The National 

Nanotechnology Initiative

Research and Development Leading to a 

Revolution in Technology and Industry

Supplement to the President’s FY 2009 Budget
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. To 

obtain additional information regarding the NSTC, visit the NSTC website at http://www.ostp.gov/cs/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. For additional information regarding OSTP, visit the 

OSTP website at http://www.ostp.gov/. 

About this document 

This document is a supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget Request submitted to Congress on February 4, 2008. It 

gives a description of the activities underway in 2008 and planned for 2009 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 2007 and reports estimated investments for 2008 

and requested investments for 2009 by program component area (PCA), as called for under the provisions of the 21st

Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (Public Law 108-153). Additional information regarding the 

NNI is available on the NNI website at http://www.nano.gov/. 

About the cover 

The central image shows 60 nanometer diameter gold nanoparticles imaged by the new helium ion microscope at the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These particles are examples of the series of gold reference 

materials developed by NIST in cooperation with the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory at the National 

Cancer Institute, and thus are also examples of the interagency collaboration that has been the hallmark of the National 

Nanotechnology Initiative. Background image: idealized representation of a scanning tunneling microscope image of C60

molecules on a flat silver surface. Additional technical and ordering information for the new NIST nanoparticle reference 

materials is available at https://srmors.nist.gov for Reference Materials 8011, 8012, and 8013. 

Cover and book design 

Cover design is by Nicolle Rager of Sayo-Art. Book design is by 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 (see 17 USC §105). 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. 2008. 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative 

Research and Development Leading to a Revolution 

in Technology and Industry 

Supplement to the 

President’s 2009 Budget 

September 2008 

Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology 

Committee on Technology 

National Science and Technology Council 
Department and Agency Representatives

Office of Science and Technology 

Policy (OSTP) 

Travis M. Earles 

Office of Management and Budget 

(OMB) 

Irene B. Kariampuzha 

Bureau of Industry and Security 

(BIS/DOC) 

Kelly Gardner 

Consumer Product Safety 

Commission (CPSC) 

Mary Ann Danello 

Treye A. Thomas 

Cooperative State Research, 

Education, and Extension Service 

(CSREES/USDA) 

Hongda Chen 

Department of Defense (DOD) 

Robin Staffin 

David M. Stepp 

Robert H. Cohn 

Mihal E. Gross 

Gernot S. Pomrenke 

Jonathan R. Porter 

Eric Snow 

Department of Education (DOEd) 

Krishan Mathur 

Department of Energy (DOE) 

Patricia M. Dehmer 

Altaf H. Carim 

Aravinda M. Kini 

John C. Miller 

Brian G. Valentine 

Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS) 

Richard T. Lareau 

Eric J. Houser 

Department of Justice (DOJ) 

Stanley A. Erickson 

Department of Labor (DOL) 

Brad Wiggins 

Department of State (DOS) 

Ken Hodgkins 

Robert Rudnitsky 

Department of Transportation 

(DOT) 

Jan M. Brecht-Clark 

John W. McCracken 

Department of the Treasury 

(DOTreas) 

John F. Bobalek 

Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) 

George Gray 

Jeff Morris 

Nora F. Savage 

Philip G. Sayre 

Food and Drug Administration 

(FDA/DHHS) 

Norris E. Alderson 

Richard A. Canady 

Forest Service (FS/USDA) 

Christopher D. Risbrudt 

Theodore H. Wegner 

Intelligence Advanced Research 

Projects Activity 

Susan E. Durham 

International Trade Commission 

(ITC) 

Elizabeth R. Nesbitt 

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration (NASA) 

Minoo N. Dastoor 

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health 

(NIOSH/CDC/DHHS) 

Vladimir V. Murashov 

National Institutes of Health 

(NIH/DHHS) 

Piotr Grodzinski 

Lori Henderson 

Jeffery A. Schloss 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST/DOC) 

Lloyd J. Whitman 

National Science Foundation (NSF) 

Mihail C. Roco 

Zakya H. Kafafi 

Charles Liarakos 

T. James Rudd 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

(NRC) 

Richard P. Croteau 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 

Sarah Gerould 

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 

(USPTO/DOC) 

Charles Eloshway 

Bruce Kisliuk 

Report prepared by

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL 

COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY (CT) 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON NANOSCALE SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, ANDTECHNOLOGY (NSET) 

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

 Bud Albright, Under Secretary for Energy, Department of Energy 

CT Executive Secretary: Jason E. Boehm, National Institute of Standards and Technology 

NSET Subcommittee Agency Co-Chair: National Nanotechnology Coordination Office Director: 

 Altaf H. Carim E. Clayton Teague 

NSET Subcommittee OSTP Co-Chair: NSET Subcommittee Executive Secretary: 

Travis M. Earles Geoffrey M. Holdridge
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 

OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY 

Washington, D.C. 20502

September 30, 2008 

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 

2009 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 eighth year, and the proposed budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 has grown 

to more than triple the amount spent at the outset in FY 2001, bringing the cumulative 

investment since the inception of the NNI to just under $10 billion. This sustained investment is 

advancing our understanding of the unique phenomena and processes that occur at the nanometer 

scale and is expediting the responsible use of this knowledge to address national and global 

needs in the areas such as energy, security, and public health. Looking forward, the NNI 

released a revised Strategic Plan in December 2007 that highlights ten high-impact application 

opportunities and critical research needs, which illustrate examples of the potential benefits that 

nanotechnology offers. 

Along with its investment in the development and application of nanotechnology, the NNI 

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

understand potential health and environmental effects of nanotechnology. One major 

achievement with respect to that issue was the release in February of this year of the first 

comprehensive NNI Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety 

Research. The NNI continues to expand its activities to assess and address societal and ethical 

concerns associated with this emerging area of technology. 

In the coming years and decades, advances in nanotechnology will lead to new products, tools, 

processes, and ways of doing business. Whereas the economic impact is difficult to estimate, the 

widespread potential argues for continued public and private investments. 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 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

1. Introduction and Overview ..................................................................................................................3

Overview of National Nanotechnology Initiative................................................................................3

Purpose of this Report .........................................................................................................................6

2. NNI Investments..................................................................................................................................7

Budget Summary .................................................................................................................................7

Changes in Balance of Investments by PCA .....................................................................................10

Utilization of SBIR and STTR Programs to Advance Nanotechnology............................................11

3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities ....................................................................13

Introduction........................................................................................................................................13

Activities Relating to the Four NNI Goals ........................................................................................13

External Reviews of the NNI.............................................................................................................35

Appendix A. Glossary ...........................................................................................................................39

Appendix B. Contact List ......................................................................................................................43
2 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 3

1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Overview of National Nanotechnology Initiative 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is a U.S. Government interagency, cross-cut program 

initiated in 20011

 that coordinates Federal nanoscale research and development activities and related efforts 

among various participating agencies. The NNI is aimed at accelerating the discovery, development, and 

deployment of nanometer-scale science, engineering, and technology. Currently the NNI involves the 

nanotechnology-related activities of 25 Federal agencies, 13 of which have budgets for nanotechnology 

research and development (R&D) for 2009 (see Table 1). 

The NNI released an updated strategic plan in December 2007.2

 This plan sets out a vision for the NNI: a 

future in which the ability to understand and control matter at the nanoscale leads to a revolution in technology 

and industry that benefits society. The NNI Strategic Plan also specifies four goals aimed at achieving that 

overall vision: (1) advance a world-class nanotechnology research and development program; (2) foster the 

transfer of new technologies into products for commercial and public benefit; (3) develop and sustain 

educational resources, a skilled workforce, and the supporting infrastructure and tools to advance 

nanotechnology; and (4) support responsible development of nanotechnology. 

Toward these goals, the NNI agencies have: 

 Created a world-class scientific and engineering R&D enterprise, as evidenced by U.S. leadership in 

nanotechnology-related publications in three leading international scientific journals, and in its share 

of citations in leading nanoscience and nanotechnology journals3

 (goal 1) 

 Leveraged its investments broadly, catalyzing increased investments in the private sector and around 

the world4

 (goals 1, 2, and 4) 

 

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 http://www.nano.gov/NNI_Strategic_Plan_2007.pdf. 3

 See the April 2008 report of the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel (PCAST/NNAP 2008) for data 

supporting this statement: http://ostp.gov/galleries/PCAST/PCAST_NNAP_NNI_Assessment_2008.pdf, 

pp. 11–14. 4

 PCAST/NNAP 2008, p. 9. 

What is Nanotechnology? 

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

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

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

matter at this length scale. 

A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. A sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick; a single 

gold atom is about a third of a nanometer in diameter. Dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 

nanometers are known as the nanoscale. Unusual physical, chemical, and biological properties can 

emerge in materials at the nanoscale. These properties may differ in important ways from the properties 

of bulk materials and single atoms or molecules. 
1. Introduction and Overview 

4 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

Table 1 

List of Federal Agencies Participating in the NNI During 2008 

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 Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS, Department of the Interior) 

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO, Department of Commerce)

 Created a culture of interdisciplinary research within the U.S. R&D community through strong 

incentives for interdisciplinary research at our major research institutions and through NNI-funded 

interdisciplinary networks, centers of excellence, and user facilities, leading to the development of a 

new generation of talented multidisciplinary researchers (goals 1 and 3) 

 Played a central role in overcoming barriers to nanotechnology innovation and commercialization, 

through basic and application-targeted research support, critical infrastructure development, and 

education and training5

 (goal 2, with relevance to all other goals) 

 Put in place an updated NNI Strategic Plan reflecting a coordinated overall approach for achieving the 

NNI goals 

 

5

 Ibid., p. 17. 
1. Introduction and Overview 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 5

 Funded over $290 million in nanotechnology-related Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and 

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) projects between 2004 and 2007 to aid in the 

commercialization of nanotechnology (goal 2) 

 Identified, in the newly updated NNI Strategic Plan, ten examples of high-impact application 

opportunities and research needs where NNI-funded research can have a significant impact on critical 

national needs and major industrial sectors (goal 2) 

 Created a world-class R&D infrastructure, including an extensive network of over 60 research centers, 

user facilities, and other infrastructure for nanotechnology research, enabling broader participation in 

leading-edge research and multidisciplinary collaborations, and accelerating technology innovation 

towards functional applications6

 (goal 3, with relevance to all other goals) 

 Trained thousands of undergraduate and graduate students in nanoscale science and technology, 

providing the pipeline for nanotechnology workers and researchers that industry needs in order to 

commercialize the results of basic research in nanoscale science and technology (goal 3)7

 Developed an ongoing process for planning and prioritizing nanotechnology-related environmental, 

health, and safety (EHS) research, leading to the publication in February 2008 of the first 

comprehensive NNI strategy for EHS research,8

 thus promoting commercialization of 

nanotechnology-based applications that are now emerging, while protecting public health, safety, and 

the environment (goal 4, with relevance to all other goals) 

 Funded over $250 million in EHS research since the NNI began reporting EHS research separately in 

2005, including the 2009 request outlined in this document (goal 4) 

 Funded over $180 million in education and societal dimensions R&D since 2005, including public 

outreach and research on ethical, legal, and other societal implications (ELSI) of nanotechnology 

(goal 4) 

The December 2007 NNI Strategic Plan lays out eight categories of investment, or program component 

areas (PCAs), within the NNI, each aimed at helping to achieve one or more of the above goals: 

1. Fundamental nanoscale phenomena and processes 

2. Nanomaterials 

3. Nanoscale devices and systems 

4. Instrumentation research, metrology, and standards for nanotechnology 

5. Nanomanufacturing 

6. Major research facilities and instrumentation acquisition 

7. Environment, health, and safety 

8. Education and societal dimensions 

Federal agencies are investing in R&D within the above categories in support of national goals and agency 

missions. NNI funding as reported in this supplement represents the collective funding allocated by the 

participating agencies. Each agency separately determines its budgets for nanotechnology R&D, in 

coordination with the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, 

 

6

 Ibid., p. 9. For more details on the NNI infrastructure, see the NNI Supplement to the President’s 2008 

Budget, http://www.nano.gov/NNI_08Budget.pdf, pp. 20–22 and pp. 29–33. 7

 See Table 6 on page 11 that provides a list of agencies funding SBIR and STTR grants. 

8

 Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research, 

http://www.nano.gov/NNI_EHS_Research_Strategy.pdf. 
1. Introduction and Overview 

6 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

and Congress. The NNI is therefore an interagency budget crosscut in which participating agencies are 

working closely with each other to create an integrated program through communication, coordination, 

and joint programs, as appropriate. This also creates a synergy between the individual agency programs that 

results in the NNI being greater than the sum of its parts. 

Purpose of this Report 

This document provides supplemental information to the President’s 2009 Budget and serves as the Annual 

Report on the NNI called for in the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act 

(P.L. 108-153). In particular, the report summarizes NNI programmatic activities for 2007 and 2008, as 

well as those planned for in 2009. NNI budgets for 2007–2009 are presented by agency and PCA. 

Information on the use of the SBIR and STTR program funds to support nanotechnology research and 

commercialization activities, also called for in P.L. 108-153, is included at the end of Section 2 of this 

report. Section 3 discusses activities that have been undertaken and progress that has been made toward 

achieving the goals set out in the NNI Strategic Plan, and includes an analysis of external reviews of the 

NNI and how their recommendations are being addressed. 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 7

2.NNI INVESTMENTS

Budget Summary 

The 2009 Budget provides $1.5 billion for the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), reflecting steady 

growth in the NNI investment. This sustained major investment in nanotechnology research and 

development (R&D) across the Federal Government over the past nine fiscal years of the NNI reflects the 

broad support of the Administration and of Congress for this program. This support is based on 

nanotechnology’s potential to vastly improve our fundamental understanding and control of matter, 

ultimately leading to a revolution in technology and industry for the benefit of society. The NNI remains 

focused on fulfilling the Federal role of supporting basic research, infrastructure development, and 

technology transfer, in the expectation that the resulting advances and capabilities will make important 

contributions to national priorities, with applications across a wide range of industries including healthcare, 

electronics, aeronautics, agriculture and food, and energy. The NNI also is committed to implementing its 

comprehensive strategy for environmental, health, and safety (EHS) research. Increasing investments by 

NNI participating agencies in nanotechnology-related research since 2001 reflect a recognition of the 

potential for this research to support agency missions and responsibilities. The cumulative NNI investment 

since 2001, including the 2009 request, now totals almost $10 billion. Cumulative investments in EHS 

research since 2005 now total over $250 million. Cumulative investments in education and in research on 

ethical, legal, and other societal dimensions of nanotechnology since 2005 total over $180 million. 

The 2009 NNI budget supports nanoscale science and engineering R&D at 13 agencies. Agencies with the 

largest investments are: 

 DOD (science and engineering research advancing defense and dual-use capabilities) 

 NSF (fundamental research across all disciplines of science and engineering) 

 DOE (research providing a basis for new and improved energy technologies) 

 NIH (nanotechnology-based biomedical research at the intersection of life sciences and the physical 

sciences) 

 NIST (fundamental research and development of measurement and fabrication tools, analytical 

methodologies, and metrology for nanotechnology) 

Other agencies investing in mission-related research are NASA, NIOSH, EPA, USDA (including both 

CSREES and FS), DHS, DOJ, and DOT (including the Federal Highway Administration, FHWA). 

