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 information technologies and health research to improving transportation 

systems and strengthening fundamental research. The Council prepares research and development strategies that are 

coordinated across Federal agencies to form a comprehensive investment package aimed at accomplishing multiple 

national goals. Please call the NSTC Executive Secretariat at 202-456-6101 to obtain additional information regarding 

the NSTC, or see http://www.ostp.gov/NSTC/html/NSTC_Home.html.

About the Office of Science and Technology Policy

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

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

budget development on all questions in which Science and Technology (S&T) are important elements; articulating the 

President’s S&T policies and programs; and fostering strong partnerships among Federal, State and local governments, 

and the scientific communities in industry and academia. The Director of OSTP also serves as Science Advisor to 

the President and manages the NSTC for the President. Please call 202-456-7116 to obtain additional information 

regarding OSTP, or visit the OSTP web site at: http://www.ostp.gov/.

About this document

This document is a supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget Request submitted to Congress on February 7, 2005. 

It gives a description of the activities underway in 2005 and planned for 2006 by the Federal Government agencies 

participating in the National Nanotechnology Initiative, primarily from a programmatic and budgetary perspective. 

It is based on the new NNI Strategic Plan released in December 2004 and reports requested investments for 2006 by 

Program Component Area (PCA), as called for under the provisions of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and 

Development Act (Public Law 108-153).

About the cover

Front cover: Optical microscope image courtesy of Quantum Dot Corporation. Cellular components are labeled by 

five different kinds of quantum dots—fluorescing in five distinct colors—which permits concurrent tracking of five 

proteins within a single set of human cells. By simultaneously tracking multiple proteins, researchers can collect more 

detailed information on activities within the cells than can be obtained with conventional techniques. In a single, easy 

to see format, this image demonstrates correlations among many cellular components, rather than simply displaying the 

patterns one at a time. The chemistry, precise structure, and size of these nanoparticles give them their unique optical 

properties. Advanced biological imaging techniques can serve not only in research but also to help improve the diagnosis 

of cancer and other complex diseases. These quantum dot nanoparticles, developed in part with U.S. Government 

funding to universities and companies, are now making their way from the research labs where they were created to 

hospitals and medical centers for research and diagnostic medicine of the future. 

Cover and book design

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

Copyright information

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

be distributed and copied, with acknowledgement to the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (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. 2005.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative

Research and Development Leading to a Revolution

 in Technology and Industry

Supplement to the

President’s 2006 Budget

Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee

Committee on Technology

National Science and Technology Council

March 2005
Report prepared by

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY (CT)

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

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

Phillip Bond, Undersecretary of Commerce for Technology

CT Executive Secretary: Benjamin Wu, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Technology Policy

NSET Subcommittee Chair

 Mihail Roco

NSET Subcommittee Executive Secretary

 James Murday

National Nanotechnology Coordination Office Director

 Clayton Teague

Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)

 Sharon Hays

National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)

 Celia Merzbacher

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

 Irene Brahmakulam

 David Radzanowksi

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS/DOC)

 James Thompson

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

 Mary Ann Danello

 Treye Thomas

Department of Agriculture (USDA)

 Hongda Chen

Department of Commerce (DOC)

 John Sargent

Department of Defense (DOD)

 William Berry

 James Murday 

 Gernot Pomrenke

 David Stepp

Department of Energy (DOE)

 Kristin Bennett

 Altaf Carim

 Patricia Dehmer

 Sara Dillich

 Aravinda Kini

 John Miller

 Brian Valentine

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

 Richard Lareau

 Keith Ward

Department of Justice (DOJ)

 Stanley Erickson

Department of State (DOS)

 George Atkinson

 Christopher Rothfuss

Department of Transportation (DOT)

 Richard John

 Annalynn Lacombe

 Richard Livingston

Department of the Treasury

 James Carter

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

 Barbara Karn

 Stephen Lingle

 Nora Savage

 Phillip Sayre

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

 Norris Alderson

 Stanley Brown 

 Donald Marlowe

Intelligence Technology Innovation Center (ITIC)

 Susan Durham

International Trade Commission

 Elizabeth Nesbitt

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

 Minoo Dastoor

 Murray Hirschbein

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

 Eleni Kousvelari

 Jeffery Schloss

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH)

 Andrew Maynard

 Vladimir Murashov

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

(NIST/DOC)

 Alamgir Karim

 Michael Postek

 Robert Shull

National Science Foundation (NSF)

 Maryanna Henkart 

 Mihail Roco

 James Rudd

 Thomas Weber

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

 Michele Evans

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

 Charles Eloshway

 Bruce Kisliuk 

Department and Agency Representatives
March 21, 2005 

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: 

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

Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) called for by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and 

