commissioning of instrumentation for nanoscience 

and nanotechnology research, and ongoing operation of 

instrumentation and facilities.

President’s 2007 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

 Planning, constructing, and operating major 

scientific user facilities that are best in the world or 

state of the art to serve researchers from academia, 

Federal laboratories, and industry

 Acquiring best-in-the-world or state-of-theart instrumentation for nanoscale imaging, 

measurement, characterization, and manipulation at 

university and Federal Government laboratories

 Maintaining and improving nanoscale fabrication 

capabilities at NNI-funded research laboratories

 Ensuring that industrial, academic, and government 

researchers have ready access to these world-class 

facilities to develop prototypical nanoscale test 

structures; measurement instruments; standard 

reference materials; and electronic, NEMS/MEMS, 

and biological devices critical to agency missions and 

to the Nation’s nanotechnology needs

 Leveraging Federal Government user facilities 

funded outside the NNI for nanotechnology R&D, 

such as the X-ray, neutron, and electron scattering 

capabilities and characterization tools at facilities 

supported by DOE, NSF, and NIST

 Creating an infrastructure that facilitates use of 

instrumentation and equipment from distant 

locations—true teleoperation of advanced 

instrumentation for imaging, characterization, and 

fabrication at the nanoscale

Highlights of the 2007 Request

□ Completion of the physical construction and 

installation of the initial suite of specialized 

equipment at four DOE NSRCs, and start of full 

operation of these major user facilities. 
22

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

□ Transitioning of the fifth DOE Nanoscale Science 

Research Centers from construction to initial 

operation.

□ Completion of the Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory at the National Cancer 

Institute (NCI).

□ Full operation and expansion of facilities for 

conducting nanomanufacturing R&D—a 

major focus for this PCA in 2006 and 2007. 

Examples described more fully in agency activities 

include the new NSF Center for Hierarchical 

Nanomanufacturing and NIST’s Center for 

Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST).

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2007 Request

DOD (DTRA), DOE: Finalization by the Defense 

Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Joint Science and 

Technology Office for Chemical/Biological Defense 

of a memorandum of agreement with the Center for 

Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT), a DOE NSRC 

national user facility managed by Sandia National 

Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory, for 

collaboration on the use of CINT facilities for R&D 

activities.

DOD, NSF: Joint funding of Materials Research Science 

and Engineering Centers and of two Nanoscale Science 

and Engineering Centers.

DOD, DOE, NASA, NSF, NIH: Partnerships between 

the NCI Centers of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence 

and NIH Nanomedicine Roadmap centers, initially 

funded in 2005, with many of the NNI infrastructure 

centers supported by other agencies. 

These multiagency and multidiscipline collaborations 

among some of the most important nanotechnology 

resources in the nation build scientific and technical 

insights and enhance outcomes across the disciplines.

DOE, DOD, EPA, NASA, NSF, USDA: DOE and 

NSRC staff members continue to inform and encourage 

other agencies and their grantees about availability 

and use of NSRC capabilities via various mechanisms, 

including grantee meetings and workshops. Each NSRC 

is also instituting annual user meetings as it moves into 

full operation. 

DOE, NIH, NIST, NSF: Participation in the Interagency 

Working Group on Neutron and Synchrotron Facilities. 

DOE, NIST, NSF: Co-sponsorship of an NNI 

workshop on the role of X-ray and neutron facilities 

in nanotechnology to highlight the role of major 

characterization facilities that support advances in 

nanoscale science and technology.

NIST, NSF: Ongoing operation of the NIST Center 

for Neutron Research and expansion of user access to 

nanocharacterization tools.

NSF, NASA, DOD, DOE: Coordination of plans 

and activities at NSF’s National Nanotechnology 

Infrastructure Network (NNIN) and Network for 

Computational Nanotechnology (NCN) with those of 

centers funded by DOD, NASA, and DOE. 

2006 and 2007 Activities by Agency

DHHS (NIH): Complete the NCI Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory, a facility specifically aimed 

at providing support for the use of nanotechnology for 

prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. 

DOC (NIST): The NIST Advanced Measurement 

Laboratory (AML) is open and fully functional. Over 

100 experiments have been moved into the laboratory. 

The NIST CNST opened in 2006. Facilities of the 

CNST will enable fabrication of new nanoscale devices, 

instruments, and standards, and provide access to 

expensive nanofabrication tools, technologies, and 

expertise. 

The NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) is 

expanding access to leading neutron nanocharacterization 

tools and is developing new neutron diffraction and 

spectroscopy instrumentation that will provide unique 

nanoscale information. The NCNR hosts the nation’s 

leading reactor-based neutron research facilities, offering 

a unique capability to probe the structure and properties 

of materials at the nanoscale. The NCNR, in partnership 

with the National Science Foundation and other 

agencies, operates as a national user facility to provide 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 23

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24

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

the nation’s only significant capabilities for cold neutron 

diffraction, spectroscopy, neutron trace analysis, and 

neutron imaging. This center presently provides over 

two-thirds of all neutron measurements performed in the 

United States. It is one of the most productive facilities 

of its type in the world and complements the acceleratorbased neutron research facilities operated by other Federal 

agencies. 

DOC (TA): Continue to explain and represent, 

as appropriate, the department’s investment in 

nanotechnology-related facilities at NIST, including 

NIST’s AML, which houses many of the new CNST’s 

nanomanufacturing and nanometrology capabilities. 

With these capabilities, researchers will be able to 

fabricate prototypical nanoscale test structures, standard 

reference materials, and electronic devices.

DOD: Provide advanced nanoscience instrumentation 

via the Defense University Research Instrumentation 

Program (DURIP); provide DOD facilities and 

instrumentation capable of contributing to nanoscience 

research.

The 2007 DOD program includes an expected increase 

of approximately $21 million in this PCA in order to 

develop novel lithography instrumentation for affordable, 

high-performance, low-volume, and application-specific 

integrated circuits. Furthermore, this new facilities 

and instrumentation initiative will provide a costeffective manufacturing technology for low volume 

nanoelectromechanical systems and nanophotonic 

devices.

DOE: Utilize the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), 

located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to enable the 

next generation of materials research at the nanoscale and 

beyond. The successful completion of this $1.4 billion 

scientific user facility, which will provide the most intense 

pulsed neutron beams in the world, was formally certified 

by the Secretary of Energy in June 2006. 

By or during 2007, complete installation and 

commissioning of the initial suite of specialized 

equipment for four of the five DOE Nanoscale 

Science Research Centers (NSRCs). These four, at 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley 

National Laboratory, Sandia and Los Alamos National 

Laboratories, and Argonne National Laboratory, will 

thus move into full operations as user facilities with 

access provided on the basis of merit-reviewed proposals. 

Collectively, the NSRCs constitute the major scientific 

infrastructure investment under the NNI.

In conjunction with establishment of the NSRCs, novel 

beamlines and instrumentation specifically designed for 

nanoscale science are being brought online at existing 

collocated major scientific user facilities such as the 

Advanced Photon Source and National Synchrotron 

Light Source synchrotrons.

NSF: Continue to fund 22 centers of excellence—

18 Nanoscale Science Engineering Centers and 4 new 

Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers 

established since 2001—and two major user-facility 

networks, the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure 

Network and the Network for Computational 

Nanotechnology. Funding provided in 2006 will bring 

all 20 user-facility sites (13 sites for the NNIN and seven 

sites for the NCN) into full operation. Based on previous 

history of usage, these will provide support for about 

7,500 academic, industry, and government users, and 

industry partnerships with over 100 companies per year. 

The Major Research Instrumentation Program and other 

programs will continue to support the creation of smaller 

academic nanoscale science and engineering facilities.

Additionally, a new NSEC on nanomanufacturing 

has been established in 2006, along with mechanisms 

for sharing best practices in research, education, and 

management with the existing NSECs. The Center 

for Hierarchical Nanomanufacturing and the Center 

for Nanotechnology in Society, as well as the Center 

for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale Science and 

Engineering (focused on grades K-16) and a Network 

for Informal Science Education at the Nanoscale, all 

have roles in disseminating information and supporting 

nanotechnology activities at the national level. 

NSF-supported multidisciplinary user facilities for 

X-ray synchrotron radiation, neutron scattering, and 

high magnetic fields will continue to provide support 

to nanotechnology researchers from a broad range of 

disciplines, including physics, chemistry, materials 

research, engineering, and the biological sciences.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 25

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

PCA 7: Societal Dimensions

NNI Agencies Requesting 2007 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DHHS (NIH), DHHS 

(NIOSH), DOC (NIST), DOD, DOE, EPA, NSF, USDA (CSREES)

Other Participating Agencies: CPSC, DHHS (FDA), DOC (TA), DOS, ITC, ITIC, USDA (FS)

The Societal Dimensions Program Component 

Area focuses on the issues of social change and 

safety aspects of nanotechnology, on both a 

domestic and global scale. This PCA encompasses three 

subtopics:

1. Research directed at environmental, health, and safety 

(EHS) impacts of nanotechnology development, and 

risk assessment of such impacts 

2. Education-related activities such as development of 

materials for K-12 schools, undergraduate programs, 

technical training, learning in informal settings, and 

public outreach

3. Research directed at identifying and quantifying the 

broader societal aspects of nanotechnology, including 

economic, workforce, educational, ethical, legal, and 

other social implications 

Developing NNI activities in these areas concurrently 

with the scientific research programs is essential. By 

doing so, the NNI facilitates public understanding of 

nanotechnology, is better able to proactively address 

public concerns and identify possible pitfalls, and can 

more effectively recommend approaches to optimizing 

the benefits of nanotechnology. Cultivating public 

trust through open communications, education, policy 

foresight, and cooperation with the international 

community is vital. Public awareness, acceptance of, and 

knowledge about nanotechnology are essential for fully 

realizing its potential economic and societal benefits. 

The need to identify and address legitimate EHS issues is 

equally important.

President’s 2007 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

 R&D leading to a detailed understanding of the 

health and safety impacts of nanotechnology for 

researchers, workers, consumers, and the public

 R&D leading to a detailed understanding of the 

environmental impacts of various applications of 

nanotechnology

 Efforts to protect the health and safety of warfighters, 

first responders, and other early adopters of 

nanotechnology-enabled products

 Multidisciplinary education in or relevant to 

nanoscale science and engineering as appropriate for 

audiences at all age levels, “K to gray”

 Support of education to develop solid mathematics, 

science, and technology skills to further advance the 

nanotechnology field

 Research on long-term societal, ethical, legal, and 

economic aspects of nanotechnology, and related 

public interaction and outreach 

 Preparation of the nanotechnology workforce and 

equipping future workforce members with the 

necessary information and skills to work safely, 

responsibly, and successfully in nanotechnologyrelated jobs and businesses

 Efforts to ensure that stakeholders who wish to 

participate in public debate and decision-making 

have access to relevant information and education 

Highlights of the 2007 Request

□ Continued development of the NSF Network for 

Nanotechnology in Society, a network of centers 

and projects through which social scientists, 

economists, and nanotechnology researchers will 

address key issues relating to societal implications of 

nanotechnology

□ Continued development of the Nanoscale 

Informal Science Education Network, which 

became operational in 2006 and is establishing an 

infrastructure for increasing public engagement 
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1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

and understanding of nanoscience and engineering 

through linkages between research centers and 

science museums

□ Development of standards for environmental 

and toxicological studies of engineered nanoscale 

materials, and a metrology infrastructure supporting 

these standards

□ Coordination of national and international 

efforts aimed at responsible development of 

nanotechnology through organization of and 

participation in meetings and forums

□ Ramp-up of the NSF Center for Learning and 

Teaching in Nanoscale Science and Engineering at 

Northwestern University, which will train teachers 

and education leaders in grades 7-16 with the aim of 

reaching one million students in the next five years

□ Further development of assay cascades for toxicity 

and other characterization of an increasing number 

of engineered nanomaterials at the Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory (NCL) of the National 

Cancer Institute (NCI)

□ Use of the National Toxicology Program (NTP), a 

multiagency program administered by the National 

Institutes of Health, to study the potential toxicity 

of nanomaterials

□ Funding of major university-based toxicity study 

programs at the University of Houston and the 

University of Rochester

□ Development by NIST of relevant standards for 

particles, environmental, and toxicological studies, 

and generic infrastructural metrology to support 

them

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2007 Request

All NNI agencies: Exchange and coordination of 

information related to risk assessment of nanotechnologyenabled products through participation in the 

Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications 

(NEHI) Working Group of the NSET Subcommittee, 

currently chaired by the FDA. Twenty-four agencies 

and offices participate in the working group, including 

CPSC, DOE, DOD, EPA, FDA, ITC, NASA, NIEHS, 

NIOSH, NIST, NSF, OMB, OSHA, OSTP, and USDA.

Development and publication of a document 

that identifies priority environmental, health, and 

safety research needed to support risk assessment 

of nanotechnology. The document will inform 

the nanotechnology community in making R&D 

investments in this important area and will support 

regulatory decision-making. The NSET Subcommittee’s 

NEHI Working Group has obtained input from 

regulatory agencies on their research and information 

needs and has worked with industry to obtain similar 

information. 

All NNI agencies: Addressed the NNAP’s 

recommendation to increase the NNI’s outreach to 

and coordination with the States by organizing and 

conducting a second workshop on “Regional, State, and 

Local Initiatives in Nanotechnology” on November 3-4, 

2005. The workshop provided a forum for interchange 

of ideas among the leaders of regional, state, and local 

nanotechnology initiatives and identified means to 

promote continued success of those initiatives and to 

strengthen the role of the States in achieving NNI goals.