Table 2 shows NNI investments in 2007–2009 for Federal agencies with budgets and investments for 

nanotechnology R&D. Tables 3–5 list the investments by agency and by program component area (PCA). 

The program component areas shown in these tables are those outlined in the new NNI Strategic Plan 

released in December 2007, with nanotechnology-related EHS research now reported in a separate PCA. 

Table 6 (p. 12) shows nanotechnology-related SBIR and STTR investments for 2004–2007. 

Key points about the 2008 and 2009 NNI investments 

 The 2009 NNI budget provides increased support for research on fundamental nanoscale phenomena 

and processes from $481 million in 2007 to $551 million in 2009, arising mostly from increased 

investments at DOE’s Office of Science for basic research on energy applications of nanoscience. 

 Increases in nanotechnology R&D funding for DOE, NIST, and NSF reflect the President’s 

continuing commitment to significantly increase funding for physical sciences and engineering 

research as part of the American Competitiveness Initiative. 
2. NNI Investments 

8 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

Table 2 

NNI Budget, 2007--2009 

(dollars in millions) 

2007 Actual 2008 Estimate 2009 Proposed 

DOD* 450 487 431 

NSF 389 389 397 

DOE** 236 251 311 

DHHS (NIH) 215 226 226 

DOC (NIST) 88 89 110 

NASA 20 18 19 

EPA 8 10 15 

DHHS (NIOSH) 7 6 6 

USDA (FS) 3 5 5 

USDA (CSREES) 4 6 3 

DOJ 2 2 2 

DHS 2 1 1 

DOT (FHWA) 1 1 1 

TOTAL 1,425 1,491 1,527 

* The 2008 DOD estimate exceeds the 2008 request by $112 million but includes Congressionally 

directed funding that is outside the NNI plan (as is also true for the 2007 actual funding). 

** Funding levels for DOE include the Offices of Science, Fossil Energy, and Energy Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy. 

 The proposed budget also reflects substantial ongoing growth in funding for instrumentation research, 

metrology, and standards (from $53 million in 2007 to $82 million in 2009) and in 

nanomanufacturing research (from $48 million in 2007 to $62 million in 2009). Through a series of 

workshops, NNI agencies are gathering input and feedback from industry and the research 

community on these growing investments. 

 The proposed budgets for nanotechnology R&D of EPA and USDA (FS) in 2009 are almost double 

those in 2007. 

 EHS R&D funding in 2009 ($76 million) is over double the level of actual funding in 2005 

($35 million)—the first year these data were collected. The steady growth in EHS R&D spending 

supports the NNI strategy of expanding the capacity to do high-quality research in this field. For 

tables in this document, EHS R&D is defined as research whose primary purpose is to understand and 

address potential risks to health and to the environment posed by nanotechnology. Therefore the proposed 

$76 million for 2009 does not include substantial research reported under other PCAs, e.g., on 

instrumentation and metrology and on fundamental interactions between biosystems and engineered 

nanoscale materials, both of which are important in the performance and interpretation of 

toxicological research. An indication of the total level of funding in support of nanotechnology-related 

EHS research, including these broader categories, may be deduced from the detailed 2006 data 

collected and analyzed specifically for this purpose and published in the February 2008 NNI report, 

Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research.

9

 If these vital related 

areas were included, current funding figures for EHS research would be as much as 60% higher. 

 

9 http://www.nano.gov/NNI_EHS_Research_Strategy.pdf. 
2. NNI Investments 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 9

Table 3

Actual 2007 Agency Investments by Program Component Area 

(dollars in millions)

Fundamental 

Phenomena & 

Processes

Nanomaterials

Nanoscale Devices 

& Systems

Instrument 

Research, 

Metrology, & 

Standards

Nanomanufacturing

Major Research 

Facilities & Instr. 

Acquisition 

Environment, 

Health, and Safety

Education & 

Societal Dimensions

NNI Total

DOD 210.1 86.0 120.0 4.3 7.5 22.3 450.2 

NSF 145.2 58.4 52.4 14.9 26.6 30.0 26.9 34.4 388.8 

DOE 52.6 68.5 9.7 11.3 0.5 92.9 0.5 236.0 

DHHS (NIH) 45.7 25.4 125.7 5.9 0.8 7.7 4.2 215.4 

DOC (NIST) 24.2 7.5 22.9 14.2 12.4 5.5 0.9 87.6 

NASA 0.8 9.9 9.1 19.8 

EPA 0.2 0.2 0.1 7.1 7.6 

DHHS (NIOSH) 1.7 5.6 7.3 

USDA (FS) 0.4 1.3 0.7 0.3 0.2 2.9 

USDA (CSREES) 0.5 1.0 2.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 3.9 

DOJ 0.1 1.6 1.7 

DHS 2.0 2.0 

DOT (FHWA) 0.9 0.9 

TOTAL 480.6 258.3 344.7 52.5 48.1 152.4 48.3 39.2 1,424.1 

Table 4

Estimated 2008 Agency Investments by Program Component Area 

(dollars in millions)

Fundamental 

Phenomena & 

Processes

Nanomaterials

Nanoscale Devices 

& Systems

Instrument 

Research, 

Metrology, & 

Standards

Nanomanufacturing

Major Research 

Facilities & Instr. 

Acquisition 

Environment, 

Health, and Safety

Education & 

Societal Dimensions

NNI Total

DOD 258.7 68.9 119.8 8.0 5.4 24.6 2.0 487.4 

NSF 138.8 62.1 50.3 16.0 26.9 31.6 29.2 33.8 388.7 

DOE 51.4 77.5 13.0 12.0 2.0 92.0 3.0 0.5 251.4 

DHHS (NIH) 55.6 25.4 125.8 5.9 0.8 7.7 4.6 225.8 

DOC (NIST) 22.5 7.4 21.7 16.1 14.4 5.8 0.8 88.7 

NASA 1.5 9.7 6.2 0.4 0.2 18.0 

EPA 0.2 0.2 0.2 9.6 10.2 

DHHS (NIOSH) 6.0 6.0 

USDA (FS) 1.3 1.9 1.2 0.4 0.2 5.0 

USDA (CSREES) 0.7 1.6 3.1 0.5 0.1 0.1 6.1 

DOJ 2.0 2.0 

DHS 1.0 1.0 

DOT (FHWA) 0.9 0.9 

TOTAL 531.6 254.7 342.3 60.4 50.2 154.4 58.6 39.0 1,491.2 
2. NNI Investments 

10 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area (PCA)10

P.L. 108-153 calls for this report to address changes in the balance of investments by NNI member agencies 

among the PCAs. These are summarized below for those agencies that are reporting significant changes for 

2008 and 2009. 

DOD: The differences in the 2007–2009 budget numbers and in the balance of investments by PCA are 

consistent with regular program turnover and the required categorization of data associated with extracting 

NNI-related activities from the DOD investment portfolio (i.e., determining with which PCA a 

multifaceted project is most aligned). 

NSF: The increase of $8.1 million in NSF’s 2009 request will provide additional funding primarily in the 

following PCAs: fundamental phenomena and processes (increased by $2.5 million), nanoscale devices and 

systems (increased by $1.3 million), EHS (increased by $1.5 million), and education and societal 

dimensions (increased by $1.5 million). 

DOE: The largest component of DOE nanotechnology funding is within the Office of Science.11 Those 

investments increase substantially across most PCAs, with the biggest change in the PCA on Fundamental 

Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes. Additional investments in the 2009 request correspond to a variety of 

initiatives in basic research related to various application areas (including solar energy, hydrogen fuels, 

nuclear systems, and energy storage) that will be implemented through multi-investigator Energy Frontier 

 

10 Changes are as compared to NNI investments described in the NNI Supplement to the President’s 2008 

Budget. 11 For more information see http://nano.energy.gov. 

Table 5

Planned 2009 Agency Investments by Program Component Area 

(dollars in millions)

Fundamental 

Phenomena & 

Processes

Nanomaterials

Nanoscale Devices 

& Systems

Instrument 

Research, 

Metrology, & 

Standards

Nanomanufacturing

Major Research 

Facilities & Instr. 

Acquisition 

Environment, 

Health, and Safety

Education & 

Societal Dimensions

NNI Total

DOD 227.8 55.2 107.7 3.6 12.8 22.1 1.8 431.0 

NSF 141.7 62.5 51.6 16.0 26.9 32.1 30.6 35.5 396.9 

DOE 96.9 63.5 8.1 32.0 6.0 101.2 3.0 0.5 311.2 

DHHS (NIH) 55.5 25.4 125.8 5.9 0.8 7.7 4.6 225.7 

DOC (NIST) 24.5 8.5 22.7 20.9 15.3 5.7 12.8 110.4 

NASA 1.2 9.8 7.7 0.2 0.1 19.0 

EPA 0.2 0.2 0.2 14.3 14.9 

DHHS (NIOSH) 6.0 6.0 

USDA (FS) 1.7 1.3 0.7 1.1 0.2 5.0 

USDA (CSREES) 0.4 0.8 1.5 0.1 0.1 0.1 3.0 

DOJ 2.0 2.0 

DHS 1.0 1.0 

DOT (FHWA) 0.9 0.9 

TOTAL 550.8 227.2 327.0 81.5 62.1 161.3 76.4 40.7 1,527.0 
2. NNI Investments 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 11

Research Centers12 as well as single-investigator and small group grants. The distribution of these new 

investments across PCAs has been estimated for 2009, but the eventual distribution will depend on the mix 

of activities that are proposed and selected for support. In the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable 

Energy (EERE), nanomanufacturing efforts will be enhanced as the office begins research and development 

to address barriers identified in the Nanomanufacturing for Energy Efficiency Workshop (June 2007)13 to 

enable broad applications in energy-intensive industrial processes and development of next-generation 

manufacturing processes. 

NIST: The President’s 2009 budget includes a $19 million increase in the NIST budget for research in 

nanotechnology compared to 2008. Seven million of the increase is distributed across all PCAs without 

substantially changing the balance of investments by PCA. The remaining $12 million increase in the NIST 

budget provides a 15-fold increase in funding for EHS aspects of nanotechnology to develop an accurate 

characterization framework needed by all Federal agencies for timely progress on this topic. NIST will 

launch a coordinated nanotechnology EHS initiative in 2009, leveraging nanotechnology expertise and 

resources across its laboratories and facilities to develop analytical methods for quantifying the type and 

amount of nanomaterials in biological materials, the environment, and the workplace. NIST will develop 

accurate and validated protocols and reference materials to define the uses and limitations of major 

analytical methods. Measurement approaches to improve understanding of EHS properties of 

nanomaterials will be developed, including techniques for standardizing assessment of nanoparticle size and 

size distribution, shape, structure, and surface area, and for characterizing nanoparticle chemical 

composition, purity, and heterogeneity. 

NIOSH: NIOSH will continue its investments in nanotechnology R&D related to worker health and 

safety, in close coordination with other agencies (on toxicology research with those participating in the 

National Toxicology Program and on reference nanomaterials with NIST). This investment will support 

intramural and extramural projects that address critical research gaps related to occupational safety and 

health of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. 

USDA/CSREES: The major differences in the balance of funding among PCAs between the 2009 request 

and prior years are mainly due to Congressionally directed funding. The 2009 budget request does not 

include funding for continuation of Congressionally directed funding, as is standard USDA practice. 

Utilization of SBIR and STTR Programs to Advance Nanotechnology 

As called for by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, this report includes 

information on use of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology 

Transfer (STTR) programs in support of nanotechnology development. Five NNI agencies—DOD, NSF, 

NIH, DOE, and NASA—have both SBIR and STTR programs. In addition to these agencies, EPA, 

NIOSH, NIST, and USDA have SBIR programs. Table 6 shows 2004 through 2007 (the latest year for 

which data is available) agency funding for SBIR and STTR awards for nanotechnology R&D. These 

figures reflect revised estimates for some agencies and some years compared to figures published in previous 

NNI budget supplement reports, as described in the footnotes under the table. 

Some NNI agencies (e.g., EPA and NIH) have nanotechnology-specific topics in their SBIR and STTR 

solicitations. Some (e.g., NIH and NSF) have had topical or applications-oriented solicitations for which 

many awardees have proposed nanotechnology-based innovations. NIOSH reported nanotechnologyrelated SBIR funding for the first time in 2006. All told, with this revised data for 2004–2007, the NNI 

 

12 http://www.science.doe.gov/bes/EFRC.html. 13 See the final report from the workshop at http://eenm.govtools.us/. 
2. NNI Investments 

12 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

agencies have funded over $290 million of nanotechnology-related SBIR and STTR awards since 2004. 

More information about the NNI agencies’ use of the SBIR and STTR awards for nanotechnology 

innovation and commercialization is provided on page 21. 

Table 6

2004--2007 Agency SBIR and STTR Awards 

(dollars in millions)

2004 2005 2006 2007 

SBIR STTR Total SBIR STTR Total SBIR STTR Total SBIR STTR Total 

DOD* 10.5 6.9 17.4 7.5 5.5 13 12.6 5.6 18.2 8.4 4.2 12.6 

NSF 11.9 0.9 12.8 12.1 5.5 17.6 13.9 1.8 15.7 13.4 3.8 17.2 

DOE 6.8 2.8 9.6 7.7 0.4 8.1 18.2 1.6 19.8 17.4 0.8 18.2 

DHHS (NIH) 9.3 2.6 11.9 11.1 5.2 16.3 15.1 2.1 17.2 18.4 1.1 19.5 

DOC (NIST) 0.5 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 

NASA** 7.2 0.6 7.8 6 6 12.1 1.5 13.6 11.7 1.5 13.2 

EPA 0.6 0.6 1 1 1.2 1.2 0.5 0.5 

DHHS (NIOSH) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 

USDA*** 0.8 0.8 1 1 0.7 0.7 1.1 1.1 

TOTAL 47.6 13.8 61.4 46.5 16.6 63.1 74.0 12.6 86.6 71.3 11.4 82.7 

* DOD revised its SBIR and STTR funding levels for FY 2004. 

** NASA revised its SBIR and STTR funding levels for FY 2006. 

*** USDA revised its SBIR funding levels across all years. 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 13

3. PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING NNIGOALS AND PRIORITIES

Introduction: Overview of NNI Structure and Management 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative is managed within the framework of the National Science and 

Technology Council (NSTC), the Cabinet-level council by which the President coordinates science and 

technology policy across the Federal Government. The Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology 

(NSET) Subcommittee of the NSTC coordinates planning, budgeting, program implementation, and 

review of the initiative. The NSET Subcommittee is composed of representatives from agencies 

participating in the NNI. A listing of official NSET Subcommittee members is provided at the front of this 

report. Contact information for NSET Subcommittee participants is provided in Appendix B. The 

National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) acts as the primary point of contact for 

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

supports the subcommittee in the preparation of multiagency planning, budget, and assessment documents, 

including this report; and develops, updates, and maintains the NNI website, http://www.nano.gov. 