Development Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-153). This Supplement to the President’s 2006 

Budget describes the programs and activities taking place across all 22 of the agencies that are 

participating today in the NNI. It is the first such report since the implementation of the 

updated NNI Strategic Plan in December 2004. 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 has matured considerably under the current Administration. Funding has more than 

doubled since the initiative was established in Fiscal Year (FY) 2001; participation has 

expanded from 6 to 22 agencies, 11 of which have budgets for nanotechnology R&D; and a 

geographically distributed infrastructure of research centers and user facilities with leading 

edge equipment and expertise has been put in place. In addition to supporting R&D, the NNI 

has developed channels for interacting with industry to facilitate the transition of research 

results to commercial and public benefit, and is further aiding scientific advancement and 

commercialization through education and workforce preparation activities. 

In parallel with efforts to advance knowledge, understanding, and application of 

nanotechnology, the Federal Government supports a vigorous program across several agencies 

to understand the societal implications of nanotechnology, including potential health and 

environmental effects. In addition, an interagency group has been established to promote 

communication among the Federal agencies that support research and those with regulatory 

responsibilities and to identify and prioritize research needed to support the regulatory 

decision-making process. 

As described in this report, the NNI is taking steps to leverage resources and to ensure that the 

Federal investment in the NNI leads to the expeditious and responsible development of 

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

this important area of science and technology. 

Sincerely,

John H. Marburger, III 

Director 

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

OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY

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

Table of Contents

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

1. NNI Program Overview: Interagency Coordination in Support of National Priorities ............ 1

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area ........................................................................... 9

3. NNI Investments for 2005 and 2006 .................................................................................... 35

Appendix A. Glossary ................................................................................................................ 43

Appendix B. Summary of NNI Responses to the 2002 National Research Council Review ....... 45

Appendix C. Contact List .......................................................................................................... 48

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget i

Executive Summary

Overview

The National Nanotechnology Initiative 

(NNI) is a multi-agency U.S. Government 

program aimed at accelerating the discovery, 

development, and deployment of nanoscale science, 

engineering, and technology. The vision of the NNI 

is a future in which the ability to understand and 

control matter on the nanoscale leads to a revolution 

in technology and industry. As outlined in the recently 

completed NNI Strategic Plan, the NNI’s goals are 

to maintain a world-class research and development 

(R&D) program; to facilitate technology transfer; to 

develop educational resources, a skilled workforce, and 

supporting research infrastructure and tools; and to 

support responsible development of nanotechnology. 

The NNI Strategic Plan also outlines seven major subject 

areas under which related projects are grouped, called 

Program Component Areas (PCAs). Investment in these 

PCAs is essential to achieving the NNI goals.

This Supplement to the President’s 20061 Budget serves 

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

Century Nanotechnology Research and Development 

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

of the NNI budget for the current year (2005) and 

the proposed budget for 2006. The 2006 request 

is broken out by Program Component Area. This 

report also includes information on spending for the 

development and acquisition of research facilities and 

instrumentation, a discussion of external reviews of the 

NNI and how recommendations have been addressed, 

a description of how the NNI participating agencies are 

implementing the NNI Strategic Plan, and a discussion 

of nanotechnology R&D funding through the Small 

Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business 

Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Budget Summary

The 2006 NNI budget request for nanotechnology 

R&D across the Federal Government is $1.05 billion. 

Estimated spending in 2005 is nearly $1.1 billion, an 

increase of 9% over 2004 expenditures. The increase 

in spending for nanotechnology over the last five years 

(from an estimated $464 million in 2001) reflects 

this Administration’s continuing support for the NNI 

program, based on its potential to expand knowledge, 

strengthen the U.S. economy, support national and 

homeland security, and enhance the quality of life for all 

citizens.

For the first time since the NNI’s inception, funding 

has been classified by Program Component Area. The 

five agencies investing the most in nanotechnology 

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

of Defense, Department of Energy, National Institutes 

of Health, and National Institute for Standards and 

Technology) each have investments distributed across at 

least six of the seven PCAs. Funding among the PCAs 

by all 11 agencies with nanotechnology R&D budgets 

reflects a balanced strategic investment. Funding by 

PCA for 2006 is as follows:

1. Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes 

($234 million)

2. Nanomaterials ($228 million)

3. Nanoscale Devices and Systems ($244 million)

4. Instrumentation Research, Metrology, and Standards 

for Nanotechnology ($71 million)

5. Nanomanufacturing ($47 million)

6. Major Research Facilities and Instrumentation 

Acquisition ($148 million)

7. Societal Dimensions ($82 million)

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.
ii The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

Executive Summary

The Societal Dimensions PCA includes approximately 

$39 million for programs that are directed primarily at 

environmental, health, and safety (EHS) R&D and $43 

million for education-related activities and research on 

the broad implications of nanotechnology for society, 

including economic, workforce, educational, ethical, and 

legal implications. 