DHHS National Toxicology Program–FDA (NCTR), 

NIH (NIEHS), CDC (NIOSH)) and NIH (NCI):

Development of a Memorandum of Understanding, 

involving the multiagency National Toxicology Program 

and the NCI Nanotechnology Characterization 

Laboratory, to do split sample analysis for methods 

verification and collaborative toxicology evaluations on 

selected nanoscale materials.

DOE, NIOSH: Collaboration through a new 

Interagency Agreement between NIOSH and DOE’s 

Office of FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies 

to investigate the impact of new emission controls 

for nitrogen oxides and soot from diesel engines on 

the toxicity of emitted nanoparticles. NIOSH also is 

consulting on nanotechnology safety issues at the DOE 

Nanoscale Science Research Centers, including ideas for 

safe facility design and operation. 

DOEd, NSF, all other NNI agencies: Coordinated 

development of coherent educational programs of 

rigorous academic and technical courses for secondary 

and post-secondary institutions that prepare students for 

careers in the nanoscience and nanotechnology fields.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 27

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

EPA, NIOSH: Sponsorship of the First International 

Symposium on Nanotoxicology: Biomedical Aspects 

(Miami, FL, January 28-February 1, 2006).

EPA, NIOSH, NIH (NIEHS), NSF: EPA partnership 

in 2006 with NIOSH, NIEHS, and NSF on a 

joint interagency competitive grant solicitation, 

“Nanotechnology Research Grants Investigating 

Environmental and Human Health Effects of 

Manufactured Nanomaterials.” These Federal agencies 

plan to expand their partnership to include the European 

Union with publication of an international joint research 

solicitation in 2007.

FDA, NIH (NCI), NIST: Performance of fundamental 

nanoparticle metrology related to characterization 

of nanoproducts for biomedical and nanomedicine 

applications.

FDA, NIH (NIEHS), NIOSH: Partnership to 

manage and operate the National Toxicology Program’s 

Nanotechnology Safety Initiative, which involves the 

toxicological evaluations of specific engineered nanoscale 

materials. 

FDA, NIST: Collaboration with the American 

Association of Physicists in Medicine for use of NIST 

and FDA measurement capabilities to evaluate the 

accuracy and precision of various bioimaging methods in 

use at the clinical level. 

FDA, NIST: Collaboration to characterize fundamental 

properties of zinc oxide and titanium oxide nanoparticles 

commonly used in sunscreen lotions.

NIOSH, other NNI agencies: Sponsorship of the 

International Conference on Nanotechnology and 

Occupational Health: Research to Practice (Cincinnati, 

OH, December 3-8, 2006) and the Third International 

Symposium on Nanotechnology and Occupational 

Health (Taipei, Taiwan, fall 2007). 

DOD, DOE, EPA, NASA, NIST, NIOSH, NNCO, 

OSTP: High-level cooperation with and support of the 

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) efforts on 

nanotechnology standardization. The Director of NNCO 

serves as Chair of the ANSI Technical Advisory Group 

to the International Organization for Standardization 

(ISO). Agency representatives have membership on 

the ANSI Technical Advisory Group and the ANSINanotechnology Standards Panel. At the November 

2005 meeting of the ISO Technical Committee on 

Nanotechnologies, the United States was designated to 

lead the ISO Technical Committee’s Working Group 

on Health, Safety, and Environmental Aspects of 

Nanotechnologies.

NIH (NCI), NSF: Leveraging of agency strengths to 

build support for broad-based nanotechnology training 

and cross-disciplinary outreach efforts, particularly at 

the undergraduate level. The agencies are also actively 

exploring ways to expand the scope of the institutional 

NCI-NSF Integrative Graduate Education and Research 

Traineeships awards initiated in 2005 in support of 

nanobiotechnology training.

NIH (NCI), NIST: Nanotechnology-biology 

collaboration on (1) novel opto-immunoassays for 

probing the molecular pathology of prostate cancer, and 

(2) development of ultrasensitive and high-throughput 

phage display platforms using bio-conjugated fluorescent 

semiconductor nanocrystals.

NSF, all NNI agencies: Organization of meetings for 

NSF grantees, including a forum on education and one 

on EHS aspects of nanotechnology, in the Nanoscale 

Science and Engineering Centers (NSECs), with 

participation from many NSET Subcommittee member 

agencies. 

Regulatory agencies (e.g., CPSC, EPA, FDA):

Development of new technologies to evaluate 

pharmacological disposition of products containing 

engineered nanoscale materials. Training of regulatory 

staff members on nanotechnology to enable them to 

make better regulatory recommendations. Conduct 

internal discussions and research on applicability of 

existing laws and regulations to nanotechnology-enabled 

products and systems.
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

2006 and 2007 Activities by Agency

DHHS (NIH): Investigate the toxicology of engineered 

nanoscale materials of current or projected commercial 

importance under the NTP’s broad-based research 

program to address potential human health hazards from 

unintentional exposure associated with the manufacture 

and use of engineered nanoscale materials. Three NSET 

agencies form the core of the NTP: NIH’s National 

Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS); 

DHHS’s National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health (NIOSH); and FDA’s National Center for 

Toxicological Research (NCTR). 

In 2006 and 2007, continue to expand NTP studies 

focused on skin uptake, inhalation, and oral routes of 

exposure, specifically:

•	 Evaluation of the size- and composition-dependent 

biological disposition of nanoscale crystalline 

fluorescent semiconductors (“quantum dots”)

•	 Short- and long-term studies of one or more 

carbon-based nanoscale materials (e.g., single- or 

multi-walled nanotubes, fullerenes)

•	 Evaluation of the role of particle core and surface 

composition in the possible immunotoxicity of 

nanoscale crystalline semiconductor materials and 

carbon nanoscale materials

•	 Phototoxicology studies of representative nanoscale 

metal oxide particles used in industrial settings and in 

consumer products (e.g., titanium dioxide)

Most of the funding for the above NTP activities is 

contributed by NIEHS. FDA’s NCTR contributes use 

of the state-of-the-art capabilities of its NTP Center for 

Phototoxicology. Other agencies such as CPSC, EPA, 

and OSHA are also active participants in NTP programs, 

including the Nanotechnology Safety Initiative, and are 

intimately involved in these activities. These activities are 

expanding in 2006 and 2007.

NCI’s Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory 

(ncl.cancer.gov—described above under PCA 4, 

Instrumentation Research, Metrology, and 

Standards) provides critical infrastructure for studies 

supporting decision-making about the implications 

of nanotechnology-based products. It is developing a 

characterization cascade for use in preclinical evaluations 

of nanomaterials intended for cancer therapeutics. As part 

of its assay cascade and in partnership with NIST and 

FDA, the NCL will characterize engineered nanoscale 

materials’ physical attributes, their in vitro biological 

properties, and their in vivo compatibility using animal 

models. The time required to characterize nanomaterials 

from receipt through the in vivo phase is anticipated 

to be one year. Multifunctional engineered nanoscale 

materials, including dendrimers, liposomes, quantum 

dots, metals, and carbon-based particles, will be tested 

to fully understand health and safety implications from 

the perspective of intentional exposure (i.e., medical 

application or delivery). In carrying out its functions, 

the NCL will provide a comprehensive set of baseline 

characterization parameters that enables nanotechnologybased strategies to rapidly transition to clinical 

applications. The work also will provide a framework for 

regulatory decisions by FDA concerning the testing and 

approval of nanoscale cancer diagnostics, imaging agents, 

and therapeutics. 

NIEHS is participating in 2006 with EPA, NIOSH, 

and NSF in funding a joint solicitation to investigate 

environmental and human health effects of engineered 

nanoscale materials. Research areas may include the 

toxicology, fate, transport, transformation, bioavailability, 

and exposures to human and other species in natural 

ecosystems to engineered nanoscale materials, along with 

industrial ecology related to these materials.

DHHS has investments that are not included under this 

PCA, but that are nevertheless strongly related. Studies 

of biocompatibility are integral to many NIH studies 

supported under other PCAs. For example, research to 

develop new nanotechnology-based imaging agents or 

restorative implants routinely include animal studies 

on the distribution, processing, and excretion of these 

materials, and monitoring for adverse effects that may 

occur during and after treatment. Even studies to develop 

tools with which to study cells or to develop diagnostic 

devices routinely examine the interaction of cells or 

biological fluids with the devices. Much can be learned 

from these studies about biocompatibility, which is in 

turn related also to potential toxicity.

The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer 

is supporting the education, training, and career 

development of graduate, post-doctoral, and mid-career 

investigators for multidisciplinary nano-oncology research 

by providing cancer nanotechnology fellowship grants as 

well as partnering with NSF in support of institutionally 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 29

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

based awards. NCI expects to award approximately 36 

new grants in this area in both 2006 and 2007. NCI 

also is making some programmatic investments of note 

in broad outreach and communication efforts via its 

publications and website (nano.cancer.gov) regarding 

nanotechnology research and development as it relates 

to cancer and other biomedical applications. These 

materials are designed to engage research communities 

as well as policymakers and the general public on the full 

spectrum of societal issues attending the development of 

nanobiotechnology. Finally, NCI is actively supporting 

environmental, health, and safety research relevant to the 

cancer mission, particularly through the NCL. 

NIH supports training in nanobiology at a consortium 

of institutions in Houston, Texas through a program 

entitled “Training for a New Interdisciplinary 

Research Workforce,” a component of its Roadmap 

Interdisciplinary Research Initiative.

NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 

Programs of Excellence in Nanotechnology (reported 

under PCA 3, Nanoscale Devices and Systems) also 

include a research training component.

DHHS (NIOSH): Support focused research on 

nanotechnology issues associated with worker safety 

and health as outlined in the NIOSH Nanotechnology 

Strategic Plan, available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/

nanotech/strat_plan.html, through intramural and 

extramural programs and international collaborations, 

including assessments of the use of nanotechnologies to 

increase worker safety and protect health, and through 

research into toxicity and other potential hazards of 

nanomaterials. 

In 2007, NIOSH plans to:

• Continue to develop and expand partnerships 

and collaborations with stakeholders, including 

industry, other agencies, and academia, to develop 

risk management practices for the production and 

use of engineered nanomaterials, including exposure 

assessment strategies, engineering controls, personal 

protective equipment, respiratory protection, and 

worker training

•	 Develop preliminary medical endpoints for exposure 

to nanomaterials and conduct limited surveillance 

studies

• Evaluate occupational exposures to engineered 

nanoscale materials, addressing effective exposure 

control in the workplace

• Continue to maintain and update its “Approaches 

to Safe Nanotechnology” interactive dialogue with 

the scientific community and the general public 

online at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/nano_

exchange.html in coordination with other NSET 

Subcommittee agencies

• Continue to address critical toxicological questions 

by further elucidating hazards to workers in 

nanotechnology and by conducting focused 

toxicology studies on pulmonary, cardiovascular, 

dermal, and neural effects of single-walled and 

multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and metal oxide 

nanospheres and nanowires

• Continue to develop safe handling procedures and 

demonstrate the effectiveness of respirators and 

filtration devices

• Continue partnering with EPA and NSF to fund 

extramural research in the areas of environmental and 

occupational safety and health of nanotechnology 

NIOSH interdisciplinary Nanotechnology Field 

Teams are conducting field studies in partnership with 

stakeholders to observe and assess occupational health 

and safety practices and control technologies in facilities 

where nanotechnology processes and applications are 

used.

DOC (NIST): Develop measurement methods for 

in vitro diagnostics and standards for advanced healthcare 

and therapeutics, including:

•	 Measuring the optical properties of nanocrystals and 

nanorods, which are promising materials for use as 

tags for biological and chemical fluorescent sensors

•	 Developing standards for carbon nanotube 

characterization and metrology

•	 Use of optical tweezers, ultrafast lasers, and highresolution microspectroscopy techniques extending 

into the far infrared to manipulate particles and 

measure protein motions, the kinetics of binding and 

folding of single RNA molecules, and the dynamics 

of how motor proteins change chemical energy into 

physical motion at the molecular level

• Use of NIST radioactive-labeled molecules and 

monoclonal antibodies to investigate their application 

for targeting tumors in radiotherapy applications
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1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

•	 Developing molecular imaging and radiodiagnostic 

techniques, such as PET (positron emission 

tomography) scanning, to target specific metabolic 

processes

•	 Fabricating patterned thin films with precise 

geometry and volume, which can be used to 

determine spatial distribution of iron-containing 

contrast agents in MRI (magnetic resonance) imaging

•	 Developing calibration techniques for spatial 

resolution and threshold detection limits for 

gadolinium-containing MRI contrast agents for 

cancer detection

•	 Demonstrating use of scanning probe methods to 

validate the presence and characteristics of MRI 

contrast agents in small-animal cancer models

NIST has a substantial program to train undergraduate 

and graduate students and postdoctoral associates in the 

pursuit of future nanoscale standards and measurement 

techniques. NIST’s training program depends on its close 

relationships with many prominent universities. Many of 

the associates in the program are from underrepresented 

groups and enhance the cultural diversity at NIST.

DOC (TA): Work to open new channels for public 

comment on nanotechnology, to expand understanding 

of public perceptions of nanotechnology, and to ensure 

the widest possible public dissemination of factual 

information about nanotechnology; begin efforts 

in collaboration with academic partners to explore 

business, legal, international, education, and workforce 

issues and challenges associated with the development 

and commercialization of nanotechnology; work with 

professional societies to identify and explore the impact 

of nanotechnology on the law and potential implications 

for Federal policy.