The NSET Subcommittee has established several working groups. These include the Global Issues in 

Nanotechnology (GIN) Working Group; the Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications 

(NEHI) Working Group; the Nanomanufacturing, Industry Liaison, and Innovation (NILI) Working 

Group; and the Nanotechnology Public Engagement and Communication (NPEC) Working Group. 

As called for in the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, the 2007 NNI Strategic 

Plan states that the annual interagency analysis of progress under the NNI will be provided in the annual 

NNI Supplement to the President’s Budget. As indicated in the plan, the NNI’s activities for 2007 and 

2008 and plans for 2009 are reported here in terms of how they promote progress toward the four NNI 

goals. Goal-related activities are in turn reported in terms of three categories of activities: (1) coordinated 

interagency activities, (2) individual agency activities, and (3) engagement with groups and activities 

external to the NNI, including international activities. A brief report of progress toward the NNI goals in 

terms of these three categories follows. The activities described below are only selected highlights of current and 

planned work of the NNI member agencies and are not an all-inclusive description of ongoing NNI activities. 

Activities Relating to the Four NNI Goals 

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

Towards this goal, the NNI has funded thousands of individual R&D projects since its inception, 

contributing to U.S. world leadership in nanotechnology. As indicated in the recently released President’s 

Council of Advisors on Science and Technology/National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel 

(PCAST/NNAP) review of the NNI,14 identifying meaningful metrics for evaluating U.S. global leadership 

in nanotechnology is challenging. But by many of the available measures, the United States continues to 

lead in both basic and applied research on nanoscale science and technology. 

By several different indicators, the United States is indeed advancing a world-class nanotechnology research 

and development program, in large part under the auspices of the NNI. These indicators include: (1) the 

high percentage of publication of nanotechnology-related papers by U.S. researchers in three of the world’s 

 

14 PCAST/NNAP 2008, http://ostp.gov/galleries/PCAST/PCAST_NNAP_NNI_Assessment_2008.pdf. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

14 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

premier scientific journals (Science, Nature, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences),15 (2) the 

large number of citations of U.S. papers in peer-reviewed journal publications,16 and (3) the large number 

of nanotechnology-enabled patents filed in three or more international patent offices.17 However, we must 

not be complacent in evaluating our international competitiveness in nanotechnology. As indicated in the 

new PCAST/NNAP report, Europe as a whole leads the world in nanotechnology publications in the 

Science Citation Index (SCI) database, and China and other Asian countries are rapidly gaining on the 

United States and Europe in nanotechnology-related SCI publications. Therefore we must continue to 

sustain and increase our strategic investments in this critical area of science and technology. 

Coordinated Interagency Activities Contributing to Goal 1 

 DOT/FHWA, NIST: The Federal Highway Administration continues to support research aimed at 

improving fundamental understanding of the structure and properties of highway construction 

materials at the nanoscale. For example, FHWA is working with the Western Research Institute, 

NIST, and the University of Wyoming to improve understanding of the properties of asphalt at the 

nanoscale, as well as possible “nano modifications” to improve the performance of asphalt. FHWA is 

also in the process of evaluating nanotechnology-enabled high-performance concrete formulations, 

including high-tensile-strength and “ductile” concrete. 

 EPA, NSF, DOE: These agencies funded projects in 2008 under a joint solicitation, “Nanotechnology 

Research Grants Investigating Fate, Transport, Transformation, and Exposure of Engineered 

Nanomaterials.” This is the fourth interagency solicitation on nanotechnology led by the National 

Center for Environmental Research (NCER) of EPA’s Office of Research and Development.18 A new 

joint solicitation involving EPA, NSF, and other partners is planned for 2009. 

 NIH, NIOSH, EPA: NIH has taken the lead in an interagency solicitation begun in 2007 with 

NIOSH and EPA entitled, “Manufactured Nanomaterials: Physico-Chemical Principles of 

Biocompatibility and Toxicity.”19 Ten awards have been made by the three agencies. 

 NIST, NSF: In August 2007, scientists from these agencies and from the University of Colorado and 

Lehigh University led a workshop, “Materials Characterization for Nanoscale Reliability,” hosted at 

the University of Colorado. The participants worked together to catalogue the range of 

characterization tools needed to most effectively develop, produce, and use nanomaterials, and 

designed plans for collaborative research to ensure these tools will be available as nanotechnology 

continues to advance. 

Individual Agency Activities Contributing to Goal 1 

DOD: DOD maintains a broad and opportunistic view of its 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 programs that support 

nanotechnology; there are no significant strategic changes expected in DOD's nanotechnology-related 

 

15 Over 70% in 2006; see the 2008 PCAST/NNAP report, p. 12. 

16 U.S. papers averaged 35% over the 2002–2005 period versus the next largest average of about 28% for 25 EU 

countries; see the PCAST/NNAP report, p. 13. 17 U.S. assignees were responsible for over 37% of nanotechnology-related patents on the same invention in 

three or more countries over the period 1985 through 2005 versus the next largest percentage of 24% for 

Japanese assignees; see the PCAST/NNAP report, p. 14. 18 Additional information on these and other solicitations can be found at http://www.epa.gov/ncer/nano; see also 

additional information under Goal 4 later in this report. 

19 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-ES-06-008.html. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 15

efforts for 2008 or 2009. Additional details are available from DOD’s annual report to Congress 

outlining its nanoscience and nanotechnology R&D programs.20

 DOE: At DOE's Office of Science, major increases in the 2009 request reflect the nanoscience 

contributions expected within key research initiative areas in solar energy, hydrogen fuel, electrical 

energy storage, ultrafast science, emergent behavior, chemical imaging, mid-scale instrumentation, and 

advanced nuclear energy systems that were planned but could not be supported due to appropriations 

constraints in the prior two fiscal years. Implementation of these initiatives includes a plan to create a 

suite of Energy Frontier Research Centers that will encompass larger-scale multi-investigator research, 

in addition to a significant enhancement in single-investigator and small-group projects. Projections 

for 2009 are based on estimates of the proportions of funded programs in these areas that will involve 

or rely upon research at the nanoscale. 

 NIH: The Trans-NIH Nano Task Force has reissued Funding Opportunity Announcements for 

regular research and exploratory research grants on nanoscience and nanotechnology, continuing 

through January 2011.21 Applications in response to these program announcements are now reviewed 

by a chartered review panel. The trans-NIH SBIR and STTR nanotechnology programs remain in 

effect.22

Nanotechnology is more prominent in the NIH research portfolio than in the past, appearing not 

only in nanotechnology-specific programs but also in a wider array of research and training programs 

that serve the missions of the various institutes and centers of the NIH. Several examples follow: 

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) plans to support research (under 

FOA RFA-ES-07-007) as part of the Superfund Basic Research and Training Program (SBRP) to 

enhance understanding of the basic structural and functional properties of biological populations that 

are involved in the bioremediation of hazardous substances by integrating or adapting innovative 

nanotechnology-based tools for sensing, detecting, and elucidating processes at the molecular and 

nanoscale. NIEHS intends to commit $2 million in 2009 contingent upon the availability of funds.23

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) regards nanotechnology as one of the critically important and 

innovative tools in attempts to reduce the burden of cancer. NCI established the Alliance for 

Nanotechnology in Cancer in 2005 to pursue research related to applications of nanotechnology in 

prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of cancer. The Centers of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence 

(CCNE) and nanotechnology grants formed under this program have been very active in pursuing 

team research, which to date have resulted in almost 600 peer-reviewed publications, over 130 patent 

disclosures, and contributions to the formation of over 20 companies. The program has been equally 

active in creating training opportunities to develop a cadre of true multidisciplinary researchers 

competent in applying the tools and approaches of nanotechnology to critical problems in cancer 

research. 

NCI intends to commit approximately $2.25 million over 3 years to fund a total of ten new 

fellowships in Cancer Nanotechnology Research. NCI also plans to foster and support intensive 

 

20 http://nano.gov/html/res/pdf/DefenseNano2007.pdf. 21 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-052.html

 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-053.html. 22 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-06-009.html 

 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-06-008.html. 23 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-ES-07-007.html. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

16 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

collaborations among minority-serving institutions and NCI-designated cancer centers in order to 

develop stronger national cancer programs aimed at understanding the reasons behind the significant 

cancer disparities and related impacts on racial and ethnic minority and socio-economically 

disadvantaged populations. The program encourages research proposals related to cancer in emerging 

technologies, such as nanotechnology, proteomics, genomics, and imaging. The NCI intends to make 

initial awards in 2008, and the projects may continue for up to 5 years.24 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and National Institute of Neurological Disorders 

and Stroke (NINDS) solicited SBIR and STTR projects to develop and commercialize technologies 

for high-throughput data acquisition and analysis that could aid the research fields of basic behavioral 

science, neuroscience, or neuroAIDS. This initiative will bring new technologies such as computer 

vision, molecular biology, robotics, nanotechnology, microarray fabrication, imaging, etc., together 

with biomedical areas by soliciting applications to develop any of a wide variety of innovative tools for 

high-throughput analysis of data relevant to brain and/or behavior. These opportunities continue 

through 2010.25

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has solicited research project grant and 

small business grant applications to develop and validate new and innovative engineering approaches 

to address clinical problems related to energy balance, intake, and expenditure. Novel sensors, devices, 

imaging, and other technologies, including technologies to detect biochemical markers of energy 

balance, are expected to be developed and evaluated by collaborating engineers, physical scientists, 

mathematicians, and scientists from other relevant disciplines with expertise in obesity and nutrition. 

Emerging technologies such as nanotechnology offer unique opportunities for interfacing with 

engineering approaches to help address some of the problems in obesity research. These opportunities 

continue through 2010.26

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) continues an ambitious program to 

support the development of technologies to enable complete human genome DNA sequencing for 

about $1,000.27 The technology has many other uses, e.g., for rapid and extremely low-cost 

sequencing of genomes of other animals, plants and microbes, leading to applications in medicine, 

agriculture, energy, environment, forensics, homeland security, etc. Nanotechnologies provide many 

of the pathways to achieving this goal. This program, funded by NIH, builds on investments and 

capabilities provided by several other NNI agencies. NHGRI intends to make awards in this program 

in 2009. 

 NIST: NIST is developing measurement science and technology crucial to industry’s development of 

products for a nanotechnology market. NIST is helping to clear technical obstacles, including 

uncertainties about potential environmental, health, and safety risks, with the aim of opening the way 

 

24 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-08-001.html. 25 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-001.html

 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-002.html. 26 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-354.html

 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-435.html

 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-436.html. 27 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HG-08-008.html

 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HG-08-009.html

 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HG-08-010.html

 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HG-08-011.html. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 17

for a diverse range of prospective payoffs. More than 150 nanotechnology-related research projects are 

underway in the NIST laboratories, leading to cross-cutting advancements, including the following: 

- New measurement tools for ensuring the quality of nanoscale particles, nanotubes, and other 

nanomaterials that will be the building blocks of new technologies across a multitude of markets, 

from consumer products to construction and from healthcare to homeland security 

- Powerful new imaging and diagnostic tools that exploit the unusual properties of quantum dots 

and magnetic nanoparticles to “see” and “analyze” cancer and other diseases at the level of 

individual cells, enabling earlier detection and less-invasive treatment with greater specificity 

- Affordable flexible arrays of transistors made from “self-assembling” organic materials that can be 

manufactured into large plastic displays pliant enough to be folded and stowed inside a cell phone 

- Nanowires only a few atoms across, graphene films, and other nanostructured materials that have 

remarkable properties, like the ability to carry electrons at speeds much higher than possible with 

conventional materials, and that will be the basis for future generations of computers, sensors, 

batteries, lasers, and more 

- Data storage devices that employ precisely controlled arrays of magnetic nanoparticles to achieve 

capacities that will dwarf those of today’s most advanced hard disk drives 

- Improved formulations of cement—perhaps the world’s most widely used manufactured 

material—that perform better and last longer, thanks to a better understanding and control of 

their nanostructure; improvements include reduced emission of greenhouse gases during 

production of this workhorse construction material, which currently accounts for 5 to 10 percent 

of global releases of carbon dioxide 

 NSF: NSF is supporting research on integrated nanosystems that will enable critical applications such 

as: 

- Technologies beyond petascale computing and beyond petabyte storage systems 

- Designing in properties by manufacturing materials from the nanoscale 

- Regenerating human tissue and organs from the nanoscale 

- Designing systems of nanometer-sized sensors 

- Selectively filtering harmful particles from water 

- Manufacturing devices that efficiently convert and store renewable energy (e.g., solar cells) 

Other areas of emphasis at NSF include research on nanoscale processes that occur in the cell, at the 

intracellular level, in neural systems, and at the interfaces between biotic and abiotic materials. 

NSF also expects to increase funding on nanoscale science and engineering research targeted at 

fundamentally new solutions for nanoelectronics “beyond Moore's Law.” The foundation will support 

programs in three of its research directorates for joint funding with industry of multi-investigator 

awards to advance nanotechnology research and education. Nanotechnology-related environmental, 

health, and safety (EHS) research will be included in several core programs.28 

 USDA/CSREES: CSREES’s National Research Initiative Nanoscale Science and Engineering for 

Agriculture and Food Systems program is combining its 2007 and 2008 funding totaling 

approximately $5 million in a single solicitation in 2008.29 The program priorities include nanoscale 

 

28 For more information see http://www.nsf.gov/nano. 29 http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/nanoscalescienceengineeringnri.cfm. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

18 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

detection and intervention technologies for enhancing food safety and agricultural biosecurity; 

effective delivery of micronutrients and bioactive ingredients in foods; and product identification, 

preservation, and tracking. 

 USDA/FS: In 2008, the Forest Service identified nanotechnology as one of the agency’s major 

research and development growth platforms. In addition, the FS Strategic Framework for Forest 

Products and Utilization Research and Development30 identified nanotechnology as one of the 

emerging areas that needs increased funding in order to address challenges and capitalize on new 

emerging opportunities in the forest products industry. 

In carrying out high-priority research to advance the agency’s strategic growth in nanotechnology, FS 

scientists are pursuing the following project areas: characterization of the hierarchical structure and 

mechanical properties of wood cell walls and bark in situ at the nanoscale; characterizing and 

understanding wood-polymer interactions at the nanoscale; nanomanufacturing of wood-based, 

nanotechnology-enabled composites; production, characterization, and utilization of wood-derived 

cellulose nanocrystals; development of nanocatalysis for biofuels production; and investigating the use 

of nanoclays and nanosilver as environmentally preferable wood preservatives. 