Organization and Summary of the 

Report

■ Section 1 of this report provides an overview of the 

NNI, including participating agencies, organization 

and management, and a review of the goals and 

priorities outlined in the updated NNI Strategic Plan 

released in December 2004.

■ Section 2 describes the NNI R&D programs under 

each PCA, including specific strategic priorities, 

highlights of the 2006 budget request, interagency 

coordination activities, and a brief overview of 

activities underway or planned by each participating 

agency for 2005 and 2006. 

■ Section 3 provides detailed budget information 

by agency and PCA, and summaries of overall 

agency programs for 2005 and 2006. Section 3 

also describes coordinated interagency activities in 

the following areas of emphasis: environmental, 

health, and safety research; nanomanufacturing; 

industry liaison in support of technology transfer 

and commercialization; standards development; 

and infrastructure development. Finally, this section 

provides a brief overview of agency use of the SBIR 

and STTR programs to achieve the goals of the 

initiative.

■ Appendices include a glossary, a summary of 

responses to the 2002 National Research Council 

review of the NNI, and contact information for 

agency staff involved in the NNI.

In 2006, the NNI will continue to support a broad 

portfolio of R&D aimed at extending the boundaries of 

knowledge. As understanding of nanoscale processes and 

phenomena grows, greater emphasis is being placed on 

development of applications, especially within agencies 

with focused missions. In addition, funding for research 

into the potential environmental and health effects of 

nanotechnology is growing and interagency planning 

and coordination in this area is expanding. Programs 

focused on education at all levels, both in the classroom 

and in informal settings, are also increasing. The NNI, 

through the National Nanotechnology Coordination 

Office and other channels, plans to broaden its activities 

for public engagement.

■ ■ ■
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 1

1. NNI Program Overview: Interagency Coordination 

in Support of National Priorities

Introduction

President Bush’s 2006 Budget provides over 

$1 billion for the multi-agency, multidisciplinary 

U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative 

(NNI). This program aims to accelerate the discovery, 

development, and deployment of nanotechnology 

to expand knowledge, strengthen the U.S. economy, 

support national and homeland security, and enhance 

the quality of life for all citizens. With funding for 

the NNI, including the 2006 request, now totaling 

over $5 billion since its inception in 2001, this 

Administration continues to support the NNI vision of 

a future in which the ability to understand and control 

matter on the nanoscale leads to a revolutionary change 

in technology and industry. 

The NNI investment supports a broad spectrum 

of research and development (R&D), including 

fundamental research on the unique phenomena and 

processes that occur at the nanometer scale, design and 

discovery of new nanoscale materials, and development 

of nanotechnology-based devices and systems. To 

complete the chain from discovery to commercialization, 

the NNI supports research on instrumentation, 

metrology, standards, and manufacturing at the 

nanoscale. Concurrent with supporting R&D aimed 

at advancing nanotechnology, the NNI has made 

responsible development of this new technology a 

priority through support of research on environmental, 

health, and safety implications and on ethical, legal, and 

other societal aspects of nanotechnology.

In addition to supporting R&D, the NNI provides 

funds for the creation of university and government 

facilities with the specialized instrumentation and 

equipment required for nanoscale R&D. The 

NNI also supports activities aimed at educating 

the nanotechnology researchers of the future and 

generating the workforce necessary for the growing use 

of nanotechnology in industry, primarily by providing 

funds for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate 

training in nanotechnology-related disciplines. The 

NNI plays a key role in fostering cross-disciplinary 

interactions, and in disseminating information to 

participating agencies and to the public, through 

workshops and meetings, as well as via the Internet 

(www.nano.gov). Finally, the NNI encourages businesses 

of all sizes to exploit the opportunities offered by 

nanotechnology. Small businesses, which are a primary 

source of U.S. innovation, are encouraged to develop 

commercial uses of nanotechnology through the Small 

Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business 

Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

As called for in the 21st Century Nanotechnology 

Research and Development Act (Public Law 108-153, 

hereafter referred to as “the Act”), this report describes, 

from a programmatic and budgetary perspective, the 

activities underway in 2005 and planned for 2006 

by Federal agencies participating in the NNI. It also 

describes briefly the updated NNI Strategic Plan released 

in December 2004 and the restructuring of the NNI 

according to the new plan. 

The Act calls for the implementation by the President 

of a National Nanotechnology Program. Many of the 

activities of the program outlined in the Act were already 

in progress as part of the NNI. Moreover, the ongoing 

management of the initiative involves considerable input 

from Federal agencies that are not named specifically 

in the Act. For continuity, and to capture this broader 

participation, the coordinated Federal activities as a 

whole will continue to be referred to as the National 

Nanotechnology Initiative.