DOD: Assure health and safety of warfighters utilizing 

future nanotechnology-based applications; enable 

physicochemical characterization and toxicology for 

water, air, and space environments; sustain an investment 

strategy to enable a multidisciplinary education system 

capable of sustaining the skilled workforce needed to 

meet future defense needs; assess, avoid, and abate any 

adverse environmental or health impact from defense 

utilization of nanotechnology.

DOE: Support research in 2006 on fate and transport 

of nanoscale particles in the environment; develop 

informational materials on nanoscience research activities 

and user facilities including via a dedicated website 

(nano.energy.gov); and interact with public audiences 

(students, local communities, media, and others) as 

an integral part of Nanoscale Science Research Center 

activities. Participation is anticipated in an industryled consortium to conduct research exploring practical 

aspects of reproducible nanoparticle measurement, 

efficacy of filters and personal protective equipment, and 

other precompetitive topics related to nanoparticle health 

and safety implications.

DOS: Continue to implement a foreign policy 

that seeks to facilitate the prudent development of 

nanotechnologies by addressing international social and 

political concerns through cooperation and collaboration. 

International cooperation on environmental, health, 

and safety issues can help reduce risk while realizing the 

benefits of technological development. Cooperation on 

ethical, legal, and social issues can help improve public 

confidence in nanotechnology, encourage free trade, and 

promote sustainable development through the realization 

of clean, efficient technologies.

EPA: Support research on the toxicology, fate, transport, 

transformation, bioavailability, and risk exposures of 

humans and other species to nanomaterials, to obtain 

information used in risk assessment, a central aspect of 

EPA’s mission. Such research is aimed at understanding 

and addressing any potential effects of engineered 

nanoscale materials, the characteristics of the products 

made from them, or aspects of the manufacturing 

processes involved. With NSF, NIEHS, and NIOSH, 

EPA will fund appropriate research proposals from a 

competitive solicitation that addresses these issues. This 

will build on and complement twenty-six projects in 

these areas funded by EPA in 2004 and 2005 under a 

similar interagency program. 

Conduct research to study nanotechnology’s potential to 

improve environmental measurement and monitoring 

and its potential to enhance control and remediation 

technologies.

In 2006, EPA is developing a voluntary pilot program 

for reporting of nanomaterials manufacturing under 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 31

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

International Cooperation on Responsible Development of Nanotechnology

Supporting responsible development of nanotechnology is one of the four principal goals of the National Nanotechnology Initiative. 

Since technological innovation is a global phenomenon, the responsible development goal will be achieved most effectively through 

international cooperation. This will require addressing multiple factors in parallel, including: (1) commercialization of widely 

beneficial applications, (2) effects of innovation on the labor pool and the distribution of jobs in manufacturing and other areas, (3) 

equitable access to innovative technology, (4) societal changes that could result from such innovation, and (5) avoidance of potential 

negative impacts from new products.

The NNI and the participating agencies collaborate with their counterparts in other nations via many mechanisms, including 

bilateral and multilateral communication regarding governmental nanotechnology initiatives, taking part in international standards 

development, joint agency and individual agency support for international workshops and guest researcher programs, and 

direct cooperation with parallel agencies in other countries. In 2005, the NSET Subcommittee established the Global Issues in 

Nanotechnology (GIN) informal working group to facilitate and and coordinate NNI and other U.S. Government international 

activities related to nanotechnology. The GIN working group has provided interagency input at the United Nations, within the 

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), under the Wassenaar Arrangement, for bilateral meetings, 

and in other international forums. 

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

With coordination by the GIN working group, the United States has played a lead role in proposing and scoping the activities for 

two new bodies within OECD—one in the Environmental Directorate and one in the Directorate for Science, Technology, and 

Industry (DSTI). These complementary bodies will provide expertise and appropriate forums for discussions on a wide range of 

nanotechnology-related topics that will benefit from international coordination and cooperation.

In December 2005, EPA hosted a workshop on the Safety of Manufactured Nanomaterials, under the auspices of the OECD Joint 

Meeting of the Chemicals Committee and the Working Party on Chemicals, Pesticides, and Biotechnology in the Environmental 

Directorate. This workshop led to a recommendation that the Joint Meeting should establish a new body focusing on safe use and 

development of nanomaterials. This new body will address nanotechnology issues within the scope of the parent bodies.

The U.S. has also proposed the formation of a nanotechnology subgroup under the DSTI Committee on Scientific and Technological 

Policy. The proposed body would address topics related to nanotechnology advancement and commercialization such as intellectual 

property rights, research infrastructure, education, and societal concerns. Its scope will be discussed at a workshop hosted by Switzerland 

in the summer of 2006. International cooperation in these areas will be essential in realizing the full benefits of nanotechnology.

International Standards Development

Standards for nomenclature, terminology, measurement procedures, exposure monitoring, and materials characterization are 

expected to play a critical role in both maximizing the benefits of nanotechnology and minimizing any potential risks—two essential 

aspects of responsible development. The development of widely applicable nanotechnology standards is thus an activity well suited 

to international cooperation.

NNI agencies are contributing to the work of U.S.-domiciled standards development organizations, including ASTM International, 

the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association, to develop voluntary, 

consensus-based nanotechnology standards for international use. In June 2004, the American National Standards Institute 

(ANSI) established a Nanotechnology Standards Panel (NSP) in response to a letter from the Director of the Office of Science 

and Technology Policy Dr. John Marburger, asking ANSI to facilitate and coordinate the United States efforts in nanotechnology 

standards development. Subsequently, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) established a Nanotechnologies 

Technical Committee (ISO TC 229), and ANSI accredited a Technical Advisory Group (ANSI-TAG) to represent the United States 

on this ISO technical committee. The NNCO Director is Chair of the ANSI-TAG and served as leader of the U.S. delegation to the 

first two meetings of ISO TC 229, held in the United Kingdom in November 2005 and in Japan in June 2006. A third meeting of 

ISO TC 229 is scheduled for December 2006 in Korea.

Through the NNCO, the NSET Subcommittee and the relevant agencies provide funding to facilitate ANSI support of 

nanotechnology standards efforts. A number of NNI agencies are represented on the NSP and the ANSI-TAG to ISO TC 

229. Further, the United States leads the ISO TC 229 Working Group on Health, Safety, and Environmental Aspects of 

Nanotechnologies. The United States recently submitted a non-nationalized version of the NIOSH document “Approaches to Safe 

Nanotechnology” (www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/nano_exchange.html) to the ISO Technical Committee, which approved 

it as a new work item. This is the first step toward the development, with input from other countries, of an ISO Technical Report 

on safe handling of nanomaterials, an informational document that will allow workers and researchers globally to benefit from the 

NNI’s proactive efforts in the area of workplace safety.
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1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

the provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act 

(TSCA), as a first step toward evaluating how TSCA can 

be applied to protection of public safety with respect to 

engineered nanoscale materials. 

Released a draft white paper for public comment 

looking broadly at how various environmental statutes 

can and will be applied to protect public safety and the 

environment with respect to nanotechnology.

NSF: Provide extramural support for multiple activities 

addressing the benefits, risks, and other broad societal 

implications of nanotechnology, including: 

•	 Basic research directed at environmental, health, and 

safety impacts of nanotechnology development

•	 Development of educational materials and curricula 

for schools, new teaching tools, technical training 

programs, and public outreach programs

•	 Support for participation in nanoscience/

nanoengineering research by undergraduate students 

and high school teachers

•	 Graduate student assistantships and fellowships that 

cut across all NSF nanotechnology research programs

•	 Research directed at analyzing, identifying, 

and quantifying the societal dimensions of 

nanotechnology from social, behavioral, legal, ethical, 

and economic perspectives 

Two new NSF-wide program solicitations have been 

issued in 2006, one focused on research (Nanoscale 

Science and Engineering) and another on education 

(Nanoscale Science and Engineering Education). In 

addition, awards through NSF core programs continue 

the expansion of broad-based support for the creation of 

knowledge at the nanoscale across all disciplines.

The NSECs, the Materials Research Science and 

Engineering Centers (MRSECs), and the National 

Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) include 

program components on EHS, ethical, legal, and social 

implications (ELSI), education, outreach, and interaction 

with the public. NSF will educate and train per year 

about 10,000 graduate and undergraduate students, 

postdoctoral fellows, and teachers. A Research Experience 

for Undergraduates program will be established on 

a competitive basis at NSECs and will continue at 

MRSECs. 

Key NSF programs include: 

•	 The NSEC entitled “Nanotechnology in Society” to 

provide a framework for addressing broad societal 

implications of nanotechnology.

•	 Nineteen MRSECs, including 4 of the 5 new 

MRSECs established in 2002 and 2005, which 

continue to fully or partially support education and 

outreach programs pertaining to nanoscale science 

and engineering. These programs include graduate 

and undergraduate training, precollege programs, and 

interaction with the public.

•	 The Nanoscale Informal Science Education (NISE) 

Network, which is to develop a broad net of activities 

for science museums around the country. Among 

them are:

- Research and development on educational 

exhibitions, programs, and media designed 

to increase awareness, engagement, and 

understanding of nanoscale science, engineering, 

and technology

- Development of a critical mass of science 

museums in the nation that have the expertise, 

resources, and desire to develop opportunities for 

the public to better understand the nanoscale

- Development of relationships between 

nanoscience and engineering researchers and 

educators at institutions of formal and informal 

learning

•	 The NISE Network further contributes front-end 

research on public understanding of nanotechnology 

by conducting a comprehensive review of academic 

studies, evaluation reports, educational research 

literature, and public opinion research from 

the past decade about public understanding of 

nanotechnology. The network also will expand the 

knowledge base through educational research and 

evaluation concerning learning about the nanoscale to 

inform the development of materials and techniques.

•	 Development of an online clearinghouse for sharing 

information and resources for informal learning about 

nanoscale science and engineering.

•	 Use of the Nanoscale Center for Learning and 

Teaching to work towards increasing the capacity of 

secondary students to understand nanoscale science, 

engineering, and technology by supporting:
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 33

1. NNI Research by Program Component Area

- Development of instructional materials with 

appropriate science, engineering, and technology 

content and based on research on learning

- Professional development of teachers with respect 

to relevant content and effective pedagogy

- Doctoral-level education focused on developing 

future leaders with expertise in introducing 

scientific and engineering advances into the 

school curriculum

- Research on learning and teaching related to the 

development of effective instructional materials 

and professional development in this area

NSF also supports extramural activities addressing the 

benefits, risks, and other broad societal implications 

of nanotechnology, including basic research directed 

at environmental, health, and safety impacts of 

nanotechnology development. NSF has funded hundreds 

of grants for such study and, among others, supports the 

following environmental centers and interdisciplinary 

groups concerned with research and education at the 

nanoscale: 

•	 Fundamental Studies of Nanoparticles Formation in 

Air Pollution, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

•	 Center for Advanced Materials for Water Purification, 

University of Illinois at Urbana

•	 Center for Environmentally Responsible Solvents and 

Processes, University of North Carolina at Chapel 

Hill

•	 Center for Nanoscience in Biological and 

Environmental Engineering, Rice University 

•	 Environmental Molecular Science Institute, 

University of Notre Dame 

•	 Investigating Nano-carbon Particles in the 

Atmosphere: Formation and Transformation, 

University of Utah 

•	 Nanoscale Processes in the Environment—

Atmospheric Nanoparticles, Harvard University 

•	 Nanoscale Sensing Device for Measuring the Supply 

of Iron to Phytoplankton in Marine Systems, 

University of Maine

USDA (CSREES): Develop new educational materials 

on nanotechnology for undergraduate students majoring 

in agricultural and food sciences and technology. Support 

and encourage education and outreach in various aspects 

of nanotechnology through funding mechanisms, 

including competitive research, SBIR, and higher 

education challenge grants.

USDA (FS): Present results from Forest Service 

nanotechnology research at national and international 

symposia, workshops, and industry meetings.

  
34 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 35

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007

Table 2

NNI Budget, 2005-2007 (dollars in millions)*

2005 Actual 2006 Estimate 2007 Request

NSF 335 344 373

DOD 352 436 345

DOE 208 207 258

DHHS (NIH) 165 172 170

DOC (NIST) 79 78 86

NASA 45 50 25

EPA 7 5 9

USDA (CSREES) 3 3 3

DHHS (NIOSH) 3 3 3

USDA/FS 0 2 2

DHS 1 2 2

DOJ 2 1 1

DOT (FHWA) 0 0.1 0.1

TOTAL** 1,200 1,303 1,278

The 2007 National Nanotechnology Initiative 

(NNI) budget request for nanotechnology 

R&D across the Federal Government is nearly 

$1.3 billion. The increase in spending for nanotechnology 

over the last six years (from an estimated $464 million 

in 2001) reflects this Administration’s ongoing 

commitment to the NNI. This broad, coordinated, and 

balanced interagency investment is aimed at exploiting 

nanotechnology’s potential to expand knowledge, 

strengthen the U.S. economy, support national and 

homeland security, and enhance the quality of life, while 

protecting public safety and health.

A summary of NNI investments for 2005 through 2007 

is provided in Tables 2–6. Table 2 provides the 2005 

actual budget, the 2006 estimated budget, and the 2007 

funding request for those Federal agencies with R&D 

budgets dedicated to nanotechnology research and 

development. Tables 3 and 4 provide 2006 estimated and 

2007 planned investments by program component area 

(PCA) for each of these agencies. Finally, Tables 5 and 6 

show estimates for agency investments in the societal 

dimensions PCA in two subcomponents: programs 

that are primarily directed at environmental, health, 

and safety (EHS) R&D, and programs for educationrelated activities and research on the broad implications 

of nanotechnology for society, including economic, 

workforce, educational, ethical, and legal implications.