Engagement with Groups and Activities External to the NNI, Including International Activities, 

Contributing to Goal 1 

 NIST, University of Maryland-College Park: Joint efforts by these institutions have resulted in 

significant progress in several projects on nanomaterials, including growth of aligned carbon 

nanotubes; discovery that some materials such as silica that are brittle in bulk form are as ductile as 

gold at the nanoscale; and experiments on the self-assembly of one dimensional chains of “buckyballs” 

(C60). These projects have long-range application in such areas as flat panel displays, electrodes for 

chemical sensors and biosensors, and optimization of nanometer-scale devices based on structured 

surface assemblies of organic molecules. 

NIST, University of Colorado: Joint work has developed a unique way of growing hexagonal gallium 

nitride (GaN) nanowires featuring low defect density and high luminescence intensity. Because low 

defect density indicates a capacity for stable vibrations, the nanowires might be used as oscillators in 

nanoelectromechanical systems for future nanosensors and communications devices. NIST’s GaN 

nanowires are grown on silicon, making them compatible with existing microelectronics processing 

methods. 

NIST, IBM: Collaboration has enabled deployment of a NIST single-crystal, critical-dimension 

reference material for z-axis calibration of a critical-dimension atomic force microscope (CD-AFM). 

NIST developed the measurement procedures for an ASTM documentary standard describing a 

robust procedure for AFM-based step-height calibrations at the highest levels of resolution. These 

step-height calibrations made use of the world's first commercially available atom-based dimensional 

standard and resulted in the publication of the ASTM Standard E2530-06, Standard Practice for 

Calibrating the Z-Magnification of an Atomic Force Microscope at Subnanometer Displacement Levels 

Using Si (111) Monatomic Steps. 

NIST, University of Warwick, Northwestern University, Hewlett-Packard Laboratories: A 

collaborative effort among the members of this group has produced a technique for tracing the 

 

30 http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/resources-products/fpl/fpurd-plan.pdf. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 19

electronic pathways that a charge carrier follows when transiting a molecular junction. This enables a 

more detailed understanding of charge transport across metal-molecule-metal junctions, the 

fundamental building blocks of molecular electronic devices. This understanding is paramount for 

molecular electronics to transition from a research endeavor into a viable technology. 

 NIST, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA/DOT), University of Maryland: Researchers are 

collaborating to determine the mechanism underlying the discovery that rheology plays a fundamental 

role in improving the fire safety of nanocomposite plastics. This research will enable manufacturers to 

develop fire-safe products such as foam and fabrics for use by the upholstered furniture and mattress 

industries. 

 NSF, NIST, Various Industry Sectors (Electronic, Chemical, Modeling and Simulation, Forestry 

Products): Partnerships between NSF and these industrial sectors have produced collaborations 

ranging from informal meetings to invitations to industry researchers to serve on NSF review panels, 

to joint program announcements. An example is the case of the Nanoelectronics Research Initiative, a 

joint activity of NSF, NIST, and the Semiconductor Industry Association.31 

 NSF, Japan, France, Korea, and Other Countries: NSF has held a series of bilateral workshops with 

these countries. It also has co-organized and participated in the International Dialogue on Responsible 

Development of Nanotechnology R&D series. NSF is a sponsor of the Materials World Network, 

which supports international collaborations in materials research, and which includes a focus on 

nanotechnology. It also participates in various other international activities (e.g., of the International 

Organization for Standardization—ISO—and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and 

Development—OECD) described elsewhere in this report. 

 USDA/FS, American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA): As part of its growth strategy, the FS has 

established a public-private linkage with the American Forest and Paper Association Agenda 2020 

Technology Alliance to develop a common and prioritized agenda for advancing nanotechnology 

within the forest products industry. This common agenda meets the needs of both the agency and the 

private sector. Formation by the forest products industry sector of a Cooperative Board for Advancing 

Nanotechnology (CBAN) in cooperation with the National Nanotechnology Initiative has been 

critical for establishing a forum to achieve this common agenda. The USDA FS participates in the 

AF&PA’s CBAN by serving as the Federal nanotechnology liaison and working with industry to craft 

a nanotechnology agenda mutually supported by the forest products industry, Federal Government, 

and universities, and to carry out research, development and deployment of the agenda. 

 USDA/FS, Purdue University: The FS growth strategy includes bringing universities into its publicprivate linkage by creating a virtual center for forest-based nanomaterials research and development. 

The FS has placed a scientist at the Birck Nanotechnology Center at Purdue University and is looking 

to establish a research presence and joint nanotechnology research projects with other universities such 

as the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the Institute of Paper Science and Technology at the 

Georgia Institute of Technology. 

 USDA/FS, International Union of Forestry Research Organization (IUFRO): Forest Service R&D 

organized two nanotechnology sessions at the 2007 IUFRO Division 5 Forest Products conference in 

Taiwan. There were over 400 attendees at this international conference. 

 

31 See further discussion of the NRI and NNI member agencies collaborations on p. 23. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

20 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

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

benefit 

The NNI has a number of activities uniquely targeting technology transfer and commercialization, e.g., 

workshops to gain input from industry and the academic community, SBIR and STTR programs to fund 

innovations in small businesses, and forefront research infrastructure for use by all nanotechnology 

researchers, including those from industry. Some positive results from these efforts are now evident. 

Coordinated Interagency Activities Contributing to Goal 2 

 All NNI Member Agencies: The NNI member agencies continue to convene workshops to discuss 

opportunities and priorities for nanotechnology research in specific sub-fields. Industry participants 

are invited to provide input and can learn about NNI-funded research that may be of interest to their 

companies. For instance, the NNI member agencies are currently organizing a series of workshops to 

address research priorities in specific areas of nanotechnology-related environmental, health, and safety 

research. 

 NIH/NCI, NIST, FDA: NCI’s Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) evaluates the 

safety and efficacy of nanotechnology-based cancer therapies and diagnostics to accelerate their 

translation into clinical applications. The NCL was formed and is funded by NCI but collaborates 

through interagency agreement with NIST and the FDA. The FDA provides input to the NCL on the 

type of testing needed to evaluate nanomaterials for regulatory review, and NCL data inform the FDA 

on which nanoparticle properties contribute to safety and toxicity. To date, the NCL has characterized 

over 125 nanomaterials intended for clinical cancer applications and contributed to the development 

of voluntary consensus standards for nanoparticle biocompatibility testing. 

NIST provides state-of-the-art instrumentation and expertise to determine the best measurement 

tools, protocols, and analysis algorithms for physical characterization of nanoparticles. NIST has 

issued its first reference standards for nanoscale particles targeted for the biomedical research 

community. The three new materials, gold spheres nominally 10, 30, and 60 nanometers in diameter 

were developed in cooperation with the NCL; the study was funded by NCI. These new nanoscale 

gold particles have been extensively analyzed by NIST scientists to assess particle size and size 

distribution by multiple techniques for dry-deposited, aerosol, and liquid-borne forms of the material. 

Additional technical and ordering information for the new NIST nanoparticle reference materials is 

available at https://srmors.nist.gov for Reference Materials 8011, 8012, and 8013. 

 NSF, NIST, DOD, DOE, USDA/FS: Research on manufacturing at the nanoscale, or 

“nanomanufacturing,” will be key to the large-scale application of nanotechnology innovations for 

commercial and public benefit. The NNI places a special emphasis on nanomanufacturing research as 

one of its eight program component areas. Several workshops have been conducted to help guide the 

NNI nanomanufacturing research agenda and coordinate it with industry; several more are planned 

for the near future. Reports from these workshops are posted on the NNI website, 

http://www.nano.gov. 

 DOD, NASA, and Other Mission Agencies: The government is acting as the first customer for many 

innovative applications of nanotechnology. For example, DOD has led the way in development of 

electronics and sensing applications of nanotechnology, as well as in development and deployment of 

specialized coatings, e.g., to reduce wear and maintenance costs on moving parts in the U.S. Navy 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 21

fleet. NASA has led in the development of nanotechnology-enabled sensors, some of which are already 

flying in NASA spacecraft. 

 All NNI Member Agencies Participating in SBIR/STTR Programs: SBIR/STTR awards aid in 

stimulating the development and commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled innovations. Between 

2004 and 2007 NNI participating agencies have funded over $290 million in SBIR Program awards 

and STTR Program awards for nanotechnology R&D. The 21st Century Nanotechnology R&D Act 

calls for the National Science and Technology Council to develop a plan to utilize Federal programs 

such as the SBIR and STTR programs to promote commercialization of nanotechnology. The NNI 

plan essentially has been to encourage agencies to fund nanotechnology research through those 

programs, both through specific nanotechnology SBIR and STTR solicitations (as has been the case at 

NIH) and through non-nanotechnology-specific solicitations. As an example of the latter approach, a 

few years ago several agencies put out SBIR solicitations directed at addressing the need for advanced 

manufacturing research. Many of the successful proposals that were submitted to NSF and other 

agencies in response to that manufacturing R&D solicitation were nanotechnology-based proposals. 

The latter example above is an important indicator of why the nanotechnology investment in the Federal 

Government continues to grow. Nanotechnology is now at the cutting edge of many traditional fields of 

science and technology. Fields as diverse as catalysis, cancer research, and composites manufacturing are 

looking to the ability to control matter at the nanoscale as key to future progress. 

Individual Agency Activities Contributing to Goal 2 

 DOE: The Department of Energy supports nanoscience technology transfer, industrial activity, and 

commercialization through the Office of Fossil Energy and the Office of Energy Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy; the latter includes a planned increase in nanomanufacturing activity in 2009. 

 NASA: The agency continues to focus on the application of nanotechnology to space exploration. 

NASA’s particular interests are related to applications for structures and devices that function in the 

extreme environments of space (e.g., radiation and wide temperature fluctuations). Investments are 

focused on (1) high-strength, lightweight, and multifunctional materials; (2) devices and sensor suites; 

and (3) radiation-resistant and fault-tolerant systems capable of sustained performance under extreme 

environments. 

 NIST: Innovative analytical tools and methods under development at NIST will enable faster and 

more accurate characterization of the properties of nanomaterials, assessment of the performance and 

reliability of such materials in applications, and identification of potential EHS issues. New NIST 

instrumentation, metrology tools and techniques, and standards will benefit industry and promote 

commercialization and technology transfer. Examples range from new methods for measuring 

mechanical properties of nanoscale structures such as tensile strength, to a computing system for 

nanoscale magnetic modeling that has been utilized in projects leading to more than 650 peerreviewed research publications, to the installation of the world's first commercial helium ion 

microscope, which provides greater depth of field and finer edge resolution than possible with 

conventional scanning electron microscopes. 

 NSF: NSF has a series of research and education programs funding university-industry interactions in 

nanotechnology, including Grand Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI), 

Partnerships for Innovation (PFI), NSF-Nanoelectronics Research Initiative Graduate Student and 

Postdoctoral Fellow Supplements to NSF Centers in Nanoelectronics, and Industry-University 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

22 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

Cooperative Research Projects (IUCRP). The National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network and 

Network for Computational Nanotechnology user facilities (NNIN and NCN) have more than 1000 

industry users per year. The Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers and Materials Research 

Science and Engineering Centers (NSECs and MRSECs) have industrial partners and industry experts 

on their advisory boards. 

 USPTO: USPTO’s Class 977 is the first fully expanded patent-related nanotechnology classification 

schedule developed by any major intellectual property office in the world. The agency continues to 

provide its patent examiners both enhanced in-depth technical training on the state of the art in 

nanotechnology and greater access to nanotechnology technical information to improve their 

knowledge base. As a result of this on-going training initiative and targeted hiring, the USPTO has 

trained a subset of patent examiners across all technology disciplines who serve as points of contact to 

assist other examiners with nanotechnology issues related to patent examining. 

Engagement with Groups and Activities External to the NNI, Including International Activities, 

Contributing to Goal 2 

 NNI Member agencies, American National Standards Institute (ANSI): Working with ANSI, NNI 

member agencies support the development of international standards for nanotechnology. Such 

standards will be critical to future commercialization activities. The NNCO Director chairs the ANSI 

U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 

Technical Committee on Nanotechnologies (ISO TC 229). NNI agencies are providing financial 

support to the ANSI’s Nanotechnology Standards Panel (ANSI-NSP) and the ANSI-accredited TAG 

that represents the United States on ISO TC 229. The United States is the convenor for the ISO TC 

229 Working Group on EHS aspects of nanotechnology. 

 NNI Member Agencies, Industrial Groups: Industrial sector groups assist in exchanging information 

on NNI research activities and industry needs and in leveraging funds for cooperative R&D. Industry 

liaison groups with the electronics, forest products, and chemical industries and with the industrial 

research management community are continuing their activities, and formation of comparable groups 

with other sectors (e.g., the construction industry) is under consideration. One successful example is 

the collaboration between NSF, NIST, and the industry-led Nanoelectronics Research Initiative 

(NRI), where industry and government representatives collaborate in reviewing proposals and in 

supporting precompetitive research.32 Another planned activity is NIH’s “NanoHealth and Safety 

Enterprise,” which is envisioned as a partnership with other Federal agencies, private industry, and 

international partners to address research needs for safe development of nanoscale materials and 

devices.33 

As a second example, NIST and USDA/FS sponsored a cross-industry nanomanufacturing workshop 

in May 2008 with the endorsement of the NSET Subcommittee and participation from the forest 

products, automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical, aerospace, semiconductor, and food industries. The 

objective of the workshop was to identify common problems and common solutions specific to 

nanotechnology, manufacturing processes, and performance of nanomaterials in commercial products 

within these widely different industries. 

 

32 See further discussion of the NRI and NNI member collaboration on the next page. 

33 See the section on Goal 4 below for more details on the NanoHealth and Safety Enterprise. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 23

 NNI Member Agencies, Nanoelectronics Research Initiative (NRI): The NRI is a partnership among 

industry, state and Federal governments, and academia to support world-class, discovery-based 

research in nanoelectronics with major participation from the Semiconductor Research Corporation 

(which is affiliated with the Semiconductor Industry Association). The goal of this program is to 

demonstrate novel yet practical computing devices capable of replacing conventional chip technology 

by 2020. The long-term research goals were established after a joint NNI-semiconductor industry 

workshop in October 2003, followed by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between 

NSF and SRC in 2004 for joint activities with Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers (NSECs) 

and small-group Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Teams (NIRTs). Building on the long-term 

cooperation between NNI member agencies and the electronics and semiconductor industries, NSF 

and the NRI are co-funding supplemental grants for NRI-related research at existing NSF nanoscience 

centers, i.e., the NSECs, MRSECs, and the NCN. The goal in making this joint investment with 

NSF is not only to complement the work going on in the NRI centers, but also to leverage the 

research taking place in the NSF centers, with the NRI program gaining from the knowledge being 

created in the NSF centers as a whole, and the NSF centers gaining from the industry involvement 

through NRI. 

In 2007, NIST joined in this effort by establishing a pilot program to accelerate research and 

innovation in nanoelectronics through a public-private partnership. NIST has signed a cooperative 

agreement, renewable for up to five years, which provides $2.76 million annually from NIST, plus 

matching funds from each of the six NRI partners, for a total of over $10 million. The funds are 

combined and competitively awarded for research at U.S. universities to meet industry’s long-term 

needs. The research is focused around four multi-institution centers, with 35 participating universities 

in 20 states. A number of NRI researchers are now collaborating with NIST researchers and using 

NIST’s world-class nanoscale measurement and fabrication facilities. 