The Federal agencies participating in the NNI have 

diverse missions, but each expects to derive benefits that 

support its mission through enhanced capabilities or 

informed procedures. At the same time, the agencies 

expect to advance national priorities through an 

increased basic understanding of nanoscale phenomena 

and application of that understanding to the 

development of novel technologies. 
2 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

1. NNI Program Overview

Twenty-two Federal agencies currently participate 

in the NNI (Table 1), up from six at the start of the 

initiative. Eleven agencies now support intramural 

and/or extramural nanotechnology R&D programs. 

The remaining eleven agencies participate as partners 

and in-kind contributors because the development 

of nanotechnology is relevant to their missions or 

regulatory roles.

NNI Organization and Management

The NNI is managed within the framework of the 

Committee on Technology of the National Science and 

Technology Council (NSTC). The NSTC is a Cabinetlevel body and is the principal means by which the 

President coordinates the diverse science and technology 

programs across the Federal Government. The NSTC’s 

Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology 

(NSET) Subcommittee coordinates the plans, budgets, 

programs, and reviews for the NNI. The subcommittee 

is composed of representatives from each participating 

agency, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and 

the Office of Management and Budget.

As the active interagency coordinating body for 

nanotechnology R&D, the NSET Subcommittee 

establishes the goals and priorities for the NNI and 

develops plans, including appropriate interagency 

activities, aimed at achieving those goals. The NSET 

Subcommittee promotes a balanced investment across 

all agencies, so as to address all of the critical elements 

that will support the development and utilization of 

nanotechnology. The NSET Subcommittee exchanges 

information with academic, industry, and state and local 

government groups that are conducting research on and 

using nanotechnology. A number of working groups 

have been formed under the NSET Subcommittee 

to improve the efficiency of its operations and focus 

interagency attention and activity on key issues. Current 

working groups are focused on environmental and health 

implications of nanotechnology, liaison activities with 

industries, nanomanufacturing, and public engagement.

The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office 

(NNCO) provides technical and administrative 

support to the NSET Subcommittee and supports 

the subcommittee in the preparation of multi-agency 

planning, budget, and assessment documents. The 

NNCO also serves as the point of contact on Federal 

nanotechnology activities for government organizations, 

academia, industry, professional societies, foreign 

organizations, and others. Finally, the NNCO develops 

and makes available printed and other materials 

concerning the NNI, and maintains the NNI website, 

www.nano.gov.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 3

1. NNI Program Overview

Table 1 

List of Federal Agencies 

Participating in the NNI During 2005

Federal agencies with budgets dedicated to nanotechnology research and development

Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Department of Defense (DOD)

Department of Energy (DOE)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Department of Justice (DOJ)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

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 State (DOS)

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Department of the Treasury (DOTreas)

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

International Trade Commission (ITC)

Intelligence Technology Innovation Center, representing the Intelligence Community (IC)

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

Technology Administration (TA, Department of Commerce)

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO, Department of Commerce)
4 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

1. NNI Program Overview

External Reviews of the National Nanotechnology Initiative

The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act calls for a triennial external review by 

the National Research Council of several aspects of the National Nanotechnology Initiative, including its 

technical accomplishments, the appropriateness of agency funding levels, successes in technology transfer, and 

responsible stewardship of societal interests. As specified by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and 

Development Act, the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office has commissioned the first such review; 

an interim report is planned for June 2005, and a final report for early 2006.

The National Research Council reviewed the National Nanotechnology Initiative previously in 2002. 

The report from that study, Small Wonders, Endless Frontiers, included a series of ten recommendations for 

strengthening the initiative. These recommendations, as well as the provisions of the Act, were critical inputs 

to the development process for the NNI Strategic Plan, which NSET released in December 2004. Details of 

how the NSET Subcommittee and the research community responded to each of these recommendations in 

refining the structure, goals, and activities of the NNI may be found in Appendix B.

The Administration is focusing significant attention on the NNI. In order to further strengthen it, in February 

2003 the President asked the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) to review 

key aspects of the NNI. Moreover, in July 2004 PCAST was designated as the National Nanotechnology 

Advisory Panel (NNAP) called for by the Act. In accordance with the terms of the legislation, PCAST, in its 

role as the NNAP, will have ongoing responsibilities for providing a comprehensive assessment of the NNI. The 

NNAP is in the process of completing its own assessment of the initiative and developing its report.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 5

1. NNI Program Overview

Vision

The vision of the National Nanotechnology Initiative is a future in which the ability to understand 

and control matter on the nanoscale leads to a revolution in technology and industry. 