* The numbers in this table have been updated slightly from those originally published in the President’s 2007 Budget 

(www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2007/pdf/spec.pdf, p. 52, Table 5-3), as agencies have refined their analysis 

and categorization of which specific R&D activities fall within the purview of the NNI.

** Totals may not add due to rounding.

Budget Summary
36 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007

* Totals may not add due to rounding.

Key points about the 2006 and 2007 NNI

investments:

 The 2007 budget request is nearly $1.3 billion across 

thirteen agencies for nanotechnology R&D, an 

increase of 21% over the 2006 request3. 

 In 2006, estimated NNI investments will total over 

$1.3 billion, an 8.6% increase over the 2005 actual 

investment.

 The 2007 request for EHS R&D of $44.1 million is 

an increase of 18% over estimated 2006 investments, 

including almost doubling the budget for such 

research at EPA. This reflects the Administration’s 

strong commitment to a balanced NNI research 

portfolio, including appropriate funding for 

research aimed at protecting human health and the 

environment.

 The 2007 request includes increases of $51 million 

for DOE, $29 million for NSF, and $8 million 

for NIST over estimated 2006 expenditures. 

These increases in nanotechnology R&D funding 

(collectively 14%) reflect the President’s commitment 

to doubling funding for these agencies over 

the next ten years in support of the American 

Competitiveness Initiative.

Agencies with the largest budget requests and their

areas of emphasis in 2006 and 2007:

 NSF continues its emphasis on Fundamental 

Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes (as shown in 

Table 4, a $132 million request for 2007 in PCA 1) 

and will support a new research focus on active 

nanostructures and nanosystems. NSF also continues 

to fund centers of excellence in nanomanufacturing, 

societal issues, and nanotechnology education.

3. 2006 figures from the NNI Supplement to the President’s 

FY 2006 Budget, available at www.nano.gov/NNI_06Budget.pdf.

Table 3

Estimated 2006 Agency Investments by Program Component Area (dollars in millions) Fundamental Phenomena & Processes Nanomaterials Nanoscale Devices & Systems Instr. Research, Metrology, & Standards Nano- manufacturing Major Research Facilities & Instr. Acquisition Societal Dimensions

NNI Total*

NSF 134.6 52.8 44.2 10.7 20.1 29.9 51.5 343.8

DOD 159.3 149.3 111.5 11.7 0.0 3.3 1.0 436.2

DOE 48.9 33.8 5.1 11.7 0.0 106.6 1.1 207.2

DHHS (NIH) 45.7 15.0 95.3 5.7 0.8 0.9 8.7 172.0

DOC (NIST) 18.5 7.2 17.5 19.2 7.8 4.9 2.4 77.6

NASA 11.0 18.0 20.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 50.0

EPA 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.9 4.5

USDA (CSREES) 0.4 1.0 1.7 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 3.3

DHHS (NIOSH) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 3.0

USDA (FS) 0.2 1.0 0.2 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.0 2.1

DHS 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5

DOJ 0.0 0.3 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3

DOT (FHWA) 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1

TOTAL* 418.9 278.6 297.2 60.5 30.0 145.6 71.7 1,302.5
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 37

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007

 DOD, where program activities are aimed to 

discover and exploit unique phenomena at nanoscale 

dimensions to enable novel applications that enhance 

warfighter and battle systems capabilities. Continued 

support for nanomaterials research will enable robust 

incorporation and design of nanoscale phenomena 

and the realization of novel materials properties 

based on these phenomena. Added funding for 

nanomanufacturing research is anticipated via 

the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), 

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), and 

Manufacturing Technology (MANTECH) programs. 

The DOD nanotechnology investment reported 

in Table 2 for 2005 and 2006 includes many 

Congressional additions (earmarks). Normal DOD 

contract or grant award decisions rely on evaluation 

and ranking by scientific, technical, and military 

experts. Earmarked awards circumvent this standard 

competitive process and the thorough agency review 

that helps guarantee a coordinated R&D program. 

The significant presence of these earmarks in 2006 

and prior years also makes it difficult to compare 

proposed 2007 funding levels with prior year 

funding. 

A complete inventory of Congressional additions to 

the DOD budget for nanotechnology R&D cannot 

be provided due to the difficulty in identifying 

the requirements of some earmarks and assessing 

their relevance to DOD nanotechnology programs. 

In 2006, earmarks that DOD has been able to 

identify as supporting nanotechnology R&D totaled 

approximately $130 million. The majority of the 

earmarks identified have been categorized as PCA 2 

(Nanomaterials) or PCA 3 (Nanoscale Devices and 

Systems). 

Table 4

Planned 2007 Agency Investments by Program Component Area (dollars in millions) Fundamental Phenomena & Processes Nanomaterials Nanoscale Devices & Systems Instr. Research, Metrology, & Standards Nano- manufacturing Major Research Facilities & Instr. Acquisition Societal Dimensions

NNI Total*

NSF 131.8 58.0 50.3 15.0 27.2 31.9 59.0 373.2

DOD 126.7 100.1 83.6 10.8 0.0 23.3 1.0 345.5

DOE 75.8 56.5 5.4 18.8 0.0 101.3 0.5 258.3

DHHS (NIH) 44.4 14.7 95.5 5.5 0.7 0.9 8.5 170.2

DOC (NIST) 20.8 6.5 13.8 25.1 11.3 6.7 2.0 86.2

NASA 1.0 12.0 11.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 25.0

EPA 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.0 8.6

USDA (CSREES) 0.4 1.0 1.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 2.8

DHHS (NIOSH) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 3.0

USDA (FS) 0.2 1.0 0.2 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.0 2.1

DHS 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0

DOJ 0.0 0.3 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3

DOT (FHWA) 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1

TOTAL* 401.4 250.3 263.2 76.7 40.5 164.1 82.1 1,278.3

* Totals may not add due to rounding.
38 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007

 DOE, where four of the five Nanoscale Science 

Research Centers will go into full operation in 

2006, and the requested nanoscience research 

budget within the Office of Science will increase 

substantially. The Office of Fossil Energy is reporting 

nanotechnology research for the first time in 2006 

and 2007.

 DHHS, with continued significant support 

for nanotechnology R&D funding, including 

implementing the NIH-wide Nanomedicine 

Roadmap Initiative, as well as complementary 

research initiatives at the National Cancer Institute; 

the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; 

and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging 

and Bioengineering. NIOSH continues its research 

program to address implications of nanotechnology 

for health and safety in the workplace. 

 DOC (NIST), where investment in the agency’s 

top priority to fully develop the Center for 

Nanoscale Science and Technology has contributed 

to a 10% increase in NIST’s NNI funding request 

compared to 2006 estimated expenditures. 

Estimates by the agencies for their investments in each 

PCA are based on the descriptions of the PCAs that are 

provided in Section 1 of this report, with additional 

details available in the NNI Strategic Plan (available 

online at nano.gov/html/about/strategicplan2004.html). 

The programmatic activities for each PCA, including 

interagency and individual agency programs for 2005 

and 2006, key strategies for 2006, and highlights of new 

important activities, are described in Section 1.

Investments in PCA 7, Societal Dimensions

There has been considerable interest on the part of 

Congress, as well as various individuals and groups that 

are following nanotechnology, regarding the balance of 

investments by the NNI between R&D to realize the 

benefits of nanotechnology and R&D on the potential 

implications of nanotechnology for the environment 

and human health. Since the inception of the NNI, the 

importance of environmental, health, and safety aspects 

of nanotechnology has been recognized and has been an 

area of research. 

To describe what the NNI is doing to ensure responsible 

development of nanotechnology, OMB has requested 

that all agencies provide funding estimates within the 

Societal Dimensions PCA for R&D on environmental, 

health, and safety implications of nanotechnology, based 

on the following definition. This definition is for the 

purpose of estimating funding and is not intended to be 

a comprehensive scientific or technical description of this 

topic: 

Research and development (R&D) on the 

environmental, health, and safety (EHS) 

implications of nanotechnology includes 

efforts whose primary purpose is to understand 

and address potential risks to health and to 

the environment posed by this technology. 

Potential risks encompass those resulting from 

human, animal, or environmental exposure 

to nanoproducts—here defined as engineered 

nanoscale materials, nanostructured materials, 

or nanotechnology-based devices, and their

byproducts. 

The definition of R&D for EHS implications is an 

intentionally restrictive definition to aid program 

managers in making clear decisions about which projects 

and efforts to include in this category. Note that the 

definition’s key point is “efforts whose primary purpose is 

to understand potential risk.” Thus, the funding indicated 

for EHS R&D does not include R&D within other 

PCAs that is highly relevant to EHS implications but not 

primarily directed at those implications. 

For example, not included are studies of the basic 

mechanisms of interactions between engineered 

nanoscale materials and biological systems, or research to 

develop improved laboratory and field instrumentation 

for measuring the properties of engineered nanoscale 

materials. Work to develop an application of 

nanotechnology that also produces information related 

to potential toxicity of nanoscale components (e.g., 

treatments for cancer) is also not included in PCA 7. It 

should also be noted that R&D on EHS implications 

is taking place in industry, university, and government 

laboratories around the world. As described in several 

of the PCAs, the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and 

Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the National 

Science and Technology Council’s Committee on 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 39

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007

Table 6

Budget for Education and Ethical, Legal, and Other Societal Issues, 2005-2007

(dollars in millions)

2005 Actual 2006 Estimate 2007 Request

NSF 29.1 29.4 33.4

DOD 0.0 0.0 0.0

DOE 0.0 0.5 0.5

DHHS (NIH) 4.1 4.2 3.8

DOC (NIST) 0.0 0.0 0.2

NASA 0.0 0.0 0.0

EPA 0.0 0.0 0.0

USDA (CSREES) 0.1 0.1 0.1

DHHS (NIOSH) 0.0 0.0 0.0

USDA (FS) 0.0 0.0 0.0

DHS 0.0 0.0 0.0

DOJ 0.0 0.0 0.0

DOT (FHWA) 0.0 0.0 0.0

TOTAL* 33.3 34.1 38.0

* Totals may not add, and do not sum to the Societal Dimensions PCA total listed in Table 2, due to rounding.

Table 5

Budget for Environmental, Health, and Safety R&D, 2005-2007

(dollars in millions)

2005 Actual 2006 Estimate 2007 Request

NSF 20.9 22.1 25.7

DOD 1.0 1.0 1.0

DOE 0.5 0.5 0.0

DHHS (NIH) 2.7 4.5 4.6

DOC (NIST) 0.0 2.4 1.8

NASA 0.0 0.0 0.0

EPA 6.7 3.9 8.0

USDA (CSREES) 0.1 0.1 0.1

DHHS (NIOSH) 3.0 3.0 3.0

USDA (FS) 0.0 0.0 0.0

DHS 0.0 0.0 0.0

DOJ 0.0 0.0 0.0

DOT (FHWA) 0.0 0.0 0.0

TOTAL* 34.8 37.5 44.1

Technology is coordinating actively with these efforts, 

both nationally and internationally. 

All funding in the Societal Dimensions PCA other than 

that for EHS implications supports research on ethical, 

legal, or societal issues and education-related activities. 

The NSET Subcommittee published a workshop report 

in 2005 assessing issues associated with the societal 

implications of nanotechnology. The NSET Subcommittee 

will use input from that report and additional public 

engagement efforts to refine the agencies’ ongoing research 

programs in this area.

Tables 5 and 6 show the estimated 2006 and 2007 NNI 

funding in the EHS and non-EHS categories.
40 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007

Utilization of SBIR and STTR Programs to Advance Nanotechnology

Table 7

2004 Agency SBIR and STTR Awards

(dollars in millions)

SBIR STTR NNI Total

DOD 31.9 10.5 42.4

NSF 11.9 0.9 12.8

DHHS (NIH)* 9.3 2.6 11.8

DOE 6.8 2.8 9.6

NASA 7.2 0.6 7.8

EPA 0.6 n/a 0.6

USDA 0.6 n/a 0.6

DOC (NIST) 0.5 n/a 0.5

TOTAL 68.8 17.4 86.2

Table 8

2005 Agency SBIR and STTR Awards

(dollars in millions)

SBIR STTR NNI Total

DOD 28.0 13.8 41.7

NSF 12.1 2.2 14.3

DHHS (NIH)* 11.1 5.2 16.3

DOE 7.7 0.4 8.1

NASA 6.0 0.0 6.0

EPA 1.0 n/a 1.0

USDA 0.0 n/a 0.0

DOC (NIST) 0.1 n/a 0.1

TOTAL 65.9 21.5 87.4

The NNI supports numerous activities designed 

to accelerate the transition of newly developed 

nanotechnologies from the laboratory to practical 

applications for commercial use and/or public benefit. 

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and 

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are 

two of those activities. As called for by the 21st Century 

Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, OMB 

has obtained information on use of the SBIR and STTR 

programs in support of nanotechnology development 

from those agencies having SBIR and STTR programs. 

Note that only five NNI agencies—DOD, NSF, DHHS, 

DOE, and NASA—have STTR programs.

Tables 7 and 8 show 2004 and 2005 agency funding for 

SBIR and STTR awards for nanotechnology R&D as 

reported to OMB by individual NSET member agencies. 

The DOD SBIR and STTR investment was generated 

by analyzing the entire DOD SBIR and STTR portfolios 

and identifying individual research efforts supporting 

nanotechnology research; therefore this data should be 

considered preliminary, since a detailed technical analysis 

has not been completed. NSF and EPA have chosen to 

designate nanotechnology-related opportunity areas for 

their 2006 SBIR and STTR programs. NSF’s opportunity 

area is in nanomanufacturing as a component of an 

overall effort on manufacturing innovation. EPA is calling 

for SBIR proposals to apply nanotechnology to the areas 

of environmental monitoring and pollution control. 