 NNI Member Agencies, Forest Products Industry: USDA/FS, USDA/CSREES, NSF, the Technical 

Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), and the Forest Products Society (FPS) cosponsored the 3rd annual International Conference on Nanotechnology for the Forest Products 

Industry (June 25–27, 2008, St Louis, MO). Initiated in 2006 by the USDA/FS, USDA/CSREES, 

and AF&PA Agenda 2020 Technology Alliance, this three-day conference had well over 150 national 

and international attendees from industry, academia, and national laboratories. This was the largest 

gathering to date of forest products professionals and decision-makers focused on nanotechnology 

business, nanomanufacturing, and applications R&D. 

 NIST, NSF, NIOSH, DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory: These institutions organized a new 

SPIE Conference, “Instrumentation, Metrology, and Standards for Nanomanufacturing,” to address 

interoperability; instrument integration; information management; and environmental, health, and 

safety monitoring and metrology in nanomanufacturing. 

 NIST, State Nanotechnology Organizations: Representatives from over 60 organizations interested in 

nanotechnology commercialization met on February 21, 2008, at the “Measuring Nano” workshop 

convened by NIST and the Colorado Nanotechnology Alliance. Through a combination of laboratory 

tours and research seminars, attendees were introduced to the latest advances in small-scale materials 

characterization, advanced optical and electronic measurements, and nanoscale device fabrication 

techniques. Attendees met with NIST scientists to discuss mechanisms for collaboration and plan 

follow-up activities. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

24 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

 On April 8, 2008, NIST hosted a Technology Transfer Showcase in Gaithersburg, Maryland, 

co-sponsored by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation and the Tech Council of 

Maryland. Speakers covered a wide range of nanotechnology research topics ranging from 

characteristics of delivery systems for nanomedicine to single-molecule mass spectrometry, as well as 

the role of nanotechnology in building and construction and electronics. The meeting was attended by 

business executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and government researchers and development officials 

interested in commercializing recent research advances in nanoelectronics, nanofabrication, and 

nanometrology. 

 NIST has signed a memorandum of understanding with the College of Nanoscale Science and 

Engineering of the University at Albany, State University of New York, laying the groundwork for 

future cooperative efforts to develop science and technology for measuring materials at the nanometer 

scale as well as to create new standards for nanomanufacturing. 

 NIST, NASA, International Standardization Organization (ISO): In March 2008 NIST and NASA 

published a detailed guide for making essential measurements on samples of single-walled carbon 

nanotubes (SWCNTs).34 The new guide constitutes the current best practices for characterizing one of 

the most promising and heavily studied of the new generation of nanoscale materials. The techniques 

described in the guide were proposed as the basis for international standards for nanotube 

characterization. A collaborative effort that includes the United States, China, Japan, and Korea has 

been initiated under the auspices of ISO to develop these techniques into standards that will help 

ensure that uniform characterization metrics are used in buying and selling nanotubes. 

In February 2008, NIST hosted an ISO-organized workshop to identify short- and medium-term 

documentary standards needs for nanotechnologies and the underlying measurement solutions needed 

to facilitate the movement of nanotechnology innovations from research to a market environment 

while ensuring health and environmental safety. The workshop brought together over 70 experts 

representing various technical committees within ASTM International, the International 

Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers-Standards 

Association (IEEE-SA), ISO, Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), the 

OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials, along with representatives from 11 national 

metrology laboratories and the Versailles Agreement on Materials and Standards.35

 NSF, Industry Organizations: NSF has continuous contacts with industry organizations in the 

chemical industry (e.g., Council of Chemical Research), the electronics industry (e.g., Semiconductor 

Research Corporation), business (Industrial Research Institute), and other areas. 

 NSF, NIST, DOD, Industry, ISO: The NSF-sponsored National Nanomanufacturing Network 

(NNN) has launched InterNano, an open-source information clearinghouse for the 

nanomanufacturing R&D community.36 InterNano's online resources include a nanomanufacturing 

process database and a nanomanufacturing resource library. Access to these resources is facilitated by 

the InterNano taxonomy for nanomanufacturing, which will be used as the basis for a U.S. 

contribution to the development of a new international standard. The NNN is actively participating 

in the ISO TC 229 effort to develop standardized terminology for nanomanufacturing processes. 

 

34 S. Freiman, S. Hooker, K. Migler and S. Arepalli (eds.). 2008. Measurement Issues in Single Wall Carbon 

Nanotubes. NIST Special Publication 960-19. 35 For more information see http://www.iso.org/nanotech-workshop. 36 http://www.internano.gov. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 25

 USDA/CSREES, Food Industry, Netherlands, Canada: USDA/CSREES, the Institute of Food 

Technologists, the Netherlands Office for Science & Technology, and the Canadian Advanced Food 

and Materials Network co-sponsored the third International Food Nanoscience Conference (June 27-

28, 2008, New Orleans, LA). This two-day conference attracted more than 150 multinational 

participants from the food industry, academia, government, and other organizations. Nanotechnology 

applications in food safety detection, traceability, food ingredients, food processes, food packaging, 

and contact materials were highlighted. EHS, ethical, and broad societal issues were addressed. 

 USPTO, Patent Stakeholders: The USPTO hosts an annual nanotechnology Customer Partnership 

meeting so that USPTO officials and patent stakeholders can confer on a regular basis to share 

concerns and information related to the patenting of nanotechnology. In 2009, the USPTO will host 

its seventh annual nanotechnology Customer Partnership meeting. 

 USPTO, Trilateral Offices (USPTO, European Patent Office [EPO], Japanese Patent Office 

[JPO]): The USPTO is working with the European and Japan Patent Offices (the Trilateral Offices) 

to develop a common International Patent Classification (IPC) scheme for nanotechnology based 

upon the USPTO schedule. This effort includes the consideration of a harmonized definition of 

nanotechnology as it relates to patent examination. The agency completed an expansion of this single 

subclass digest by developing a comprehensive nanotechnology cross-reference art collection 

classification (Class 977, Nanotechnology). Class 977 includes 263 subclasses, definitions, and search 

notes. 

The Trilateral Offices (USPTO, EPO, JPO) are also exploring the harmonization of examination 

practices in the nanotechnology art. The USPTO proposed an exchange of information, including 

(1) a listing of search resources for nanotechnology inventions, (2) examination-quality and training 

initiatives; (3) consideration of rejections based on “obviousness/non-inventive step” as they relate to a 

change in size of what is known in the prior art; and (4) evaluation of evidence submitted to establish 

“unobviousness/inventive step” with respect to size and special property, function, or effect specifically 

attributed to size. The Trilateral Offices started an exchange of information in the fall of 2007 and 

expect to continue this dialog on these issues into 2009. 

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

supporting infrastructure and tools to advance nanotechnology 

Significant progress is being made on all three aspects of Goal 3. With respect to education and workforce 

development, education is among the chief objectives of NNI-funded university research. In addition, 

specific programs targeted at K–16 education, educating the public about nanotechnology, and improving 

nanotechnology curricula in our schools and universities have been initiated and are growing in scale and 

reach. Details are provided in the following text. The extensive network of research centers, user facilities, 

and other infrastructure for nanotechnology research, which was a key element of the original NNI strategy, 

is now largely complete.37

 

37 See a detailed discussion of the U.S. NNI infrastructure in the NNI Supplement to the President’s FY 2008 

Budget, http://www.nano.gov/NNI_08Budget.pdf, including a map that shows the location of all the centers, 

networks, and user facilities (p. 21) and a list of participating academic institutions and national laboratories 

(pp. 29–33). 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

26 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

Coordinated Interagency Activities Contributing to Goal 3 

 All NNI Member Agencies: Some of the most interesting and potentially beneficial applications of 

nanotechnology are emerging at the intersections of traditional disciplines. Therefore, the NNI has 

created strong incentives for interdisciplinary research at our major research institutions. A new cadre 

of multidisciplinary researchers is emerging, trained in multiple fields previously considered highly 

distinct such as biology, chemistry, and solid state physics. While there remains a strong appreciation 

for the importance of building a solid foundation for researchers of the future in the traditional 

disciplines of science and engineering, NNI-funded networks, centers of excellence, and user facilities 

have helped to create a new culture of interdisciplinary research and a new generation of 

multidisciplinary researchers. 

 All NNI Member Agencies: As indicated in the introductory paragraph to this goal section, the 

network of research centers, user facilities, and other infrastructure is now largely complete. This 

mature infrastructure serves to accelerate nanotechnology research and development and enables 

researchers from across various sectors to broadly leverage their interdisciplinary intellectual and 

technological capital. NNI agencies are encouraging industrial interaction with NNI-funded research 

centers, and they are promoting broad access to the NNI user facilities by all sectors, including small 

businesses. While emphasis in the near future will be on maximizing the utility and utilization of the 

substantial infrastructure already in place, the agencies will also consider possible new infrastructure 

needs for the longer term. The effectiveness of this investment is enhanced through collaboration 

among the centers funded by the various agencies (NSF, DOD, DOE, and NIH). 

 DOE, USDA, NIH: As a way of promoting awareness and utilization of the NNI infrastructure, 

several meetings organized or supported by USDA have recently been held in proximity to, and have 

included tours of and presentations at, the Nanoscale Science Research Center user facilities that have 

been established by DOE. These included the 2007 International Conference on Nanotechnology for 

the Forest Products Industry, supported by the USDA Forest Service and held in Knoxville, 

Tennessee, with activities at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at Oak Ridge National 

Laboratory. Another example is a meeting of the USDA/CSREES nanotechnology grantees in Davis, 

California, including a half-day at the Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. 

The mutual benefit of incorporating NSRC visits into these workshops was apparent, and similar 

visits to other DOE NSRC facilities for subsequent meetings are being explored. DOE and NIH 

representatives have also met on several occasions to discuss their respective nanotechnology activities, 

particularly with regard to availability and operations of user facilities, as well as public-private 

partnerships. 

 DOL, DOEd, All Other NNI Member Agencies: As recommended by several external advisory 

groups, the NNI has reached out to the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of 

Education (DOEd); both agencies have joined the NSET Subcommittee and are now engaged in 

discussions with other NNI participating agencies about how to best address workforce and education 

issues associated with the successful development of nanotechnology. For example, DOEd is working 

with NSF to plan a workshop (tentatively scheduled for March 2009) on possible future 

nanotechnology education partnerships. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Goal 3 

 DOE: The Department of Energy has completed its suite of five Nanoscale Science Research Centers 

(NSRCs), major user facilities that are available to all researchers based on competitive peer review. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 27

The NSRC program has been recognized by major departmental awards for project management, and 

also has received external accolades. The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National 

Laboratory was honored with the Secretary of Energy's Excellence in Acquisition Award. This facility 

had previously received U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental 

Design (LEED) Gold certification and had been named the first-place winner of the Sustainable 

Buildings Industry Council’s 2007 Beyond GreenTM High-Performance Building Award. In addition, 

the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories received 

the Secretary of Energy's Award of Achievement in Project Management. All five of the NSRCs are 

now in operation and available to external users.38 

 DOEd: The Department of Education has awarded three grants totaling $1.3 million39 from 

Congressionally directed funds to support teacher training and development of curricula and 

laboratories for introducing students to nanotechnology at the K–12 and undergraduate levels. 

 DOL: The Department of Labor has awarded a $1.5 million Advanced Manufacturing Industry 

Grant to the International Association of Nanotechnology40 under the President’s High Growth Job 

Training Initiative. The grant funds training to equip California workers for employment in the 

emerging nanotechnology industry. 

 NIST: NIST opened its advanced nanofabrication facility, the NanoFab, to external users in May 

2007; by May 2008, over 160 external users from government, academic, and industrial laboratories 

had accessed the facility. Organizationally within the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, 

the NanoFab provides state-of-the-art equipment and expert training for nanofabrication and 

characterization, as well as access to specialized measurement tools and expertise residing in NIST’s 

extensive measurement laboratories. Access to the NanoFab is granted via a competitive proposal 

process on a fee-based, shared-use basis.41 

 NIST is helping to train the next generation of experts in nanoscale measurement science through the 

Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology’s Cooperative Research Program with the Center for 

Integrated Nano Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland. In addition to supporting 

about a dozen postdoctoral researchers working under the guidance of NIST staff scientists, this 

program supports national outreach and education efforts. 

 NSF: The National Science Foundation has educational programs for nanotechnology from 

kindergarten to graduate school levels that support about 10,000 students and teachers each year; NSF 

includes educational impact among the key review criteria for its proposals. As a result of NSF efforts 

and requirements, thousands of undergraduate and graduate students have received training in 

nanoscale science and technology, providing the pipeline for nanotechnology workers and researchers 

that industry needs to commercialize the results of basic research in nanoscale science and technology. 

A number of initiatives are underway specifically to improve nanotechnology education, curricula, and 

workforce development. These include the National Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale 

Science and Engineering (NCLT), the Nanoscale Informal Science Education (NISE) Network, and 

 

38 For further information see http://www.nano.energy.gov. 39 These funds are not reflected in Table 4. 

40 These funds are not reflected in Table 4. 

41 For further information see http://cnst.nist.gov/nanofab/nanofab.html. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

28 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

the Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE) programs. Details are available in the NNI 

Supplement to the President’s Budget for FY 2008. 

Goal 4: Support responsible development of nanotechnology 

The NNI has made significant progress towards the goal of supporting responsible development of 

nanotechnology. Funding for nanotechnology-related EHS research in particular has more than doubled, 

from $35 million in 2005 to $76 million in the 2009 request. This is only counting the narrowly defined 

primary purpose EHS R&D. If related research that is critical to the primary purpose EHS research is 

included (e.g., instrumentation and metrology needed to correctly characterize the materials being used to 

conduct EHS research, so properties of the materials being tested are known), the figure for 2009 would be 

well over $100 million. The NNI agencies have reached a strong consensus on a comprehensive strategy to 

move these investments forward effectively, in line with the roles and responsibilities of the respective 

agencies involved. The NNI also maintains a strong portfolio of research on ethical, legal, and other societal 

implications of nanotechnology, along with support for innovative approaches to nanotechnology 

education at all levels, from K-12 though graduate education and public outreach. 

Coordinated Interagency Activities Contributing to Goal 4 

 All NNI Member Agencies: EHS research planning is a major activity for the NNI. In August 2007, 

the National Science and Technology Council’s NSET Subcommittee published a draft report for 

public comment prepared by its NEHI Working Group entitled Prioritization of Environmental, 

Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials42. In February 2008, the NEHI 

Working Group completed a comprehensive Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, 

Health, and Safety Research.

 43 This was the culmination of two years of intensive work, including a 

detailed review of individual EHS research projects funded by the NNI agencies in 2006, which was 

used as a guide to help identify gaps in the research portfolio compared to the NNI designated priority 

research areas. 