Towards this vision, the NNI will expedite the discovery, development, and deployment of 

nanotechnology in order to achieve responsible and sustainable economic benefits, to enhance the 

quality of life, and to promote national security. In the process, the NNI will support the missions 

of the participating agencies, will ensure continuing leadership by the United States in nanoscale 

science, engineering, and technology, and will contribute to the nation’s economic competitiveness.

The NNI Strategic Plan

The NSET Subcommittee, with the support of the 

NNCO, recently published a strategic plan laying 

out the vision (see box above) and overarching goals 

for the next five to ten years of the initiative, along 

with a strategy and activities aimed at achieving these 

goals. The plan also specifies areas of investment, or 

Program Component Areas (PCAs). PCAs cut across 

the nanotechnology interests and needs of participating 

agencies, providing a structure for directing and 

coordinating the agencies’ research efforts and funding. 

The new strategic plan builds on the initial plans for the 

NNI described in National Nanotechnology Initiative: The 

Initiative and Its Implementation Plan (July 2000).2

The NSET Subcommittee developed the plan based 

on evaluations of the current state of nanotechnology 

and identification of key areas for future R&D efforts. 

Government, academic, and industry nanotechnology 

experts participated in the planning process through a 

series of eighteen workshops over the past two years, 

culminating with the September 2004 NNI Research 

Directions II Workshop. 

Goals of the NNI

The NSET Subcommittee has identified four goals for 

the NNI. Progress toward all four is critical to achieving 

the vision. The goals are as follows:

1. Maintain a world-class research and development 

program aimed at realizing the full potential of 

nanotechnology

2. Facilitate transfer of new technologies into products 

for economic growth, jobs, and other public benefit

3. Develop educational resources, a skilled workforce, 

and the supporting infrastructure and tools to 

advance nanotechnology

4. Support responsible development of 

nanotechnology

The NNI Strategic Plan presents expanded descriptions 

of each of the goals, including examples of current 

activities and new strategies for continued progress and 

success of the NNI. 

NNI Program Component Areas

Program Component Areas are defined by the Act as 

major subject areas under which related NNI projects 

and activities are grouped. Whereas the NNI goals 

embody the vision of the initiative and provide structure 

for its strategy and plans, the PCAs represent areas of 

investment that are essential to accomplishing those 

goals. These areas cut across the interests and needs 

of the participating agencies, and advancement in 

each area may be expedited through coordination of 

2. Both documents are available from the NNI website. See 

http://www.nano.gov/NNI_Strategic_Plan_2004.pdf and 

http://www.nano.gov/html/res/nni2.pdf, respectively.
6 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

1. NNI Program Overview

work by multiple agencies. The PCAs are intended to 

provide a means by which the NSET Subcommittee, 

as the interagency coordinating body, the Office of 

Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB), Congress, and others 

may be informed of and direct the relative investment 

in these key areas. The PCAs also provide a structure by 

which the agencies funding R&D can better direct and 

coordinate their activities. Agency plans for each PCA 

will be included in the annual NNI supplement to the 

President’s Budget, commencing with this report for 

2006. The seven PCAs are defined as follows:

1. Fundamental nanoscale phenomena and processes

 Discovery and development of fundamental 

knowledge pertaining to new phenomena in the 

physical, biological, and engineering sciences that 

occur at the nanoscale. Elucidation of scientific and 

engineering principles related to nanoscale structures, 

processes, and mechanisms.

2. Nanomaterials

 Research aimed at discovery of novel nanoscale and 

nanostructured materials and at a comprehensive 

understanding of the properties of nanomaterials 

(ranging across length scales, and including 

interface interactions). R&D leading to the ability 

to design and synthesize, in a controlled manner, 

nanostructured materials with targeted properties.

3. Nanoscale devices and systems

 R&D that applies the principles of nanoscale 

science and engineering to create novel, or to 

improve existing, devices and systems. Includes 

the incorporation of nanoscale or nanostructured 

materials to achieve improved performance or new 

functionality. To meet this definition, the enabling 

science and technology must be at the nanoscale, but 

the systems and devices themselves are not restricted 

to that size.

4. Instrumentation research, metrology, and standards 

for nanotechnology

 R&D pertaining to the tools needed to advance 

nanotechnology research and commercialization, 

including next-generation instrumentation for 

characterization, measurement, synthesis, and 

design of materials, structures, devices, and systems. 

Also includes R&D and other activities related 

to development of standards, including standards 

for nomenclature, materials, characterization and 

testing, and manufacture.