* NIH SBIR and STTR funding are included in its NNI totals.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 41

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007

Summary of Areas of Emphasis in 2006 and 2007

This section provides narrative descriptions 

of single-agency as well as multiagency 

nanotechnology activities with an emphasis on 

changes from 2006 to 2007. The descriptions do not 

attempt to cover the full range of ongoing activities of the 

agencies in support of the NNI. 

Interagency Thrusts

As indicated previously, the new PCA structure described 

in the NNI Strategic Plan was first implemented in 

2006 and underlies the most significant changes in 

NNI interagency budget priorities and coordination 

activities supported by the 2007 budget request. The 

NNI goals, and the PCAs that were identified in the 

plan as supporting those goals, provide the basis for 

changes in NNI interagency priorities over previous years. 

Examples of new and renewed interagency thrusts for 

2007 reflecting the goals and PCAs set out in the NNI 

Strategic Plan include environmental, health, and safety 

research; nanomanufacturing; industry liaison in support 

of technology transfer and commercialization; standards 

development; and continued infrastructure development. 

Specific interagency activity highlights and areas of 

emphasis for 2007 are described below. 

Environmental, Health, and Safety Research

EPA, NSF, NIOSH, and NIH (NIEHS) plan an 

expanded joint extramural research program addressing 

potential EHS implications of nanotechnology for 

human health and the environment. The National 

Toxicology Program’s initiative to support research 

related to environmental and health aspects of 

nanotechnology will yield early results, as will NIOSH’s 

efforts to establish “recommended practices” for safe 

handling of nanomaterials. The NSET Subcommittee’s 

Nanotechnology Environment and Health Implications 

Working Group continues to provide a forum for 

coordinating this interagency thrust. NSET is seeking 

input from industry to provide additional perspectives. 

An NNI document that identifies and prioritizes 

nanotechnology EHS research needs is expected to be 

released in 2006 and will undergo modification in 2007 

based on public comment. 

Nanomanufacturing

Funding for NSF’s Center for Hierarchical 

Nanomanufacturing was awarded in April 2006. 

The center will coordinate with other NSF 

nanomanufacturing centers, the complementary 

DOD Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative 

program, and the NIST Center for Nanoscale Science 

and Technology. The NSET Subcommittee’s informal 

working group on nanomanufacturing will help 

coordinate these activities. NSET will also coordinate 

its activities in this area with the NSTC Interagency 

Working Group on Manufacturing Research and 

Development. 

Industry Liaison in Support of Technology Transfer and 

Commercialization

The NSET Subcommittee will expand its activities to reach 

out to U.S. industry for input on research needs and to 

identify opportunities for technology transfer from NNIfunded research activities. It will continue its existing 

successful interactions with the semiconductor/electronics 

and chemical industries, while seeking input from 

additional industry sectors. NSF’s “Silicon Nanoelectronics 

and Beyond” activity may serve as a model for future 

collaborations with industries such as automotive, 

biotechnology, food, forest products, and agriculture. 

The NNI agencies will continue to seek opportunities to 

promote commercialization of nanotechnology through 

their SBIR and STTR programs, as described earlier in the 

report. NSET’s Nanotechnology Innovation and Liaison 

with Industry Working Group is helping to coordinate this 

interagency thrust.

Standards Development

The NSET Subcommittee member agencies will continue 

to participate in and provide financial support for the 

American National Standards Institute’s Technical 

Advisory Group to the ISO Technical Committee on 

Nanotechnologies (TC 229). TC 229 is developing 

standards for terminology and nomenclature, metrology 

and characterization, and environmental health and 

safety in support of nanotechnology applications and 

commercialization. Particular effort is being devoted by 
42 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007

NSET member agencies in 2006 and 2007 to expedite 

this activity, which was initiated in 2004. The NNCO 

Director is Chair of the ANSI-accredited Technical 

Advisory Group (TAG) to the ISO and leads the U.S. 

delegation. The United States will lead the Working 

Group on Health, Safety, and Environmental Aspects 

of Nanotechnologies for the ISO Technical Committee. 

Participation in national standardization activities and 

in activities within the International Organization for 

Standardization will be complemented and supported 

by standards and metrology research funded by NIST 

and other NNI agencies. Of notable mention are the 

standardization efforts related to terminology supported 

by multiple agencies, and to biocompatibility standards 

co-sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and FDA.

Infrastructure Development

Two new NSF nanotechnology research centers awarded 

in 2005 will reach full operation in 2006, and the NSF 

Center for Hierarchical Nanomanufacturing will begin 

operation in 2006. NIH’s network of Nanomedicine 

Development Centers will be expanded in 2006, and 

the Centers for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence will 

begin full operation. New NNI user facilities also will 

become operational in 2006, including several DOE 

Nanoscale Science Research Centers. These and other 

new centers and user facilities will join a substantial 

existing network of dedicated nanotechnology centers 

around the country, as illustrated on page 23. The NNIfunded infrastructure is further complemented by an 

array of large-scale research facilities and centers not 

specifically dedicated to nanotechnology research, but 

which provide the specialized tools and expertise needed 

to conduct nanotechnology research. All of this is the 

result of a coordinated interagency strategy to provide the 

research infrastructure necessary for rapid advancement of 

nanoscale science, technology, and applications.

Interdisciplinary Research at the Intersections of 

Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Information 

Technology

NSF, NIH, NIST, DOD, and other agencies will 

seek new opportunities for synergistic research at 

the intersection of nanotechnology and biology. For 

example, in 2005 NIH initiated new research thrusts 

on nanotechnology for cancer detection and therapy, 

novel DNA sequencing technologies, and early detection 

and treatment of heart, lung, and blood diseases. These 

are expected to reach full operation in 2006. Similarly, 

DOD, NIST, NSF, NIH, and other agencies will 

increase their funding for research in nanotechnology 

in support of information technology (e.g., nanoscale 

devices yielding new paradigms for computing and data 

storage) and for use of advanced information technology 

in support of nanotechnology research (e.g., highperformance computing for modeling and simulation of 

nanostructured materials and devices).

Changes for Individual Agencies

DOD

Army, Navy, and Air Force investment in 

applied research (6.2) and advanced technology 

development (6.3) programs will grow in order to 

accelerate the transition of nanoscience research into 

mature nanotechnologies for use in military systems.

DOE

The DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences will 

substantially increase basic research support for nanoscale 

phenomena and processes and nanomaterials in a 

broad range of energy-related topic areas, including 

activities related to the hydrogen economy, solar energy 

conversion, fundamental studies of materials at the 

nanoscale, and instrumentation for characterizing 

materials at the nanoscale. Overall funding levels for 

fundamental nanoscale scientific research, both at DOE 

National Laboratories and through grants to universities, 

are slated to increase considerably in 2007 over those in 

2006 as part of the increased funding for physical science 

research under the American Competitiveness Initiative.

DOE’s flagship activity in nanoscience, the five Nanoscale 

Science Research Centers (NSRCs), constitute the 

largest infrastructure investment within the NNI. All 

of the NSRCs are user facilities that are available to the 

entire R&D community, with time and staff support 

allocated on the basis of merit-reviewed proposals, and 

access provided at no cost to the users in the case of 

nonproprietary work intended for open publication. In 

2007, construction and equipping of the NSRCs will be 

largely complete, and resources provided will primarily 

support the operation of these centers as user facilities. 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 43

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007

EPA

EPA will continue to focus the majority of its research 

in 2006 and 2007 on the potential health and 

environmental implications of nanomaterials. EPA will 

increase its efforts in the area of risk assessment and risk 

management needs for nanomaterials. Finally, EPA will 

research potential nanoscale technology solutions to 

environmental problems.

NASA

A key thrust for NASA in 2006 is the application of 

nanotechnology to space exploration, in keeping with 

the President’s Vision for Space Exploration announced 

in 2004. At a workshop co-sponsored by the NSET 

Subcommittee and NASA in 2004 on nanotechnology 

for space exploration, research opportunities were 

identified in areas such as nanomaterials, microcraft, 

micro/nanorobotics, nanosensors and instrumentation, 

nano-micro-macro integration, and astronaut health 

management. The forthcoming report from this 

workshop will help to guide the NASA nanotechnology 

research agenda in 2006 and beyond. Areas to be 

emphasized include (1) ultrahigh-strength and 

multifunctional materials; (2) high-density, lowpower electronics; (3) ultrasmall and sensitive sensors; 

and (4) highly miniaturized spacecraft systems (from 

MEMS—microelectromechanical systems—to NEMS—

nanoelectromechanical systems). 

NIH

NIH’s priorities for nanotechnology research continue 

to be creation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic 

approaches and devices, and development of new research 

capabilities to understand fundamental biomedical 

mechanisms. This research aims to improve the health of 

the population and to reduce suffering from disease and 

disability. There is no significant change in priorities from 

2006 to 2007. 

In addition to university/research institution-based basic 

research (e.g., unsolicited projects and the Nanoscience 

and Nanotechnology in Biology and Medicine Program) 

and an SBIR program (Bioengineering Nanotechnology 

Initiative, which has expanded to include STTR and 

continues for 2006 and 2007), the following NIH 

programs are continuing through 2007: 

•	 Nanomedicine Roadmap, NIH-wide

•	 Programs of Excellence in Nanotechnology, National 

Heart Lung and Blood Institute

•	 Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer, National 

Cancer Institute

•	 National Toxicology Program on Toxicological 

Evaluation of Nanoscale Materials

NIOSH

In 2007, NIOSH will continue work in the areas of 

toxicity and worker exposure and will initiate work in the 

areas of population studies and applying risk assessment 

models to humans. NIOSH will continue to develop 

partnerships with stakeholders and other organizations 

to ensure the relevance of its research programs and to 

enable the translation of agency activities into appropriate 

workplace practices. 

NIOSH formed interdisciplinary Nanotechnology Field 

Teams in 2006 and will be continuing to conduct field 

studies in partnership with stakeholders to observe and 

assess occupational health and safety practices and control 

technologies in facilities where nanotechnology processes 

and applications are used.

NIST

In support of the Administration’s emphasis on 

nanotechnology and manufacturing, NIST has identified 

the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology 

(CNST) as the top priority within the agency. The CNST 

leverages the new Advanced Measurement Laboratory 

(AML) and other metrology expertise at NIST to provide 

the best measurement capabilities and standards for 

industry, and it will focus on removing barriers to U.S. 

innovation in nanomanufacturing. The CNST directly 

addresses PCA 5 in nanomanufacturing to enable “scaledup, reliable, cost-effective manufacturing of nanoscale 

materials, structures, devices, and systems” and does so 

by converting science into technology for manufacturing. 

The CNST will provide centralized access to NIST’s 

unique nanometrology and nanofabrication resources, 

including the new Advanced Measurement Laboratory, by 

researchers from industry, academia, and government. 

CNST’s AML cleanroom has come online for internal 

research work and will soon be available for outside 

users. The nanometrology focus is what differentiates the 

CNST from other Federal Government and university 
44 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007

nanotechnology research facilities. The close proximity of 

world experts in nanometrology to the CNST is essential 

to the success of this facility.

Other NIST program growth in nanotechnology 

includes: 

• The NIST Nanomanufacturing Program within the 

Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, which is 

designed to develop and deliver timely measurements, 

standards, and infrastructural technologies that 

address identified critical needs for innovation and 

traceable metrology, process-control, and quality 

in manufacturing at the nanoscale, and which will 

support the CNST

• Continuation of a study of the implications of 

nanotechnology on the security of information 

technology systems

• Competence development projects in both the fate 

of nanoparticles in biological systems and in the 

development of standards for carbon nanotubes

NSF

NSF will place additional emphasis on discovery as 

well as the transition from discovery to technological 

innovation. 

The NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers 

(NSECs) and nanotechnology-oriented Materials 

Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) 

are expanding research and education collaborations 

with each other and with the NSF networks for 

nanotechnology. The new NSF Center for Hierarchical 

Nanomanufacturing will join the three existing NSF 

nanomanufacturing centers as the heart of a national 

Network for Hierarchical Nanomanufacturing. The 

Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale 

Science and Engineering (NCLT), the Network 

for Nanotechnology in Society, the National 

Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN), the 

Network for Computational Nanotechnology, and 

the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network 

(NISE) serve as collaborative resources on a national 

scale, and as clearinghouses for sharing of key results and 

best practices in nanoscale education and research. All 

28 NSF centers and networks will be fully operational 

by the end of 2007, offering extensive national-level 

platforms for nanotechnology development including 

open access on a merit review basis. Research experiences 

for undergraduate students will expand at the NSECs. 

Two new MRSECs addressing fundamental research on 

nanoscale materials and phenomena will become fully 

operational in 2006. These centers will use nano-interface 

control and bioengineering approaches, respectively, for 

materials by design.

Increased NSF investment will support research and 

education on:

• Developing fundamental understanding and control 

of the physics and chemistry of collective phenomena 

at the nanoscale; and the synthesis, processing, and 

behavior of nanomaterials, including self-assembly 

and guided assembly.

• Active nanostructures, systems of nanosystems, and 

molecular nanosystems. Increased focus will be given 

to complex large nanosystems and to research on 

nanoscale devices and system architecture, and their 

respective fabrication.

• Increased focus on three-dimensional imaging and 

measurements of domains of scientific and systems 

engineering relevance with good time resolution.