 All NNI Member Agencies: NNI agencies are organizing a series of workshops aimed at obtaining 

input from the public and the research community on each of the five major categories of EHS 

research needs outlined in the February 2008 Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, 

Health, and Safety Research. These workshops will also facilitate coordination of EHS-related activities 

among agencies participating in the NEHI Working Group. NEHI Working Group participation 

continues to expand. For example, the USGS, which joined the NSET Subcommittee and the NEHI 

Working Group in 2007, now has contributed to various NEHI Working Group documents, as well 

as to planning activities of the NSET Subcommittee. This involvement has informed the growth and 

planning of USGS activities related to nanotechnology, particularly related to EHS issues. 

 All NNI Member Agencies, CPSC: Regulatory and research agencies have been collaborating closely 

as the regulatory agencies formulate their respective approaches to regulation of nanotechnologyrelated products, informed by EHS research conducted by the research agencies. For example, staff 

members from CPSC have met with staff at NIST, EPA, FDA, and NIOSH to identify areas of 

mutual interest and collaboration. CPSC has signed an MOU with NIST to review nanotechnologybased flame retardants in various products. The CPSC staff is also developing an interagency 

agreement with NIOSH to conduct laboratory investigations of nanomaterials emissions from selected 

 

42 http://www.nano.gov/Prioritization_EHS_Research_Needs_Engineered_Nanoscale_Materials.pdf. 43 http://www.nano.gov/NNI_EHS_Research_Strategy.pdf. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 29

consumer products. CPSC participates in the NSET Subcommittee, the NEHI Working Group, and 

the National Toxicology Program (NTP). Participation in these groups and activities fosters 

communication between CPSC staff and the staff of various other Federal agencies. Through this 

participation, CPSC staff members learn about health effects data and the best available practices for 

the regulation of nanomaterials. These interactions also promote responsible research and 

development of nanomaterials that can be used in consumer products. 

 All NNI Member Agencies, NIOSH: NIOSH continues to collaborate with and leverage resources 

from other agencies. Specifically, NIOSH is coordinating its toxicological and exposure studies with 

NTP, collaborating with NIST on the development of reference nanomaterials for EHS work, and 

exploring collaborations with CSPC. In 2008 and 2009, NIOSH will coordinate interagency activities 

in the Human and Environmental Exposure Assessment category of research in accordance with the 

NNI Strategy for Nanotechnology-related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. 

 EPA, DOE, NIH, NIOSH, NSF: Two joint interagency solicitations addressing potential 

environmental and health implications of nanotechnology continue. One (led by EPA, with NSF and 

DOE participation)44 addresses environmental implications of nanotechnology, while another (led by 

NIH, with EPA and NIOSH)45 focuses on human health implications. Awards from the most recent 

EPA-led solicitation, focusing on fate, transport, and exposure, are expected to be made in 2008. 

 EPA, FDA, NIOSH: As the NNI EHS research strategy evolves, coordinated activities to address the 

breadth of EHS issues are proceeding at an accelerating pace. A Food and Drug Administration 

(FDA) task force released a report in 2007 addressing scientific questions related to the application of 

its regulatory authorities to nanotechnology-enabled products. EPA issued a white paper on 

nanotechnology in 2007, and has initiated a Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program under the 

Toxic Substances Control Act to gather and develop information from manufacturers, importers, 

processors, and users of engineered chemical nanoscale materials. NIOSH continues to update its 

guidance document on best practices for safe handling of nanomaterials in the workplace, and it has 

posted a draft document providing interim guidance on medical screening of workers potentially 

exposed to engineered nanoparticles.46 

 NSF and EPA: In 2008, the NSF was the lead agency (in collaboration with EPA) in funding two 

new national Centers for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (CEIN) for a period of 

five years in response to an identified national need. NSF plans to form a network around these new 

centers in 2009 with collaboration from EPA and other agencies. 

 NTP, led by NIH/NIEHS with participation from many other agencies, e.g., FDA, EPA, and 

several other NIH institutes: The NTP is actively pursuing the research agenda outlined in its 

Nanotechnology Safety Initiative.47 This involves planning and conducting toxicology research across 

the classes of nanoscale materials, including nanoscale titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, quantum dots, 

fullerenes and multiwalled carbon nanotubes, silver, and gold (NIST reference standards). 

 

44 http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2007/2007_star_nanotech.html. 45 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-ES-06-008.html. 46 See http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/safenano/. 47 http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/nanotech. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

30 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

Individual Agency Contributions to Goal 4 

 CPSC: CPSC has posted on its website a general statement for the public about its approach to 

regulating nanomaterials.48 A contractor for CPSC has completed a literature review of nanomaterials 

that may be used as flame-retardant (FR) chemicals. The report focuses on the physico-chemical 

properties of the FR chemicals and also reviews potential exposure and health effects of these 

compounds. The report will be posted on the CPSC website for public comment. 

 EPA: EPA has initiated a Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program under the Toxic Substances 

Control Act (TSCA) to gather and develop information from manufacturers, importers, processors, 

and users of engineered chemical nanoscale materials. The information gathered through the 

stewardship program will further EPA’s scientific understanding of potential risks and benefits of these 

nanoscale materials. 

In 2007 the EPA Office of Research and Development held a public meeting for the external peer 

review of its Nanomaterial Research Strategy.49 EPA has received comments on this document from 

the general public and from the peer review panel; the strategy document is currently under revision 

to address these comments. The final strategy is expected to be issued in late calendar year 2008. The 

strategy outlines the EPA’s research role in nanotechnology and where and how the agency will 

leverage efforts with other agencies and stakeholders to maximize resources and achieve goals. 

 FDA: The FDA Nanotechnology Task Force (NTF) released a report in 2007 that conveys 

consideration of and recommendations for science needs and regulatory policy related to nanoscale 

material use in FDA-regulated products.50 Follow-on activities on the basis of the NTF report findings 

are now occurring within the FDA’s individual product review functions, with cross-FDA 

coordination occurring through the FDA NTF and the FDA Nanotechnology Interest Group. FDA 

activities in support of regulatory decisions also include participation in the NTP Nanotechnology 

Safety Initiative (described above), as well as a limited amount of additional intramural research 

within FDA into nanoscale titanium dioxide and silver. FDA has established a portal website for all of 

its nanotechnology-related activities. 

NIOSH: NIOSH will continue increasing its investments in nanotechnology R&D related to worker 

health and safety, in close coordination with other agencies. The NIOSH budget request continues 

steady investment for 2009. This investment allows for continuing intramural and extramural projects 

directed to address critical research gaps around occupational safety and health of nanotechnology and 

nanomaterials. Specifically, in 2009 there will be emphasis on the development of standard methods 

for characterization of airborne nanoparticles in the workplace environment and their aerosol 

generation potential, and on further toxicological studies of carbonaceous and metal nanomaterials 

and characterization of workplace exposures to those nanomaterials. 

In 2008, NIOSH plans to update its most popular guidance document on nanotechnology 

occupational safety and health, Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: An Information Exchange with 

NIOSH,

51 using information collected through its Nanotechnology Research Field Team program. 

 

48 http://www.cpsc.gov/library/cpscnanostatement.pdf. 49 http://es.epa.gov/ncer/nano/publications/nano_strategy_012408.pdf. 50 The NTF report and additional information regarding FDA activities on nanotechnology can be found at 

http://www.fda.gov/nanotechnology. 51 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/safenano/. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 31

In 2008, NIOSH assessed the state of knowledge regarding occupational safety and health aspects of 

nanotechnology and conducted a critical gap analysis of research needs based on the concepts outlined 

in Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace.52 An updated draft Strategic Plan for NIOSH 

Nanotechnology Research was released in March 200853 and will be externally peer-reviewed later in 

2008. 

In December 2007, NIOSH posted for public review a draft document providing interim guidance 

concerning the medical screening of manufacturing and industrial workers potentially exposed to 

engineered nanoparticles.54 The guidance was developed to generate discussion, fill current knowledge 

gaps, and provide interim recommendations until further scientific information becomes available. In 

2008 this document will be externally peer-reviewed. 

In 2008, NIOSH began developing a series of brochures and fact-sheets describing NIOSH 

recommendations and efforts in nanotechnology. The first brochure in this series is Safe 

Nanotechnology in the Workplace: An Introduction for Employers, Managers, and Safety and Health 

Professionals.

 55

 NIST: NIST is taking the lead in addressing metrology needs for nanotechnology-related EHS 

research. It is providing or developing (1) new measurements to support toxicology studies; 

(2) materials and methods to enable environmental and health-effect studies, including reference 

materials and documentary standards; (3) methods to measure nanomaterials in the environment, 

including in water, soil, and biota; and (4) methods to characterize the physical and chemical 

properties of nanomaterials. In June 2008, NIST hosted a workshop on Environmental, Health and 

Safety Issues in Nanomaterials to assess measurement needs and solutions for addressing potential 

EHS impacts of nanotechnology. The workshop gave attendees an opportunity to hear early results of 

the NIST United States Measurement System (USMS) Nano EHS assessment and to inform strategic 

decision-making and research prioritization. NIST also led in organizing the September 2007 NNI 

Workshop on Standards for EHS Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials, which brought 

together risk assessment and regulatory representatives from government, academia, and industry to 

identify materials needed to enable nanomaterial risk management decision-making processes for the 

regulatory community and industry. 

 NIST: In its role as the national measurement institute, NIST is building on its expertise and 

experience to develop dimensional metrology and characterization methods and standards for 

nanotechnology-related EHS in the United States. Work to develop analytical methods for 

quantifying the type and amount of nanomaterials in biological matrices, the environment, and the 

workplace is underway and planned to expand considerably in 2009 (with the planned funding 

increase). Focused efforts will evaluate the scope and suitability of technologies to measure biological 

effects of exposure to nanomaterials or nanoparticles. The development of reference materials, 

nanomaterial characterization techniques, and methods to validate toxicity testing are all part of this 

program. 

 

52 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-123/. 53 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/strat_plan.html. 54 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/115/. 55 These brochures and fact sheets are available on the web at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2008-

112/pdfs/2008-112.pdf and at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/whatsnew.html. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

32 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

 NIST is developing the measurement science for quantifying the release of nanomaterials from 

combustion and aging of products that contain nanoparticles. These data are critical to understanding 

in-use and end-of-life EHS exposure issues for products that utilize nanomaterials. NIST is also 

applying its expertise in life-cycle-assessment (economic) modeling and in nanomaterials-based flame 

retardants to develop sustainability tools for the industries that develop fire-safe products. 

 NRC: As a highly technical regulatory agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is 

monitoring developments in nanotechnology that are taking place in the NNI agencies as well as other 

Federal entities. Specific applications requiring near-term regulatory approval by the NRC have not 

been identified. As nanotechnology advances, specific applications within the NRC's scope of 

responsibility are expected.

 NSF: NSF supports fundamental research, infrastructure, and education in all aspects of “societal 

dimensions” of nanotechnology, including environmental, health, and safety (EHS); and ethical, legal, 

and social issues (ELSI). In EHS, NSF-sponsored research addresses the three sources (natural, 

incidental, manufactured) of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials in different environmental 

settings (air, water, soil, biosystems, and the work environment), as well as nonclinical biological 

implications. These topics are supported through programs in all NSF research directorates with a 

focus on new measurement methods and instrumentation for nanoparticle characterization and 

nanotoxicity, transport phenomena of nanoscale aerosols and colloids, interaction of nanomaterials 

with cells and living tissues, safety in nanomanufacturing, physico-chemical-biological processes of 

nanostructures dispersed in the environment, separation of nanoparticles from fluids, development of 

user facilities, and educational programs supporting EHS issues. The safety of manufacturing 

nanoparticles is being investigated at several Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers and at several 

nodes of the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network. 

With respect to ELSI, NSF supports research on economic, social, legal, ethical, and political 

implications of nanotechnology development over short-term and long-term horizons. It includes 

(1) research on patterns in U.S. and global diffusion and distribution of nanoscale research and 

technology, (2) testing of methods for building capacity for anticipatory governance of 

nanotechnology development, (3) methods for improved integration of public perceptions of risk and 

formal and informal science education efforts, (4) research on the social and cultural variability in 

different publics’ understanding of nanotechnology-related environmental and health risks, and 

(5) continued monitoring of public values and beliefs as they relate to nanomaterials. NSF sponsors 

research on public perceptions of EHS risks and the values, beliefs, and practices that help shape these 

perceptions. 

 USDA/CSREES: In the combined 2007 and 2008 solicitation of CSREES's Nanoscale Science and 

Engineering for Agriculture and Food Systems Program,56 social science researchers are supported to 

address public perception and acceptance of nanotechnology applications in agriculture and food 

systems. As an example of this activity, CSREES recently released a series of four videos illustrating the 

potential applications of nanotechnology.57

 USDA/FS: Forest Service researchers are investigating the use and protection mechanism of lowloading nanodimensional silver and impregnated nanoclay tubes as environmentally safe wood 

 

56 See additional information on this CSREES program above under Goal 1. 57 Science of Small: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/newsroom/partners/21/nanotechnology.html. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 33

protectants. In addition, they are investigating self-assembly of nanopolymeric protectants for 

controlled release of fire retardants and biocides. 

 USGS: The U.S. Geological Survey is gradually increasing its investment in research related to the 

environmental fate and effects of anthropogenic nanomaterials to close to $0.1 million,58 building on 

its historical work on naturally occurring nanomaterials, including colloids and soot. Specifically, its 

research effort in nanoparticles includes projects addressing effects of these particles on aquatic biota, 

studies of microbially mediated production of quantum dots and other nanosized inorganic particles, 

and research on nanomaterials in wastewater treatment effluents. Several projects include 

nanoparticles as part of a more comprehensive examination of environmental sources and processes. 

The agency also collaborates with investigators funded through the EPA Star Program. In addition to 

investigating elemental selenium and tellurium nanoparticles, USGS is working on nanosilver, silicon 

carbide nanowires, and titanium dioxide quantum dots. 

Engagement with Groups and Activities External to the NNI, Including International Activities, 

Contributing to Goal 4 

 All NNI Member Agencies, International Organization for Standardization: International 

collaborations in nanotechnology standardization are progressing with strong NNI participation. The 

NNCO and several NSET Subcommittee member agencies represent the United States on the ISO 

Technical Committee on Nanotechnologies (ISO TC 229), and the United States leads the ISO 

TC 229 working group on EHS aspects of nanotechnology. 