5. Nanomanufacturing

 R&D aimed at enabling scaled-up, reliable, cost 

effective manufacturing of nanoscale materials, 

structures, devices, and systems. Includes R&D and 

integration of ultra-miniaturized top-down processes 

and increasingly complex bottom-up or self-assembly 

processes.

6. Major research facilities and instrumentation 

acquisition

 Establishment of user facilities, acquisition of 

major instrumentation, and other activities that 

develop, support, or enhance the Nation’s scientific 

infrastructure for the conduct of nanoscale 

science, engineering, and technology research and 

development. Includes ongoing operation of user 

facilities and networks.

7. Societal dimensions

 Various research and other activities that address the 

broad implications of nanotechnology to society, 

including benefits and risks, such as:

• Research directed at environmental, health, 

and safety implications of nanotechnology 

development and risk assessment of such impacts

• Education

• Research on the ethical, legal, and societal 

implications of nanotechnology

The relationships between the PCAs and the NNI goals 

are shown in Table 2. The NNI is primarily an R&D 

program, and therefore, not surprisingly, all the PCAs 

support the first NNI goal: to maintain a world-class 

nanotechnology R&D program. In fact, all of the PCAs 

are related to some extent to each of the NNI goals. 

Note that the activities of one or more PCAs are critical 

to making progress towards each goal of the NNI.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 7

1. NNI Program Overview

Table 2

Relationship of Program Component Areas to NNI Goals

Goal 1: Maintain a 

world-class research 

and development 

program aimed 

at realizing the 

full potential of 

nanotechnology

Goal 2: Facilitate 

transfer of new 

technologies 

into products for 

economic growth, 

jobs, and other 

public benefit

Goal 3: Develop 

educational 

resources, a skilled 

workforce, and 

the supporting 

infrastructure and 

tools to advance 

nanotechnology

Goal 4: Support 

responsible 

development of 

nanotechnology

Fundamental Nanoscale 

Phenomena and 

Processes

Nanomaterials

Nanoscale Devices and 

Systems

Instrumentation 

Research, Metrology, 

and Standards for 

Nanotechnology

Nanomanufacturing

Major Research Facilities 

and Instrumentation 

Acquisition

Societal Dimensions

Critical to Goal

Primary to Goal

Secondary to Goal

Program Component Areas

■ ■ ■
8 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 9

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

NNI research in each PCA is described in this 

section in terms of the following outline: 

■ PCA title.

■ NNI agencies participating in the PCA, including 

those with and without budgets for nanotechnology 

R&D. Inclusion in the list of participating agencies 

indicates a significant relationship to the agency’s 

mission, interest, or needs. Agency names have been 

abbreviated—see the glossary in Appendix A for the 

full agency names.

■ A brief description of why this PCA is important for 

the overall vision and goals of the NNI.

■ A list of long-range strategic interests underlying 

the 2006 budget request in the PCA. Strategic 

interests and activities bridge multiple agencies and 

encompass a broad range of topics, including specific 

topics for R&D, targets for particular applications, 

goals for research and development, functional goals 

for infrastructure, and milestones for educational 

programs and public engagement.

■ A list of selected 2006 programmatic highlights 

in the PCA. The highlights are specific tactical 

approaches within the long-range strategic areas, 

generally bridging across multiple agencies.

■ A summary of interagency planning and 

coordinating activities supporting the 2006 request 

in the PCA.

■ A concise description by agency of the major 

programs within the PCA, underway in 2005 and 

planned for 2006. This document is not intended to 

be a thorough overview of the full nanotechnology 

programs of the agencies. 

Planning and Coordination Across PCAs

Several NNI planning and coordination activities 

support all the PCAs: 

■ Participation in the NSET Subcommittee enables 

coordination of activities under all of the PCAs 

among the participating agencies, for example, 

through participation in proposal evaluations, 

program review, and workshop planning. 

■ A number of agencies with regulatory 

responsibilities—CPSC, EPA, FDA, NIOSH, 

NRC, OSHA, USDA—participate in the NNI 

and its working groups to coordinate with research 

agencies and support the NNI vision and goals. 

Such coordination helps inform regulatory decisionmaking and also helps guide the programs at the 

research agencies. The readiness of regulatory 

agencies to address materials, devices, and other 

nanotechnology-based products will have significant 

impact on this technology’s success as an engine for 

economic growth and public benefit. 

■ All NNI agencies share an interest in enhancing 

awareness of, and, where appropriate, engagement in 

international R&D activities.