• Converging science, engineering, and technology at 

the nanoscale, and in particular at the nano-biology 

and nano-information technology interfaces.

• Integrating nanosystems into systems of relevance in 

manufacturing, information systems, medicine, and 

the environment.

• Expanding joint research programs with NIOSH, 

EPA, FDA, USDA, and NIST that address societal 

aspects of nanotechnology. 

• Providing educational programs and teaching 

materials at earlier stages, including for K-12 

students and teachers, by using remote access to NSF 

educational facilities (NCLT, NISE, NNIN).

• Long-term societal dimensions of nanotechnology in 

society, and public interaction.

• Partnerships of academic researchers with industry, 

medical facilities, and States, which will be expanded 

and enhanced through the Grant Opportunities for 

Academic Liaison with Industry program and the 

Partnerships for Innovation program.

NSF will maintain the dedicated nanotechnology theme 

within its SBIR and STTR programs, first established in 

2000, at a level of approximately $15 million for 2006 

and 2007.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 45

2. NNI Investments for 2006 and 2007

  

USDA

In 2006, USDA Forest Service is initiating research 

programs to use the intrinsic nanoscale properties 

of wood and similar lignocellulosic materials as 

starting materials for advanced nanomaterials; to use 

nanoprocesses to modify lignocellulosic materials; and 

to use nanometrology techniques to investigate the 

fundamental structure of wood-based materials, the ways 

in which they degrade, and methods for inhibiting this 

degradation. 

In 2007, USDA Forest Service will place additional 

emphasis on these programs, using internal and external 

resources. Scientists will investigate areas of fundamental 

nanoscale phenomena and processes; nanomaterials; 

nanoscale devices and systems; and instrumentation, 

metrology, and standards for nanotechnology. The diverse 

nature of these programs will require support from 

many areas at the Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, 

Wisconsin (Wood Adhesive Science and Technology, 

Wood Surface Chemistry, Chemistry and Pulping, 

Performance Designed Composites, Analytical Chemistry 

and Microscopy Laboratory, Biodeterioration of Wood, 

and Durability and Wood Protection). Increased funding 

for these activities will come from shifting resources 

from other program areas to give a total funding of 

$2.1 million in 2007.

The USDA nanotechnology program portfolio in the 

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 

Service (CSREES) will maintain its current programmatic 

directions in 2007. The program in CSREES (USDA’s 

extramural research branch) includes research, education, 

and technology development through competitive 

research grants (USDA’s National Research Initiative 

and SBIR programs), higher education challenge grants, 

formula funds, and special research grants. R&D 

efforts will have a central theme of exploiting the novel 

properties of nanoscale biological structures derived from 

important agricultural materials. The development of 

nanotechnology-based sensors for application in the food 

industry and agriculture is also a priority. Applications of 

new discoveries in nanoscale science and engineering in 

agriculture and food systems to further the mission and 

strategic goals of the agency will be emphasized in the 

setting of program priorities. 

USPTO

The Nanotechnology Customer Partnership, through 

which Patent Office officials and patents stakeholders 

meet on a regular basis to share concerns and information 

related to the patenting of nanotechnology, will 

continue in 2006 and 2007. Ongoing activities within 

the partnership include specific nanotechnologyrelated patent examiner training and continued work 

on the cross-reference art collection of 263 subclasses 

for nanotechnology, designated Class 977 and entitled 

“Nanotechnology.”
46 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 47

Appendices

Appendix A. Glossary

Act Public Law 108-153, the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act

Agencies Departments, agencies, and commissions within the Executive Branch of U.S. Federal Government

AML Advanced Measurement Laboratory (NIST)

ANSI American National Standards Institute

ARO Army Research Office (DOD)

BIS Bureau of Industry and Security (DOC)

CNST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (NIST)

CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission

CT Committee on Technology of the NSTC

DHS Department of Homeland Security

DHHS Department of Health and Human Services

DOC Department of Commerce

DOD Department of Defense

DOE Department of Energy

DOJ Department of Justice

DOS Department of State

DOT Department of Transportation

DOTreas Department of the Treasury

DTRA Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DOD)

DURIP Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DOD)

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

FDA Food and Drug Administration (DHHS)

FHWA Federal Highway Administration (DOT)

ITIC Intelligence Technology Innovation Center

ISO International Organization for Standardization

ITC International Trade Commission

MANTECH Manufacturing Technology (DOD program)

MEMS Microelectromechanical systems

MURI Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (DOD program)

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NCI National Cancer Institute (DHHS/NIH)
48 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Appendix A. Glossary

NCL Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (DHHS/NIH/NCI)

NCLT Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale Science and Engineering (NSF-supported center)

NCTR National Center for Toxicological Research (DHHS/FDA)

NEHI Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications Working Group of the NSET 

Subcommittee

NEMS Nanoelectromechanical systems

NHLBI National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (DHHS/NIH)

NIBIB National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (DHHS/NIH)

NIEHS National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (DHHS/NIH)

NIH National Institutes of Health (DHHS)

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (DHHS/Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention)

NISE Nanoscale Informal Science Education (NSF-supported network)

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology (DOC)

NNAP National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel

NNCO National Nanotechnology Coordination Office

NNI National Nanotechnology Initiative

NNIN National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NSF program)

NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission

NSEC Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers (NSF program)

NSET Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee of the NSTC

NSF National Science Foundation

NSP Nanotechnology Standards Panel (ANSI)

NSRC Nanoscale Science Research Centers (DOE program)

NSTC National Science and Technology Council

NTP National Toxicology Program (DHHS)

OMB Office of Management and Budget (Executive Office of the President)

OSTP Office of Science and Technology Policy (Executive Office of the President) 

PCA Program Component Area

PCAST President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

TA Technology Administration (DOC)

USPTO U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (DOC)

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 49

Appendix B. Agendas for 2005 Open Meetings of 

National Academies Committee to Review the NNI

Committee Members

Open Meetings

Workshop “To determine the technical feasibility of molecular self-assembly

for the manufacture of materials and devices at the molecular scale”

February 9-11, 2005

2101 Constitution Ave, N.W., Washington DC

Day 1:Wednesday, 9 February 2005

I: Setting the Scene (A)

Panel participants: E. Clayton Teague, NNCO Celia Merzbacher, NSTC

Q&A: What is the history, status, and strategy of the National Nanotechnology Initiative for “molecular manufacturing”?

What current NSET findings, funding, or plans will bear on the question of the technical feasibility of molecular selfassembly for the purposes of manufacturing?

What is the context of this study (including these workshop sessions) with respect to the needs of Congress for the 

required reporting?

II: Establishing a Common Language

Panel participants: John Randall, Zyvex Ari Requicha, USC

 Ned Seeman, NYU Chris Phoenix, Center for Responsible Nanotechnology 

Moderator: Alan Goldstein

Dr. James C. Williams - (Chair), The Ohio State

 University 

Dr. Cherry A. Murray - (Vice Chair), Lawrence

 Livermore National Laboratory 

Dr. A. Michael Andrews, L3 Communications

 Corporation 

Dr. Mark J. Cardillo, The Camille and Henry Dreyfus

 Foundation, Inc. 

Ms. Crystal M. Cunanan, IntraLens Vision 

Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, Zero Gravity Corporation 

Dr. Paul A. Fleury, Yale University 

Dr. Paul B. Germeraad, IntellectualAssets, Inc. 

Dr. Alan H. Goldstein, Alfred University 

Dr. Mary L. Good, University of Arkansas at Little Rock 

Dr. Thomas S. Hartwick, Independent Consultant 

Mr. Maynard A. Holliday, Evolution Robotics 

Rev. Richard L. Irving, Lakewood Village Community

 Church 

Dr. Donald H. Levy, The University of Chicago 

Dr. Harry A. Lipsitt, Wright State University

 (resigned 4/07/06)

Dr. Bettie Sue Siler Masters, University of Texas Health 

 Science Center at San Antonio

Ms. Sonia E. Miller, Converging Technologies Bar

 Association 

Mr. Edward K. Moran, Deloitte & Touche 

Dr. David C. Mowery, University of California, Berkeley 

Dr. Kathleen M. Rest, Union of Concerned Scientists 

Mr. Thomas A. Saponas, Agilent Technologies (Retired)

Dr. Harvey W. Schadler, General Electric

 (Retired. Resigned 9/26/2005)

Dr. R. Paul Schaudies, Science Applications International

 Corporation 

Dr. Tsung-Tsan Su, Industrial Technology Research

 Institute 

Dr. Thomas N. Theis, IBM Thomas J. Watson Research

 Center

Dr. Mark E. Welland, Cambridge University

 (Resigned 9/1/2005)
50 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Appendix B. Agendas for National Acadamies Review Commitee Meetings

Day 2: Thursday, 10 February 2005

III: Setting the Scene (B)

Panel participants: Scott Mize, Foresight Institute Sean Murdock, NanoBusiness Alliance

Moderator: Kathleen Rest

Q&A: What is the current array of organizations or initiatives concerned with the progress of “molecular manufacturing”?

What role do businesses and other nongovernmental organizations play in this debate?

Overview presentation

 K. Eric Drexler, Foresight Institute

IV: Possibilities and Limitations of Molecular Theory

Panel participants: Don Eigler, IBM Peter Cummings, Vanderbilt Univ.

 Ralph Merkle, Georgia Tech K. Eric Drexler, Foresight Inst.

Moderator: Tom Theis

Q&A: Is it possible to organize chemical reactions on a large scale by manipulating atoms into structures?

Does theory support the stability of molecular machines?

What experimental data exists to support the theory, and what are the next steps?

V: Technology Status and Challenges

Panel participants: David Forrest, Institute for Molecular Manufacturing

 Carlo Montemagno, UCLA Christian Schafmeister, University of Pittsburgh

Q&A: What is the current state-of-the-art in “bottom-up” design? 

(for example, the expansion of single-atom manipulation) 

What is the current state-of-the-art in “top-down” design? 

 (for example, creating smaller and smaller features in electronics)

What of these (or what combination of these) has the potential to achieve “molecular manufacturing”?

What factors affect the timeline for success in bringing “bottom-up” manufacturing to reality and/or “top-down” 

 manufacturing to the nanoscale?

What is coming next?

What technology challenges or barriers are prohibiting (molecular manufacturing) from production today?

What are some key challenges that need to be addressed?

Day 3: Friday, 11 February 2005

VI: Impacts and Implications

Panel participants: David Berube, U. South Carolina Neil Jacobstein, Institute for Molecular Manufacturing 

 David Rejeski, Woodrow Wilson Int’l. Center for Scholars

Moderator: Mark Cardillo

Q&A: Health and environment

What are the potential positive and negative human health effects of (molecular manufacturing) considering

 intentional and unintentional human exposure?

What are the potential positive and negative environmental effects of (molecular manufacturing) considering

 intentional and unintentional environmental releases?

Do we have an “ice 9” or ”Prey” problem to worry about?

Economic and Societal

Could (molecular manufacturing) replace manufacturing as we know it?

Could this enable wide-spread distributed manufacturing, resulting in downsizing of centralized manufacturing plants

and reductions in the existing transportation infrastructure?

What would be the effects of truly distributed manufacturing, such as decentralization or de-urbanization?

What could be some of the other societal effects?
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 51

Appendix B. Agendas for National Acadamies Review Commitee Meetings

Committee Meeting:Vision for the National Nanotechnology Initiative

March 23, 2005

Room 109, 500 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

Overview of NNI: Status, Accomplishments, Future Goals

 John H. Marburger III, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)

 Mihail C. Roco, Chair of the National Science and Technology Council’s Subcommittee on Nanoscale

 Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) 

Charge to NRC Review Committee: Dialogue with Sponsors

	 Administration Perspective

 Sharon L. Hays, Deputy Associate Director for Technology, OSTP

	 Congressional Perspective

 Elizabeth Grossman and James Wilson, House Committee on Science:

 Jean Toal Eisen, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation

PCAST Review and Strategic Planning Update

 Celia Merzbacher, National Science and Technology Council, OSTP

NNI Agency Overview and Perspectives

 Patricia M. Dehmer, Department of Energy

 Mihail C. Roco, National Science Foundation

 David Stepp, Department of Defense

 Jeffery A. Schloss, National Institutes of Health

 Michael T. Postek, National Institute of Standards and Technology

 Minoo N. Dastoor, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

 Barbara Karn, Environmental Protection Agency

 E. Clayton Teague, National Nanotechnology Coordination Office

Workshop: Standards, Guidelines, and Strategies for Responsible Development of Nanotechnology

March 24-25, 2005

2101 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.