 All NNI Member Agencies, OECD: The OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials 

(WPMN), part of the OECD Chemicals Committee and chaired by the United States, is 

implementing work in the following EHS areas: 

- Development of a database on human health and environmental safety research 

- Research strategies on manufactured nanomaterials 

- Safety testing of a representative set of manufactured nanomaterials 

- Manufactured nanomaterials and test guidelines 

- Cooperation on voluntary schemes and regulatory programs 

- Cooperation on risk assessment 

- The role of alternative methods in nanotoxicology 

- Exposure measurement and exposure mitigation 

The online database system holding details of completed, current, and planned international research 

on the safety of manufactured nanomaterials59 will be launched and publicly available in 2009. The 

WPMN has conducted a review of current research programs, which also supports the identification 

of priorities and gaps. A sponsorship program has been launched where OECD members and industry 

will test 14 representative nanomaterials for a range of environmental, health, and safety endpoints to 

better characterize their risks. WPMN has also completed (1) a review of existing OECD harmonized 

test guidelines for chemical safety to determine their applicability for nanomaterials (including setting 

priorities for work to develop future guidelines), (2) an analysis of voluntary and regulatory initiatives 

in member countries, and (3) a report on exposure mitigation and exposure measurement in 

 

58 These funds are not reflected in Table 4. 

59 http://www.oecd.org/department/0,3355,en_2649_37015404_1_1_1_1_1,00.html. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

34 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

occupational settings (which also includes recommendations for future work on this area with an aim 

of raising awareness and harmonizing approaches to exposure mitigation). 

A second OECD working party, the Working Party on Nanotechnology (WPN)—formed under the 

Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy—is addressing broader issues such as economic 

impact, education and training, and public communication. WPN is also chaired by the United 

States. 

 CPSC, ANSI, International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), ASTM International, International 

Council on Nanotechnology (ICON): In addition to its interactions within the Federal Government 

via participation in the NSET Subcommittee and the NEHI Working Group (described above), 

CPSC further benefits from interactions with outside groups that are addressing issues associated with 

nanotechnology-enabled consumer products. These include ANSI, ILSI, ASTM, and ICON. 

 DOE, Japan, Russia: Representatives from DOE have met with numerous international visitors in the 

past year to discuss respective programs in nanoscience and related areas. Visitors have included guests 

from Japan's National Institute for Materials Science and from governmental and related 

organizations in Russia. 

 EPA, Japan: EPA has entered into collaborative research partnerships with Japan through which 

selected engineered nanomaterials will be studied: biological toxicity studies will be conducted by 

researchers in Japan, and fate/transport and ecological studies will conducted by EPA researchers. This 

approach is articulated in a Draft Nanomaterial Research Strategy60 developed by the Office of Research 

and Development of the Agency and released by EPA for public comment in January 2008. The 

strategy builds on and is consistent with the foundation of scientific needs identified in the report, 

Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials, by the NEHI 

Working Group,61 and on the EPA White Paper on Nanotechnology.62 It is also consistent with the 

recently released NNI Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research.

 NIH, Other NNI Member Agencies, Private Industry, International Organizations: The National 

Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Institute of Biomedical 

Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) are co-leading the Trans-NIH Nano Task Force in developing a 

NanoHealth and Safety Enterprise Initiative that would employ state-of-the-art research technologies 

to examine the fundamental physicochemical interactions of engineered nanomaterials with biological 

systems at the molecular, cellular, and organ level. This investigative work would be supported by an 

informatics framework to identify cross-cutting design principles, and by training for the next 

generation of nanotechnology scientists. The NanoHealth and Safety Enterprise would comprise an 

integrated, interdisciplinary program that draws upon the expertise and interests of the NIH institutes 

and centers, in partnership with other agencies of the U.S. Government, private industry, and 

international partners, to address critical research needs for the safe development of nanoscale 

materials and devices. 

 NIOSH, OECD, European Commission: In November 2007, the OECD Working Party on 

Manufactured Nanomaterials agreed to establish a NIOSH-led project to (1) exchange information on 

measuring and controlling exposures to nanomaterials, and (2) develop suggestions for further steps by 

 

60 http://es.epa.gov/ncer/nano/publications/nano_strategy_012408.pdf. 61 http://www.nano.gov/NNI_EHS_research_needs.pdf. 62 http://epa.gov/osa/nanotech.htm. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 35

the working party. Representatives from 23 countries, the European Commission, business, labor, and 

environmental groups serve on the panel. Initially, the steering group for the project will focus on 

specific potential projects related to a goal of raising awareness about—and harmonizing approaches 

for—exposure measurement and mitigation in occupational settings. 

 NIOSH, ISO: Meeting in December 2007, a project group of the ISO Technical Committee 229 

voted to approve a draft report of safety and health practices in occupational settings relevant to 

nanotechnology. The draft report, approved for publication by the ISO TC 229 in May 2008, was 

based on NIOSH’s interim document, “Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology,” and was developed 

with NIOSH leadership of and participation in the project group. In 2008 and 2009 NIOSH will 

continue its support of international standards development activities. 

 NIOSH, World Health Organization (WHO): In December 2007, NIOSH participated in a 

meeting in Helsinki, Finland, of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network of 

Collaborating Centers in Occupational Health, focusing on nanotechnology. NIOSH staff provided 

input on the challenges that engineered nanoparticles pose for occupational safety and health. The 

objective of the meeting was to determine how the WHO collaboration can develop and support 

research and cooperation in preventing exposure to potentially hazardous engineered nanoparticles. 

NIOSH currently is collaborating on five communication and networking projects with various 

WHO centers. 

 NIST, European Commission (EC): NIST has signed a collaborative agreement with the European 

Commission Joint Research Centre’s Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements. The goal of 

this agreement is to enhance trade between the United States and the nations of the European Union 

while helping ensure the safety and quality of goods sold in both markets. The pact will advance the 

development and availability of international measurement standards in the fields of chemistry, life 

sciences, and emerging technologies. A future meeting will address new measurement methods, 

technologies and standards for biofuels, multiplex biological measurements, and the health and 

environmental effects of engineered nanomaterials. 

 USDA/CSREES, Canada: USDA/CREES is planning to hold in 2009 a joint nanotechnology 

grantees’ meeting with the Advanced Food and Materials Network (AFMNet) of Canada. The agency 

is seeking an opportunity to hold this meeting in conjunction with a user workshop held at one of the 

NNI nanotechnology centers, or with a nanobiotechnology conference. 

 USDA/CSREES, Food Industry: CSREES is organizing a food industry summit on nanotechnology 

to discuss the critical gaps for future foods and its impacts on consumer health, and to explore 

principles and appropriate models of public-private partnership to effectively advance nanotechnology 

for better and safer foods. 

External Reviews of the NNI 

Public Law 108-153 calls for periodic external reviews of the NNI by the National Research Council 

(NRC) of the National Academies and by the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

36 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

Review by the National Research Council of the National Academies 

The last comprehensive National Academies review, A Matter of Size: Triennial Review of the National 

Nanotechnology Initiative,

63 was released in December 2006. The NRC findings and recommendations are 

discussed in detail in the NNI Supplement to the President’s 2008 Budget.64 The following sections quote 

the recommendations of the NRC review panel and then summarize how the NNI participating agencies 

are now responding to the recommendations: 

 The federal government [should] sustain [nanoscale science and technology] investments in a manner that 

balances the pursuit of shorter-term goals with support for longer-term R&D and that ensures a robust 

supporting infrastructure, broadly defined. Supporting long-term research effectively will require making 

new funds available that do not come at the expense of much-needed ongoing investments in U.S. physical 

sciences and engineering research. [pp. 7–8] 

- As documented in this report, the NNI investment is being sustained, and in a manner that 

reflects the goals set out in the updated December 2007 NNI Strategic Plan. Increased 

investments in U.S. physical sciences and engineering research that are complementary to the 

NNI investments have been proposed under the President’s American Competitiveness Initiative. 

 The federal government [should] establish an independent advisory panel with specific operational expertise 

in nanoscale science and engineering; management of research centers, facilities, and partnerships; and 

interdisciplinary collaboration... [p. 8]

- The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is currently designated 

as the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel (NNAP) called for under PL 108-153. The 

Administration continues to view the PCAST as the most appropriate independent advisory panel 

to serve in this role, given the breadth of the nanoscale science and technology endeavor in terms 

of the number of fields of science and engineering that it encompasses, the wide variety of 

industries that it impacts, and the need for special emphasis on commercialization and technology 

transfer activities within the NNI in order to realize the promise of nanotechnology. Specific 

technical expertise in nanotechnology is provided to PCAST/NNAP by a Nanotechnology 

Technical Advisory Group organized on behalf of NNAP by the staff of the Office of Science and 

Technology Policy. Members of the NSET Subcommittee provide additional specific technical 

expertise to PCAST. 

 Federal agencies participating in the NNI, in consultation with the NNCO and the Office of Management 

and Budget, [should] continue to develop and enhance means for consistent tracking and reporting of funds 

requested, authorized, and expended annually. The current set of PCAs provides an appropriate initial 

template for such tracking. [p. 9] 

- The members of the NSET Subcommittee and the NNCO staff are working with the Office of 

Management and Budget on an ongoing basis to address this recommendation. 

 The NSET Subcommittee [should] carry out or commission a study on the feasibility of developing metrics 

to quantify the return to the U.S. economy from the federal investment in nanotechnology R&D. [pp. 9–

10] 

- The NSET Subcommittee is supporting the OECD Committee for Scientific and Technological 

Policy (CSTP) on a number of projects addressing broader issues related to nanotechnology, such 

 

63 http://books.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11752. 64 http://www.nano.gov/NNI_08Budget.pdf, pp. 27–28. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 37

as economic impact, education and training, and public communication. One of the specific tasks 

that CSTP is addressing is the development of metrics for assessing economic impacts of 

nanotechnology. In addition to financial support from the NSET Subcommittee, staff support is 

being provided by several NSET Subcommittee member agencies, particularly the Department of 

State and the Department of Commerce. 

 Research on the environmental, health, and safety effects of nanotechnology [should] be expanded. [p. 11] 

- Sharply increased NNI investments in EHS research are documented elsewhere in this report. 

 The NSET Subcommittee [should] create a working group on education and the workforce that engages the 

Department of Education and the Department of Labor as active participants. [p. 40] 

- As recommended by the 2005 PCAST/NNAP review of the NNI, the NSET Subcommittee has 

engaged these two departments; the creation of a formal working group is under consideration. 

The next National Academies review of the NNI is already underway. This study will focus on assessing the 

NNI Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research released by the NSET 

Subcommittee in February 2008. Members of the NSET Subcommittee and the NNCO staff are providing 

information in support of this new study as requested. 

Review by President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Designated as the 

National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel 

The most recent external review of the NNI was released by the PCAST/NNAP in April of 2008.65 The 

NNAP findings are summarized in the report’s executive summary as follows: 

 The NNAP finds that the United States remains a leader in nanotechnology based on various metrics. 

 The NNAP commends and encourages the ongoing NNI investment in infrastructure and instrumentation. 

 Advances in nanotechnology are embodied in a growing number of applications and products in various 

industries. 

 The NNAP views the approach for addressing EHS research under the NNI as sound. 

 In consultation with the President’s Council on Bioethics, the panel concluded that at present, 

nanotechnology does not raise ethical concerns that are unique to the field. 

 Overall, the members of the NNAP feel that the NNI continues to be a highly successful model for an 

interagency program; it is well organized and well managed. 

The NNAP recommendations are summarized as follows in the report’s executive summary: 

 Infrastructure, management, and coordination. The NNAP feels that the substantial infrastructure of 

multidisciplinary centers, user facilities, along with instrumentation, equipment, and technical expertise, is 

vital to continued U.S. competitiveness in nanotechnology and should be maintained. Whereas the NNAP 

finds the coordination and management among the NNI participating agencies to be generally strong, intraagency coordination should be improved, especially in large, segmented agencies. The NNI member agencies 

should continue to support international coordination through effective international forums, such as the 

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Such efforts will aid in the 

development of information related to health and safety, as well as addressing economic barriers and 

 

65 http://ostp.gov/galleries/PCAST/PCAST_NNAP_NNI_Assessment_2008.pdf. 
3. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals and Priorities 

38 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

impacts. Implementing and monitoring this recommendation should lead to more effective use of agency 

resources. 

 Standards development. Nanotechnology standards are necessary for activities ranging from research and 

development to commerce and regulation. Federal agencies should continue to engage in national and 

international standards development activities. The NNI should maintain a strong U.S. representation in 

international forums and seek to avoid duplicative standards development work. Where appropriate, NIST 

and other NNI agencies should develop reference materials, test methods, and other standards that provide 

broad support for industry production of safe nanotechnology-based products. 

 Technology transfer and commercialization. The NNI should continue to fund world-class research to 

promote technology transfer. Strong research programs produce top-notch nanoscale scientists, engineers, and 

entrepreneurs, who graduate with knowledge, skills, and innovative ideas. Such programs also have the 

potential to attract more U.S. students to related fields. NNI-funded centers should be structured to spur 

partnering with industry, which enhances technology transfer. The NNI should seek means to assess more 

accurately nanotechnology-related innovation and commercialization of NNI research results. These efforts 

should be coordinated with those of the OECD to assess economic impact of nanotechnology internationally. 

 Environmental, health, and safety implications. The NNAP feels that the NNI has made considerable 

progress since its last review in the level and coordination of EHS research for nanomaterials. Such efforts 

should be continued and should be coordinated with those taking place in industry and with programs 

funded by other governments to avoid gaps and unnecessary duplication of work. Moreover, EHS research 

should be coordinated with, not segregated from, applications research to promote risk and benefit being 

considered together. This is particularly important when development and risk assessment research are 

taking place in parallel, as they are for nanotechnology today. The NNI should take steps to make widely 

available nonproprietary information about the properties of nanomaterials and methods for risk/benefit 

analysis. 

 Societal and ethical implications. Research on the societal and ethical aspects of nanotechnology should be 

integrated with technical R&D and take place in the context of broader societal and ethical scholarship. The 

NNAP feels that this approach will broaden the range of perspectives and increase exchange of views on 

topics that affect society at large. 

 Communication and outreach. The NNAP is concerned that public opinion is susceptible to hype and 

exaggerated statements—both positive and negative. The NNI should be a trusted source of information 

about nanotechnology that is accessible to a range of stakeholders, including the public. The NNI should 

expand outreach and communication activities by the NNCO and the Nanotechnology Public Engagement 

and Communications Working Group and by coordinating existing agency communication efforts. To 

enhance effectiveness, the information should be developed with broad input and through processes that 

incorporate two-way communication with the intended audiences. 