■ During 2005 and 2006, agencies will develop 

focused and specific research targets for each of 

the PCAs and will form interagency collaborative 

projects and partnerships with industry to achieve 

the targets.
10 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The overarching aim of coordinated NNI funding 

for this PCA is to advance the knowledge frontiers of 

nanoscale phenomena and processes toward the goal of 

systematic control over matter at the nanoscale. Such 

advanced knowledge is a foundation for innovation in 

all application areas for nanotechnology. Representative 

R&D includes understanding and discovery of 

the basic science of collective electron, optical, and 

magnetic phenomena; biological and biochemical 

mechanisms; and quantum size effects in nanoscale 

and nanostructured matter. All these processes and 

phenomena play a key role in, for example: development 

of novel DNA sequencing techniques; new energy 

conversion technologies; development of new sensors 

for use in detecting pathogens or toxins in food and 

agricultural systems; and detecting chemical, biological, 

radiological, or explosive agents. 

President’s 2006 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

Federal agencies involved in this PCA have identified 

the following critical R&D areas as essential targets for 

discovery, understanding, and application:

■ Enhanced surface and interface effects arising at the 

nanoscale

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

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

manipulating and controlling matter at the nanoscale 

■ Collective electron, optical, and magnetic 

phenomena in assemblies of nanostructures to 

advance innovation in data storage and data 

processing systems 

■ New mathematical and simulation capabilities and 

tools with high spatial and temporal resolution to 

guide experimental investigations

■ Application of novel tools and concepts emerging 

from nanotechnology to improve understanding of 

biological processes 

■ Biomedical mechanisms for improved diagnostics, 

therapeutics, and treatments of disease 

■ Quantum size effects for improved light sources and 

photoelectric cells, and in combination with surface 

effects for application in unique catalysts

Highlights of the 2006 Request

❏ Basic research on nanoscale phenomena and 

processes for application to hydrogen production, 

hydrogen storage, hydrogen-based fuel cells, and 

nanotechnology-based batteries and capacitors, in 

support of a hydrogen economy

❏ Research on the synthesis, characterization, 

properties, and assembly of individual 

nanostructures, including nanostructures in biology 

and for catalysis

❏ Research on molecular motors to provide a window 

on nanoscale phenomena and processes involved in 

bottom-up assembly approaches

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2006 Request

DOD, NASA, NSF: Coordinated efforts on modeling 

and simulation for nanoscale processes and phenomena.

EPA, NASA: Joint collaboration to develop a testing 

technique and methodology for the identification, 

characterization, and correlation of carbon nanotubes 

and combustion processes.

NIH: The Nanomedicine Roadmap Initiative and 

two nanoscience and nanotechnology program 

announcements (including one for SBIR) are activities 

coordinated across a number of the institutes and centers 

of the NIH.

USDA, other NSET Subcommittee agencies: 

Investigation of the mechanisms and methods for 

building functional interfaces between biological and 

inorganic materials.

Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena And Processes

NNI Agencies Requesting 2006 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DOC (NIST), DOD, DOE, 

EPA, HHS (NIH), NASA, NSF, USDA

Other Participating Agencies: CPSC, DHS, DOC (BIS), DOC (TA), DOJ, DOT, IC
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 11

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

2005 and 2006 Activities by Agency

DOD: Enable breakthrough advantages for warfighter 

and battle systems capabilities: develop robust 

strategies for synthesis, characterization, and assembly 

of individual nanostructures; explore applications of 

nanostructures for revolutionary catalysts, scavengers, 

taggants and sensors; elucidate fundamental aspects of 

phonon and electron transport in individual nanowires 

and two- and three-dimensional nanostructures as 

they relate to the development of high performance 

thermoelectric, thermionic, and photovoltaic devices 

for advanced solid state power generation, cooling, and 

thermal management.

DOE: Continue support of fundamental scientific 

research into nanoscale phenomena via grant programs 

and DOE National Laboratory research efforts. Research 

includes surface and interfacial chemical phenomena; 

catalysis; nanoparticle reactivity; photochemistry at 

the nanoscale; electronic, optical, magnetic, thermal, 

mechanical, and other materials properties; nanoscale 

organic-inorganic hybrids and interfaces; theory, 

modeling, and simulation; and advanced scientific 

computing.

EPA: Research the apportionment of atmospheric 

particulate matter to combustion source emissions using 

high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) and 

study nanostructures that are stable components of the 

particulate matter, e.g., carbon nanotubes. During 2005 

and 2006, EPA plans to refine this approach to further 

characterize structures by layer, separation distance, 

curvature, and tortuosity using statistical fringe analysis.

NASA: Pursue the strategy of using the biological model 

of hierarchical cellular organization for the application of 

nanotechnology and for the management of information 

as a paradigm for future space systems and explorers. 