Introductory Remarks

Jim Williams, Chair

SESSION 1: Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology

Status of R&D, Standards, and Policy

Current Initiatives to Establish Standards, Guidelines, and Strategies

Panelists: E. Clayton Teague, NNCO Frances Shrotter, ANSI

 Barbara Karn, EPA Vicki Colvin, Rice University and ANSI-NSP Co-chair

 Daniel Gamota, IEEE

Moderator: Bettie Sue Masters Rapporteur: Maynard Holliday
52 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Appendix B. Agendas for National Acadamies Review Commitee Meetings

SESSION 2: Biomedical and Environmental Applications and Implications

Potential Benefits and Risks to Human Health and Environment

Challenges in Protecting Public Health and Environment

Toxicology and Risk Assessment Methodologies for Nanomaterials

Moderator: Kathleen Rest Rapporteur: Tsung-Tsan Su

Panelists: Andrew Maynard, NIOSH Sally Tinkle, NIEHS 

 Vicki Colvin, Rice University David Warheit, DuPont

Dialogue: The Royal Society Report (via teleconference)

Panelists: Ann Dowling, Univ. of Cambridge Rachel Quinn, The Royal Society

 Mark E. Welland, Univ. of Cambridge

SESSION 3: Establishing Standards and Guidelines for Responsible Economic Development

Laboratory Safety, Workplace Safety, Product Safety

Balancing Risks and Benefits

Standards and Guidelines for Industrial Needs

Q&A and Discussions

Moderator: Thomas Theis Rapporteur: Paul Germeraad

Panelists: Jack Solomon, Praxair Carol Henry, ACCl

 Pat Picariello, ASTM-International Stephen Harper, Intel

 Lori Perine, American Forest and Paper Association

SESSION 4: Defensive Technologies, Human Enhancement, and Ethical Issues

Advances in Defensive Technologies and Ethical Implications

Enhanced Human Performance and Artificial Intelligence

Privacy and Civil Liberty Issues and Encryption

Q&A and Discussions

Moderator: Alan Goldstein Rapporteur: R. Paul Schaudies

Panelists: Jack Solomon, Praxair Carol Henry, ACCl 

 William Peters, MIT Debra Rolison, NRL 

 George Khushf, U. of South Carolina Rosalyn Berne, University of Virginia

SESSION 5: Societal Dimensions, Public Awareness, Education andWorkforce Training

Risk Analysis and Risk Communication

Public Dialogue

Research Education and Training

Q&A and Discussions

Moderator: Sonia E. Miller Rapporteur: Edward Moran

Panelists: Kristen Kulinowski, Rice University Jane Macoubrie, North Carolina State University

 Richard Denison, Environmental Defense Dietram A. Scheufele, University of Wisconsin, Madison 

Wrap-Up: Summary, Questions, and Discussions

Brief recap of existing efforts

Range of needs for standards and guidelines in different nanotechnology sectors

Need for strategies for responsible development of nanotechnology

Role of government, academe, industries and organizations

Discussion of R&D needed to help clarify these issues
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 53

Appendix B. Agendas for National Acadamies Review Commitee Meetings

Committee Meeting andWorkshop on Technology Transition and Economic Impact

27-28 June 2005

Board Room, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.

Monday, June 27, 2005

Session I – Panel discussion on the “state of the NNI”

Overall investment in the NNI Top technical accomplishments

Tech transfer tracking and mechanisms Leveraging and partnering agreements

Panelists: Mihail C. Roco, National Science and Technology Council / National Science Foundation

 E. Clayton Teague, National Nanotechnology Coordination Office

 Celia Merzbacher, National Science and Technology Council, Office of Science and Technology Policy

Moderator: Sonia Miller

Session II – Panel discussion on the unique nature of nanotech

Whether there is unique potential for technology applications

Whether an elongated length of development time is needed for nanotech vs. other technologies

Whether there are special EHS considerations

Whether venture capital interests and emphasis have affected nanotech

Whether there are special intellectual property considerations

Whether the interdisciplinary nature affects tech development

Panelists: Marlene Bourne, EmTech Research Derrick Boston, Guth|Christopher, LLP

 Bart F. Romanowicz, Nano Science & Technology Institute

Moderator: Paul Germeraad

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Session III – Panel discussion on the unique impacts of nanotech on the economy

Whether nano might deserve special attention due to its invasiveness, diversity, or ubiquitousness

Whether any product or process safe/immune from nano-enhancement

Whether the factored impact on the economy is more or less than other technology

Whether nano is more or less disruptive than other technology

If people will be able to afford these new technologies

How nanotech compares structurally to biotech or infotech

Panelists: Matthew Nordan, Lux Research, Inc. Andrew Dunn, Cientifica Ltd.

 JoAnne Feeney, Punk, Ziegel & Company

Moderator: Edward Moran

Session IV – Panel discussion on the impact of NNI funding on industrial base development

Important of workforce training

Whether leveraging and partnering has worked, in various states and regions

How effective collaboration and transition methods work

What is the impact of patent class creation, standards, other structural developments

Panelists: Thomas A. Kalil, University of California, Berkeley / Center for American Progress

 Sean Murdock, NanoBusiness Alliance

Moderator: Mary Good

SessionV – Panel discussion on the state of technology transition to achieve government agency missions

Panelists: David Stepp, Defense (ARO, DOD) Minoo Dastoor, Space (NASA)

 Barbara Karn, Environment (EPA) Greg Downing, Health (NIH)

 Altaf Carim, Energy (DOE)

Moderator: Harvey Schadler
54 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Appendix B. Agendas for National Acadamies Review Commitee Meetings

Committee Meeting andWorkshop on Management, Impact, and Intellectual Property Rights

August 25-26, 2005

500 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Session I: Program Management of the NNI

Speakers: E. Clayton Teague, NNCO Kristin Bennett, DOE

 Norris Alderson, FDA Jeffery Schloss, NIH/HGRI

Panelists: E. Clayton Teague, NNCO Kristin Bennett, DOE

 Norris Alderson, FDA Jeffery Schloss, NIH/HGRI

 Irene Brahmakulam, OMB Celia Merzbacher, OSTP

 James Murday, NRL Michael Postek, NIST

 Mihail C. Roco, NSF and NSET Treye Thomas, CPSC

How does the NNCO/NSET/NNI operate on a scale from management to coordination to reporting?

How are gaps and overlaps identified, and what actions are taken (if gaps or overlaps exist)? (Please cite instances [a few?] of 

interagency planning, coordination or communication at the more strategic level.)

Are management changes made at agencies as a result of interagency coordination? (If so, please cite instances [a few?], and 

describe outcomes [if any] of such changes.)

How does NNI (as a whole, and within agencies) address nano-related K-16 education, graduate education, and public 

education?

How does the U.S. program management compare to that in other regions: Japan, Europe, Asia, and the (rest of the world); 

what are the counterparts to the NNI?

A number of groundbreaking scientific/technical achievements in nanotechnology have occurred outside the U.S.; were there 

any structural or financial reasons why they didn’t occur in the U.S.?

Were there any new interagency initiatives that have occurred in the past five years that were not initially envisioned?

Given that we are in a flat funding environment, what has been de-emphasized to make financial room for growing 

nanoscience and technology initiatives in your agency/program?

Friday, August 26, 2005

Session II: Scientific Impact of NNI

Speakers: Sam Stupp, Northwestern University Moungi Bawendi, MIT

 Ellen Williams, University of Maryland Lou Brus, Columbia University

 Matthew Tirrell, University of California–Santa Barbara (videoconference)

Lunch Speakers: Les Kramer, Lockheed Martin Ben Wang, Florida State University

Session III: Nano-Patents and Intellectual Property

Speakers: Stephen Maebius, Foley & Lardner LLP Bruce Kisliuk, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Can patents be a benchmark of nanotechnology development or progress?

Can patents be a measure of technology transfer?

What factors are considered when looking at patents and patent data as measures for the above purposes?

What can we learn by looking at nanotechnology patenting globally for trends or comparisons?

What are the benefits of a new patent nanotechnology classification at the USPTO? 

How do different industries use patents and patenting, and are there any trends in this regard for nanotechnology?

How do universities/government/industry use patents and patenting differently, and are there are any trends in this regard for 

nanotechnology?
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 55

Appendix C. Contact List

National Science and Technology Council, Committee on Technology

Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology

NSET Co-Chairs: 	 Dr. Celia Merzbacher, Office of Science and Technology Policy and

	 	 	 Dr. Altaf Carim, Department of Energy

NSET Executive Secretary: 	 Dr. James S. Murday, Naval Research Laboratory

List of NSET Members and Relevant Staff of the Executive Office of the President and the NNCO 

OSTP

Dr. Celia I. Merzbacher

Assistant Director for Technology R&D

Office of Science and Technology Policy 

Executive Director

President’s Council of Advisors on 

Science and Technology

Executive Office of the President

Washington, DC 20502

T: 202-456-6108

F: 202-456-6021

Celia_Merzbacher@ostp.eop.gov

Dr. Sharon L. Hays

Chief of Staff

Office of Science and Technology Policy 

Executive Office of the President

Washington, DC 20502

T: 202-456-6135

F: 202-456-6021

shays@ostp.eop.gov

OMB

Irene Brahmakulam

Office of Management and Budget

Executive Office of the President

725 17th St., N.W.

Washington, DC 20503

T: 202-395-3535

F: 202-395-4652

ibrahmak@omb.eop.gov

NNCO

Dr. E. Clayton Teague

Director

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

 Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4319

F: 703-292-9312

cteague@nnco.nano.gov

Catherine B. Alexander

Communications Director

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

 Office

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4399

F: 703-292-9312

calexand@nnco.nano.gov

Ronald Bramlett

Systems Administrator

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

 Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4533

F: 703-292-9312

rbramlet@nnco.nano.gov

Stephen B. Gould

Project Manager

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

 Office

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 240-351-3815

F: 703-292-9312

sgould@nnco.nano.gov

Audrey Haar

Assistant Communications Director

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

 Office

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8288

F: 703-292-9312

ahaar@nnco.nano.gov

Geoffrey M. Holdridge

Policy Analyst

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

 Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4532

F: 703-292-9312

gholdrid@nnco.nano.gov
56 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Appendix C. Contact List

Dr. Philip H. Lippel

Policy Analyst

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

 Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-7741

F: 703-292-9312

plippel@nnco.nano.gov

Victor Turner

Office Manager

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

 Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8626

F: 703-292-9312

vturner@nnco.nano.gov

Dr. Roger D. Van Zee

Commerce Science and Technology

 Fellow

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

 Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4503

F: 703-292-9312

rvanzee@nnco.nano.gov

CPSC

Dr. Mary Ann Danello

Associate Executive Director

Directorate for Health Sciences

Consumer Product Safety Commission

4330 East-West Highway, Suite 600

Bethesda, MD 20814

T: 301-504-7237

F: 301-504-0079

mdanello@cpsc.gov

Dr. Treye Thomas

Toxicologist

Directorate for Health Sciences

Consumer Product Safety Commission

4330 East-West Highway, Suite 600

Bethesda, MD 20814

T: 301-504-7738

F: 301-504-0079

tthomas@cpsc.gov

DHS

Dr. Richard T. Lareau

Science and Technology Directorate

Department of Homeland Security

William J. Hughes Technical Center, 

Bldg. 315

Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 

08405

T: 609-813-2760

F: 609-383-1973

Richard.Lareau@faa.gov

Dr. Eric J. Houser

Transportation Security Laboratory

Department of Homeland Security

Office of Research and Development

Science and Technology Directorate

Mail Code: TSL-200

William J. Hughes Technical Center, 

Bldg. 315

Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 

08405

T: 609-813-2798

F: 609-383-1973

eric.houser@faa.gov

Dr. Keith Ward

Science & Technology Directorate

Department of Homeland Security

7th and D Street, S.W.

Washington, DC 20590

T: 202-254-6132

Keith.Ward@dhs.gov

DOC/BIS

Kelly Gardner

Export Policy Advisor

Department of Commerce

Bureau of Industry and Security

Office of National Security and 

 Technology Transfer Controls

14th St. & Constitution Ave., N.W., 

Room 2600

Washington, DC 20230

T: 202-482-0102

F: 202-482-3345

kgardner@bis.doc.gov

DOC/TA

Connie K. N. Chang

Research Director

Office of the Under Secretary

Technology Administration

Department of Commerce

1401 Constitution Ave., N.W., 

Room 4820R

Washington, DC 20230

T: 202-482-6814

F: 202-501-2595

cchang@technology.gov

John F. Sargent, Jr.

Senior Policy Analyst

Office of Technology Policy

Technology Administration

Department of Commerce

14th St. & Constitution Ave., N.W., 

Rm. 4823

Washington, DC 20230

T: 202-482-6185

F: 202-501-2595

jsargent@technology.gov

DOD 

Dr. William O. Berry

Director for Basic Research

ODUSD (LABS)

Department of Defense

875 North Randolph Street 

Suite #150

Arlington, VA 22203

T: 703-588-1383

F: 703-588-1423

william.berry@osd.mil

Dr. David M. Stepp

Chief, Mechanical Behavior of Materials 

 Branch

Army Research Office

AMSRL-RO-PM (Materials Science 

Division)

P.O. Box 12211

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-

2211

T: 919-549-4329

F: 919-549-4399

david.m.stepp@us.army.mil
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 57

Appendix C. Contact List

Dr. Mihal E. Gross

Program Officer

Office of Naval Research

Code 331

875 North Randolph St., Suite 1425

Arlington, VA 22217-5660

T: 703-696-0388

F: 703-696-0001

Mihal_Gross@onr.navy.mil

Dr. Josh Henkin

Acting Director

Army Research Office – Washington B

875 North Randolph Street 

Suite #125

Arlington, VA 22203

T: 703-696-2530

F: 703-696-2535

Joshua.Henkin.ctr@osd.mil

Dr. Margaret E. Kosal

Chemical and Biological Defense 

 Programs

Defense Threat Reduction Agency 

8725 John J. Kingman Road 

Stop 6201

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201

T: 703-767-2346 

F: 703-767-1892

margaret.kosal@dtra.mil 

Dr. James S. Murday

Superintendent, Chemistry Division

Naval Research Laboratory

Code 6100

4555 Overlook Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20375-5342 

T: 202-767-3026

F: 202-404-7139

murday@nrl.navy.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, Room 3112

Arlington, Virginia 22203-1768

T: 703-696-8426

F: 703-696-8481

gernot.pomrenke@afosr.af.mil

DOE

Dr. Patricia M. Dehmer

Director

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

Department of Energy

SC-22/GTN

1000 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20585

T: 301-903-3081 

F: 301-903-6594 

Patricia.Dehmer@science.doe.gov

Dr. Kristin A. Bennett

Division of Materials Sciences and

 Engineering

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

Department of Energy

SC-22.3/GTN E-422

1000 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20585-1290

T: 301-903-4269

F: 301-903-1690

Kristin.Bennett@science.doe.gov

Dr. Altaf H. Carim

Scientific User Facilities Division

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

Office of Science

U. S. Department of Energy

SC-22.3/Germantown Building

U. S. Department of Energy

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, DC 20585-1290

T: 301-903-4895

F: 301-903-1690

carim@science.doe.gov

Dr. Sara A. Dillich

Office of Industrial Technologies

Department of Energy

Headquarters Bldg., EE-2F

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20585-0121

T: 202-586-7925

F: 202-586-7114

Sara.Dillich@ee.doe.gov

Dr. Aravinda M. Kini

Division of Materials Sciences and 

 Engineering

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

Department of Energy

SC-22.2/GTN

1000 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20585

T: 301-903-3565

F: 301-903-9513

Aravinda.Kini@science.doe.gov

Dr. John C. Miller

Division of Chemical Sciences, 

 Geosciences, and Biosciences

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

Department of Energy

SC-22.1/GTN

1000 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20585

T: 301-903-5806

F: 301-903-4110

John.Miller@science.doe.gov

Dr. Brian Valentine

Office of Industrial Technologies

Department of Energy

Headquarters Bldg., EE-2F

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20585-0121

T: 202-586-9741

F: 202-586-9234

Brian.Valentine@ee.doe.gov

DOJ

Dr. Stanley A. Erickson

Chief, Research and Technology 

 Development Division

Department of Justice 

Office of Science and Technology

National Institute of Justice

810 7th Street

Washington, DC 20531

T: 202-305-4686

F: 202-305-9091

Stanley.Erickson@usdoj.gov
58 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Appendix C. Contact List

DOEd

Dr. Richard LaPointe

Deputy Assistant Secretary for 

 Vocational and Adult Education

Department of Education

Potomac Center Plaza

550 12th Street, S.W.