The NSET Subcommittee is taking the findings and recommendations of the PCAST/NNAP into 

consideration as it formulates its plans for the future. 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 39

APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

AF&PA American Forest & Paper Association 

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

Government 

ANSI American National Standards Institute 

ARO Army Research Office (DOD) 

BIS Bureau of Industry and Security (DOC) 

CBAN Cooperative Board for Advancing Nanotechnology 

CNST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (DOC/NIST) 

CNT Carbon nanotube 

CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission 

CSREES Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (USDA) 

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 

DOEd Department of Education 

DOJ Department of Justice 

DOL Department of Labor 

DOS Department of State 

DOT Department of Transportation 

DOTreas Department of the Treasury 

DTRA Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DOD) 

DURIP Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DOD) 

EERE [Office of] Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE) 

EHS Environmental, health, and safety 

ELSI Ethical, legal, and other societal implications 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency 

EPO European Patent Office 
Appendix A. Glossary 

40 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

FDA Food and Drug Administration (DHHS) 

FHWA Federal Highway Administration (DOT) 

JPO Japan Patent Office 

FR Flame-retardant (materials) 

FS [U.S.] Forest Service (USDA) 

GIN Global Issues in Nanotechnology (NSET Subcommittee working group) 

IARPA Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity 

ISO International Organization for Standardization 

ITC International Trade Commission 

JSC Johnson Space Center (NASA) 

MANTECH Manufacturing Technology (DOD) 

MEMS Microelectromechanical systems 

MOU Memorandum of Understanding 

MRSEC Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (NSF) 

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

MWCNT Multi-walled carbon nanotube 

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

NCI National Cancer Institute (DHHS/NIH) 

NCL Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (DHHS/NIH/NCI) 

NCLT National Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale Science and Engineering (NSF) 

NCN Network for Computational Nanotechnology (NSF) 

NCTR National Center for Toxicological Research (DHHS/FDA) 

NEHI Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications Working Group of the NSET 

Subcommittee 

NEMS Nanoelectromechanical systems 

NHGRI National Human Genome Research Institute (DHHS/NIH) 

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) 

NILI Nanotechnology Innovation and Liaison with Industry Working Group of the NSET 

Subcommittee 

NIMH National Institute of Mental Health (DHHS/NIH) 
Appendix A. Glossary 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 41

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) 

NNN National Nanomanufacturing Network 

NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

NRI Nanoelectronics Research Initiative (industry-led private-public partnership) 

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 

NTF Nanotechnology Task Force (FDA) 

NTP National Toxicology Program (DHHS) 

OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 

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 

RFA Request for applications (NIH program solicitation) 

SBIR Small Business Innovation Research Program 

SC Office of Science (DOE) 

TAG Technical Advisory Group (ANSI/ISO) 

TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act 

STTR Small Business Technology Transfer Program 

USGS U.S. Geological Survey (Department of the Interior) 

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

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture 
Appendix A. Glossary 

42 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

WHO World Health Organization 

WPMN-CC Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials under the Chemicals Committee (OECD) 

WPN-CSTP Working Party on Nanotechnology under the Committee for Scientific and Technological 

Policy (OECD) 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 43

APPENDIX B. CONTACT LIST

OSTP 

Travis M. Earles 

NSTC Representative 

(Nanobiotechnology) 

Office of Science and Technology Policy 

Executive Office of the President 

725 17th Street, N.W., Rm. 5203-5 

Washington, DC 20502 

T: 202-456-6025 

F: 202-456-6021 

Travis_M._Earles@ostp.eop.gov 

OMB 

Irene Kariampuzha 

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 

Irene_Kariampuzha@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 

Liesl Heeter 

Systems Administrator 

National Nanotechnology 

Coordination Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd. 

Stafford II, Suite 405 

Arlington, VA 22230 

T: 703-292-4533 

F: 703-292-9312 

lheeter@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 

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 

Ken Vest 

Communications Director 

National Nanotechnology 

Coordination Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd. 

Stafford II, Suite 405 

Arlington, VA 22230 

T: 703-292-4503 

F: 703-292-9312 

kvest@nnco.nano.gov 

Dr. Vivian Ota Wang 

National Nanotechnology 

Coordination Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd. 

Stafford II, Suite 405 

Arlington, VA 22230 

T: 703-292-4399 

F: 703-292-9312 

votawang@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@dhs.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@dhs.gov 
Appendix B. Contact List 

44 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

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. 

Rm. 2600 

Washington, DC 20230 

T: 202-482-0102 

F: 202-482-3345 

kgardner@bis.doc.gov 

DOD 

Dr. Robin Staffin 

Director for Basic Research 

ODDR&E 

875 N. Randolph Street 

Arlington VA 22203 

T 703-588-1383 

robin.staffin@osd.mil 

Dr. David M. Stepp 

Chief, Materials Science Division 

Army Research Office 

AMSRL-RO-PM (Materials Science 

Division) 

P.O. Box 12211 

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 

T: 919-549-4329 

F: 919-549-4399 

david.m.stepp@us.army.mil 

Dr. Robert H. Cohn 

Chief Scientist 

Office of the Special Assistant for 

Chemical and Biological Defense and 

Chemical Demilitarization 

Office of the Secretary of Defense 

3050 Defense Pentagon, Rm. 3B253 

Washington, DC 20301-3050 

T: 703-693-6835 

F: 703-695-0476 

Robert.Cohn@osd.mil 

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@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, Rm. 3112 

Arlington, VA 22203-1768 

T: 703-696-8426 

F: 703-696-8481 

gernot.pomrenke@afosr.af.mil 

Dr. Jonathan Porter 

Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of 

Defense for Laboratories and Basic 

Sciences 

ODDR&E 

875 N. Randolph St., Suite 150 

Arlington, VA 22203-1766 

T: 703-588-1415 

Jonathan.Porter@osd.mil 

Dr. Eric Snow 

Director, Institute for Nanoscience 

Code 1100 

Naval Research Laboratory 

Washington DC 20375 

T: 202-767-3261 

F: 202-767-1821 

snow@bloch.nrl.navy.mil 

DOE 

Dr. Patricia M. Dehmer 

Deputy Director for Science Programs 

Office of Science 

U.S. Department of Energy 

SC-2/FORS 

1000 Independence Ave., S.W. 

Washington, DC 20585 

T: 202-586-5430 

F: 202-586-4120 

Patricia.Dehmer@science.doe.gov 

Dr. Altaf H. Carim 

Division of Scientific User Facilities 

Office of Basic Energy Sciences 

U.S. Department of Energy 

SC-22.3/GTN 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, DC 20585-1290 

T: 301-903-4895 

F: 301-903-1690 

carim@science.doe.gov 

Dr. Aravinda M. Kini 

Division of Materials Sciences and 

Engineering 

Office of Basic Energy Sciences 

U.S. 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 

U.S. 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 

U.S. 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 

DOEd 

Dr. Krishan Mathur 

U.S. Department of Education 

Office of Postsecondary Education 

1990 K Street, N.W., #6144 

Washington, DC 20006-8544 

T: 202-502-7512 

F: 202-502-7877 

krish.mathur@ed.gov 
Appendix B. Contact List 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 45

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 

DOL 

Brad Wiggins 

Business Relations Group 

U.S. Department of Labor 

Employment & Training 

Administration 

200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. 

Rm. 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. 

Rm. N-4643 

Washington, DC 20210 

Fowler.Linda.M@dol.gov 

DOS 

Kenneth Hodgkins 

Director 

Office of Space & Advanced Technology 

U.S. Department of State 

OES/SAT, SA-23, 1990 K Street, N.W. 

Suite 410 

Washington, D.C. 20006 

T: 202-663-2398 

F: Fax. 202-663-2402 

HodgkinsKD@state.gov 

Dr. Robert Rudnitsky 

Physical Science Officer 

AAAS Science & Technology 

Diplomacy Fellow 

OES/SAT 

Department of State 

1900 K Street, N.W., Suite 410 

Washington, DC 20006 

T: 202-663-2399 

F: 202-663-2402 

RudnitskyRG@state.gov 

DOT 

Dr. Jan Brecht-Clark 

Associated Administrator, Office of 

Research, Development, and 

Technology 

Research and Innovative Technology 

Administration 

Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E. 

Washington, DC 20590 

T: 202-366-4334 

Jan.Brecht-Clark@dot.gov 

Dr. John W. McCracken 

Research Program Manager 

Office of Infrastructure Research and 

Development 

Federal Highway Administration 

6300 Georgetown Pike, HRDI-01 

McLean, VA 22101 

T: 202-493-3422 

F: 202-493-3442 

John.McCracken@fhwa.dot.gov 

DOTreas 

Dr. John F. Bobalek 

Program Manager 

Office of Research and Technical 

Support 

Bureau of Engraving and Printing 

Rm. 201-29A 

14th and C Streets, S.W. 

Washington, DC 20228-0001 

T: 202-874-2109 

F: 202-927-7415 

John.Bobalek@bep.treas.gov 

EPA 

Dr. George M. Gray 

Assistant Administrator 

Office of Research and Development 

Environmental Protection Agency 

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20460 

T.202-564-6620 

F. 202-565-2430 

Gray.george@epa.gov 

Jeff Morris 

Acting National Program Director for 

Nanotechnology 

Office of Research and Development 

Environmental Protection Agency 

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20460 

T. 202-564-6756 

F. 202-565-2494 

Morris.jeff@epa.gov 

Dr. Nora F. Savage 

National Center for Environmental 

Research 

Office of Research and Development 

Mail Code 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 

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 
Appendix B. Contact List 

46 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

FDA 

Dr. Norris E. Alderson 

Associate Commissioner for Science 

Director, Office of Science and Health 

Coordination 

Food and Drug Administration 

5600 Fishers Lane 

Rm. 14B-08 (HF-32) 

Rockville, MD 20857 

T: 301-827-3340 

F: 301-827-3410 

norris.alderson@fda.hhs.gov 

Dr. Richard Canady 

Office of Science and Health 

Coordination 

Food and Drug Administration 

5600 Fishers Lane 

Rm. 14B-08 (HF-33) 

Rockville, MD 20857 

T: 301-827-8781 

F: 301-827-3042 

richard.canady@fda.hhs.gov 

ITC 

Elizabeth R. Nesbitt 

International Trade Analyst for 

Biotechnology and Nanotechnology 

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 

IARPA 

Susan Durham 

DCI Intelligence Technology Innovation 

Center 

Central Intelligence Agency 

Washington, DC 20505 

susaned0@ucia.gov 

NASA 

Dr. Minoo N. Dastoor 

Chief Technologist, Innovative 

Partnership Program Office 

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration 

NASA Headquarters, Rm. 6F80 

Washington DC 20546-0001 

T: 202-358-4518 

F: 202-358-3878 

mdastoor@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 

m.meyyappan@nasa.gov 

NIH 

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. Lori Henderson 

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: 301-451-4778 

F: 301-480-0679 

hendersonlori@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 

NIH/OD 

Dr. Lynn Hudson 

Deputy Director 

Office of Science Policy & Planning 

National Institutes of Health 

Office of the Director 

Building 1 - Shannon Bldg, Rm. 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/FIC 

George Herrfurth 

Multilateral Affairs Coordinator 

Division of International Relations 

Fogarty International Center 

National Institutes of Health 

Building 31, Rm. B2C11 

Bethesda, MD 20892-2220 

T: 301-402-1615 

F: 301-480-3414 

herrfurg@mail.nih.gov 
Appendix B. Contact List 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 47

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/NHGRI 

Dr. Vivian Ota Wang 

Division of Extramural Research 

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 

otawangv@mail.nih.gov 

NIH/NHLBI 

Dr. Denis Buxton 

Advanced Technologies and Surgery 

Branch, DHVD 

National Heart, Lung, and Blood 

Institute 

National Institutes of Health 

6701 Rockledge Drive, Rm. 8216 

Bethesda, MD 20817 

T: 301-435-0513 

F: 301-480-1454 

BuxtonD@nhlbi.nih.gov 

NIH/NIEHS 

Dr. John R. Bucher 

Associate Director 

National Toxicology Program 

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 

Senior Science Advisor to the Deputy 

Director 

National Institute of Environmental 

Health Sciences 

National Institutes of Health 

P.O. Box 12233, MD B2-06 

Durham, NC 27709 

T: 919-541-0993 

F: 919-541-5064 

stinkle@niehs.nih.gov 

NIH/NIGMS 

Dr. Catherine Lewis 

Director, Division of Cell Biology and 

Biophysics 

National Institute of General Medical 

Sciences 

National Institutes of Health 

45 Center Drive, Rm. MSC 6200 

Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 

T: 301-594-0828 

F: 301-480-2004 

catherine.lewis@nih.hhs.gov 

NIOSH 

Dr. Vladimir V. Murashov 

Special Assistant to the Director 

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health 

OD/NIOSH M/S-P12 

395 E Street, S.W. 

Suite 9200 

Washington, DC 20201 

T: 202-245-0668 

F: 202-245-0628 

vladimir.murashov@cdc.hhs.gov 

NIST 

Dr. Dianne L. Poster 

Scientific Advisor, Chemical Science and 

Technology Laboratory 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology 

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8300 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8300 

T: 301-975-8941 

F: 301-975-3845 

poster@nist.gov 

Eric Steel 

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 

Dr. Roger van Zee 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology 

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8360 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8360 

T: 301-975-2363 

F: 301-869-5924 

roger.vanzee@nist.gov 

Dr. Lloyd J. Whitman 

Deputy Director, Center for Nanoscale 

Science and Technology 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology 

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 6200 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-6200 

T: 301-975-8002 

F: 301-975-8026 

whitman@nist.gov 
Appendix B. Contact List 

48 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2009 Budget 

NRC 

Rick Croteau, Deputy Director 

Division of Engineering 

Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

Washington, DC 20555-0001 

T: 301-415-7210 

RXC2@nrc.gov 

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. Zakya H. Kafafi 

Director, Division of Materials Research 

National Science Foundation 

Directorate for Mathematical and 

Physical Sciences 

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1065 

Arlington, VA 22230 

T: 703-292-8810 

F: 703-292-9035 

zkafafi@nsf.gov 

Dr. Charles Liarakos 

Senior Advisor for Strategic Planning 

National Science Foundation 

Directorate for Biological Sciences 

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 605N 

Arlington, VA 22230 

T: 703-292-8400 

F: 703-292-9154 

cliarako@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 

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. 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 

Dr. Rob Doudrick 

Staff Director, Resource Use Science 

USDA Forest Service 

1400 Independence Ave., S.W. 

Mailstop Code: 1114 

Washington, DC 20250-1114 

T: 703-605-4195 

F: 703-605-5137 

rdoudrick@fs.fed.us 

Dr. World Nieh 

National Program Leader, Forest 

Products and Utilization 

USDA Forest Service 

1400 Independence Ave., S.W. 

Mailstop Code: 1114 

Washington, DC 20250-1114 

T: 703-605-4197 

F: 703-605-5137 

wnieh@fs.fed.us 

Dr. Howard Rosen 

Resource Use Science 

USDA Forest Service 

1400 Independence Ave., S.W. 

Mailstop Code: 1114 

Washington, DC 20250-1114 

T: 703-605-4196 

F: 703-605-5137 

hrosen@fs.fed.us 

USGS 

Dr. Sarah Gerould 

Bureau Program Coordinator, 

Contaminant Biology Program 

U.S. Geological Survey 

Mail Stop 301 National Center 

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive 

Reston, VA 20192 

T: 703-648-6895 

F: 703-648-4238 

sgerould@usgs.gov 

USPTO 

Charles Eloshway 

Patent Attorney 

Office of International Relations 

Patent and Trademark Office 

P.O. Box 1450 

Alexandria, VA 22313 

T: 571-272-9300 

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