Room 11101

Washington, DC 20202-7100

T: 202-245-7704

F: 202-245-7837

richard.lapointe@ed.gov

Dr. Sharon Lee Miller

Director, Division of Academic and 

 Technical Education

State Accountability and Administration 

 Branch

Department of Education

Potomac Center Plaza

550 12th Street, S.W.

Room 11060

Washington, DC 20202-7100

T: 202-245-7846

F: 202-245-7171

sharon.miller@ed.gov

DOL

Brad Wiggins

Business Relations Group

U.S. Department of Labor

Employment & Training Administration

200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Room N-4643

Washington, DC 20210

T: 202-693-3742

F: 202-693-3890

wiggins.brad@dol.gov

Linda Fowler

U.S. Department of Labor

Employment & Training Administration

200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Room N-4643

Washington, DC 20210

Fowler.Linda.M@dol.gov

DOS

Ralph L. Braibanti

Director, Office of Space and Advanced 

 Technology

Department of State

1990 K Street N.W., Suite 410

Washington, DC 20006

T: 202-663-2390 

F: 202-663-2402

BraibantiRL@state.gov

Dr. Christopher J. Rothfuss

Office of Space and Advanced 

 Technology (G/OES/SAT)

Department of State

1990 K Street N.W., Suite 410

Washington, DC 20006

T: 202-663-2399

F: 202-663-2402

RothfussCJ@state.gov

DOT

Dr. Richard R. John

Director Emeritus, Volpe National 

 Transportation Systems Center

Department of Transportation

55 Broadway, Kendall Square

Cambridge, MA 02142

T: 617-494-2222

F: 617-494-3731

john@volpe.dot.gov

Annalynn Lacombe

Program Analyst, Transportation 

 Strategic Planning and Analysis Office

Volpe National Transportation Systems 

Center

Department of Transportation

55 Broadway

Cambridge, MA 02142

T: 617-494-2161

F: 617-494-3688

Lacombe@volpe.dot.gov

Dr. Richard A. Livingston

Senior Physical Scientist

Office of Infrastructure R&D

Federal Highway Administration

6300 Georgetown Pike

McLean Virginia 22101

T: 202-493-3063

F: 202-493-3161

Dick.Livingston@fhwa.dot.gov

DOTreas

Dr. John F. Bobalek

Program Manager

Office of Research and Technical 

 Support

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Room 201-29A

14th and “C” Streets, S.W.

Washington, DC 20228-0001

T: 202-874-2109

F: 202-927-7415

John.Bobalek@bep.treas.gov

EPA

Stephen A. Lingle

Director, Environmental Engineering 

 Research Division

National Center for Environmental 

 Research 

Office of Research & Development, 

 8722F

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Av., N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

T: 202-343-9830

F: 202-565-2446

Lingle.Stephen@epamail.epa.gov

Dr. Flora Chow

Chemical Control Division 

Office of Pollution Prevention and 

 Toxics

Environmental Protection Agency

Mailcode 7405M

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

T: 202-564-8983

F: 202-564-9490

Chow.Flora@epamail.epa.gov 

Dr. Nora F. Savage

National Center for Environmental 

 Research

Office of Research and Development, 

 8722F

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

T: 202-343-9858

F: 202-343-0678

Savage.Nora@epamail.epa.gov
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 59

Appendix C. Contact List

Dr. Philip Sayre

Associate Director

Risk Assessment Division

Office of Pollution Prevention and 

 Toxics

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.

Mail Code: 7403M

Washington, DC 20460

T: 202-564-7673

F: 202-564-7450

sayre.phil@epa.gov

FDA

Dr. Norris E. Alderson

Associate Commissioner for Science

Director, Office of Science and Health 

 Coordination

Food and Drug Administration

5600 Fishers Lane

Room 14C-08 (HF-32)

Rockville, MD 20857

T: 301-827-3340

F: 301-827-3410

norris.alderson@fda.hhs.gov

Dr. Stanley A. Brown

Research Biomaterials Engineer

Food and Drug Administration

CDRH/OSEL/DSFM, HFZ-170

12725 Twinbrook Parkway

Rockville, MD 20852

T: 301-827-4751

T: 301-827-4853 

stanley.brown@fda.hhs.gov

Dr. Richard Canady

Office of Science and Health 

 Coordination 

Food and Drug Administration

5600 Fishers Lane

 Room 14C-08 (HF-33)

Rockville, MD 20857

T: 301-827-8781

F: 301-827-3042

richard.canady@fda.hhs.gov

ITC

Elizabeth R. Nesbitt

Supervisory International Trade Analyst

Energy, Chemicals and Textiles Division

Office of Industries

International Trade Commission

500 E Street, S.W.

Washington, DC 20436

T: 202-205-3355

F: 202-205-3161

elizabeth.nesbitt@usitc.gov

ITIC

Susan Durham

DCI Intelligence Technology Innovation 

 Center

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, DC 20505

susaned0@ucia.gov

NASA 

Dr. Minoo N. Dastoor

Special Assistant

National Aeronautics and Space 

 Administration

NASA Headquarters, Room 6A20

Washington DC 20546-0001

T: 202-358-4518

F: 202-358-2920

mdastoor@mail.hq.nasa.gov

Dr. Murray S. Hirschbein

National Aeronautics and Space 

 Administration

NASA Headquarters, Rm. 6D70

Washington DC 20546-0001

T: 202-358-4662

F: 202-358-2920

mhirschb@mail.hq.nasa.gov

Dr. Meyya Meyyappan

National Aeronautics and Space 

 Administration

Ames Research Center

MS 229-3 

Moffett Field, CA 94035

T: 650-604-2616

F: 650-604-5244

meyya@orbit.arc.nasa.gov

NIH

Dr. Gregory J. Downing

Director, Office of Technology and 

 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

downingg@mail.nih.gov

Dr. Eleni Kousvelari

Chief, Cellular & Molecular Biology, 

 Physiology, & Biotechnology Branch

National Institute of Dental and 

 Craniofacial Research

National Institutes of Health

Natcher Building, Room 4AN 18A

Bethesda, MD 20892-6402

T: 301-594-2427

F: 301-480-8318

kousvelari@de45.nidr.nih.gov

Dr. Peter Moy

Program Director

National Institute of Biomedical 

 Imaging and Bioengineering

National Institutes of Health

Democracy Two, Suite 200, MSC 5469

6707 Democracy Blvd.

Bethesda, MD 20892-5469

T: 301-496-9270

F: 301-480-0679

moype@mail.nih.gov

Dr. Jeffery A. Schloss

Program Director 

Technology Development Coordination 

National Human Genome Research 

 Institute 

National Institutes of Health 

Suite 4076, MSC 9305 

5635 Fishers Lane 

Bethesda, MD 20892-9305 

T: 301-496-7531

F: 301-480-2770

jeff_schloss@nih.gov
60 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget

Appendix C. Contact List

NIH/OD

Lynn Hudson

Deputy Director

Office of Science Policy & Planning

National Institutes of Health

Office of the Director

Building 1 - Shannon Bldg, Room 218

1 Center Drive

Bethesda, MD, 20892

T: 301-496-0786

F: 301-402-0280

HudsonL1@od.nih.gov 

Dr. Nancy E. Miller

Senior Science Policy Analyst

Office of Science Policy and Planning

Office of the Director

National Institutes of Health

1 Center Drive

Bldg 1, Rm 218

Bethesda, MD 20892

T: 301-594-7742

F: 301-402-0280

MILLERN@od1tm1.od.nih.gov

NIH/NCI

Travis M. Earles

Technology Program Manager

Office of Technology and Industrial 

 Relations

Office of the Director

National Cancer Institute

National Institutes of Health

31 Center Drive, 10A52

Bethesda, MD 20892

T: 301-435-8437

F: 301-496-7807

travis.earles@nih.gov

Dr. Piotr Grodzinski

Program Director, Nanotechnology in 

 Cancer

Office of Technology and 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

Heart Research Program, DHVD

National Heart, Lung, and Blood 

 Institute

National Institutes of Health

6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 9186

Bethesda, MD 20817 

T: 301-435-0504

F: 301-480-1454

BuxtonD@nhlbi.nih.gov

NIH/NIEHS

Dr. John R. Bucher

Deputy Director, Environmental 

 Toxicology Program

Chief, Toxicology Operations Branch

National Institute of Environmental 

 Health Sciences

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. Sally S. Tinkle

Program Administrator

Cellular, Organ, and Systems 

 Pathobiology Branch 

National Institute of Environmental 

Health Sciences

National Institutes of Health

P.O. Box 12233, MD

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

T: 919-541-5327 

F: 919-541-5064

tinkle@niehs.nih.gov

NIOSH

Dr. Vladimir V. Murashov

Special Assistant to the Director

National Institute for Occupational 

 Safety and Health

OD/NIOSH M/S-P12

200 Independence Ave. S.W.

Room 733G

Washington, DC 20201

T: 202-401-3737

F: 202-260-4464

vem8@cdc.gov

NIST

Dr. Michael T. Postek

Program Manager/Group Leader

National Institute of Standards and 

 Technology

Precision Engineering Division

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8212

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8212

T: 301-975-2299

F: 301-869-0822

postek@nist.gov

Dr. Robert D. Shull

Metallurgy Division

National Institute of Standards and 

 Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8552

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8552

T: 301-975-6035

F: 301-975-4553

robert.shull@nist.gov

Eric Steel

Acting Director, Program Office

National Institute of Standards and 

 Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1060

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1060

T: 301-975-3750

F: 301-216-0529

eric.steel@nist.gov

NRC

Michele Evans

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Mail Stop T-10D20

Washington, DC 20555-0001

T: 301-415-7210

MGE@nrc.gov
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2007 Budget 61

Appendix C. Contact List

NSF

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. Maryanna P. Henkart

Director, Division of Molecular and 

 Cellular Biology

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Biological Sciences

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 655S

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8440

F: 703-292-9061

mhenkart@nsf.gov

Dr. T. James Rudd

Program Manager, SBIR/STTR

Office of Industrial Innovation

National Science Foundation

4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 550

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4759

F: 703-292-9057

tjrudd@nsf.gov

Dr. Lance Haworth

Acting Director, Division of Materials 

 Research

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Mathematical and 

Physical Sciences

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1065

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4916

F: 703-292-9035

lhaworth@nsf.gov

USDA/CSREES 

Dr. Hongda Chen

National Program Leader, Bioprocess 

 Engineering 

Cooperative State Research, Education 

 and Extension Service

Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Ave., S.W., 

Mail Stop 2220 

Washington, DC 20250-2220 

T: 202-401-6497 

F: 202-401-5179

hchen@csrees.usda.gov

USDA/FS 

Dr. Sam Foster

Director

Resource Use Research

USDA Forest Service

4th Floor, RPC

1601 North Kent St.

Arlington, VA 22209

T: 703-605-4880

Dr. Christopher D. Risbrudt

Director

Forest Products Laboratory

USDA Forest Service

One Gifford Pinchot Drive

Madison, WI 53726-2398

T: 608-231-9318

F: 608-231-9567

crisbrudt@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

USPTO 

Charles Eloshway

Patent Attorney

Office of International Relations

Patent and Trademark Office

Mail Stop International Relations

P.O. Box 1450

Alexandria, VA 22313-1450

T: 572-272-9300

F: 571-273-0123

Charles.Eloshway@uspto.gov

Bruce Kisliuk

Patent Examining Group Director

Technology Center 1600

Patent and Trademark Office

P.O. Box 1450

Alexandria, VA 22313

T: 571-272-0950 

Bruce.Kisliuk@uspto.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 phone

703-292-9312 fax

www.nano.gov