Using real-time feedback loops, conduct research at 

the intersection of biology and nanotechnology to 

develop: (a) a bio-analytical laboratory for interrogating 

extraterrestrial samples, (b) high-density transducer 

arrays for providing high throughput, quantitative 

physiological monitoring for astronauts, and (c) 

diagnostic technologies for spaceship environmental 

monitoring. For long-term research, the goal is to 

capitalize on Nature’s model for the management of 

information, achieving emergent complex functionality 

through the self-organization of a large number of 

primitive information inputs.

NIH: Use novel tools and concepts emerging from 

nanotechnology to improve our understanding of 

biological processes. Much of biomedicine is based on 

cellular and subcellular (molecular and macromolecular) 

phenomena, so nanotechnology offers unique 

opportunities for measurement and manipulation in this 

biologically important size scale.

While much of biology is grounded in nanoscale 

phenomena, NIH has not re-classified most of its 

basic research portfolio as nanotechnology. Projects are 

classified as nanotechnology only when: nanotechnology 

tools and concepts are used to study biology; proposals 

are made to engineer biological molecules toward 

functions very different from those they have in nature; 

or they involve manipulation of biological systems 

by methods more precise than can be done by using 

molecular biological, synthetic chemical, or biochemical 

approaches that have been used for years in the biology 

research community. 

Under the Nanomedicine Roadmap Initiative launched 

in 2004, NIH will fund Nanomedicine Development 

Centers in 2005 and will expand the centers program 

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

tools with which to extract quantitative information on 

macromolecular systems in living cells or organisms, 

generating far more complete predictive models of 

biology at the molecular and longer length scales than 

are available today. In the process, engineering principles 

underlying biology will be developed. 

Other NIH programs related to this PCA include: (a) 

the National Institute of General Medical Sciences 

(NIGMS) program area entitled, “Single Molecule 

Biophysics and Nanoscience,” (b) a portion of the 

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) 

and National Cancer Institute (NCI) programs (with 

the majority of funding under the PCA on Nanoscale 

Devices and Systems), and (c) a portion of the National 

Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) program 

to develop novel DNA sequencing technologies (with 

additional work under the PCA on Nanoscale Devices 

and Systems), which will develop new fundamental 

knowledge needed to support device development.
12 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

NIST: Measure the electronic, magnetic, and optical 

properties of nanostructures; devise ways to build 

“designer nanostructures” on an atom-by-atom basis; 

perform first-principles simulations of the structure and 

dynamics of nanoscale systems; and develop methods 

and devices for quantum information processing. 

Develop quantum-based standards and measurement 

techniques for industrial applications. 

NSF: Support single investigator R&D, interdisciplinary 

research and education teams, national science and 

engineering centers, and exploratory research. Special 

emphasis will be placed on the following areas: 

• Novel phenomena, quantum control and basic 

engineering processes. Discover and understand 

phenomena and design processes specific to the 

nanoscale, including new phenomena in mechanics, 

chemistry, biology, electronics, and optics. Potential 

applications include new devices and processes 

for advanced communications and information 

technologies such as quantum computing. 

• Biosystems at the nanoscale. Study of biologically 

based or inspired systems that exhibit novel 

properties. Potential applications include improved 

drug delivery; biocompatible nanostructured 

materials for implantation; exploiting functions of 

cellular organelles; devices for research in genomics, 

proteomics and cell biology; and nanoscale sensory 

systems such as miniature sensors for early detection 

of cancer. 

• Multi-disciplinary research aimed at the nano-biology 

and nano-information interface. Multidisciplinary 

research at the intersection of nanotechnology with 

information technology, biology, and social sciences 

will invigorate discoveries and innovation relevant to 

almost all areas of the economy.

• Multi-scale, multi-phenomena theory, modeling, and 

simulation at the nanoscale. Support large-scale 

computer simulation and creation of new design 

tools and infrastructure in order to understand, 

control and accelerate development in new nanoscale 

regimes and systems. Research in this area will focus 

on theory, mathematical methods, modeling and 

simulation of physical, chemical and biological 

systems at the nanoscale. The research will employ 

techniques from quantum mechanics and quantum 

chemistry, multi-particle simulation, molecular 

simulation, granular and continuum-based models, 

stochastic methods, and nanomechanics. 

TA: Monitor developments in the areas covered by the 

PCA, facilitate dissemination of this new knowledge to 

representatives of the business community, and examine 

their implications for U.S. domestic and international 

policies.

USDA: Research nanoscale phenomena and processes 

with significant implications for improving biological 

production, processing, and preservation. Research 

sensing mechanisms useful to ensure food safety and 

biosecurity, improve environmental quality, enhance 

production and process efficiency, and promote human 

health through optimal food, nutrition, and diet.

USPTO: Pursue efforts in the following areas:3

• Nanotechnology Customer Partnership. Objectives 

of the partnership include exchange of information, 

cooperative efforts to provide patent examiners with 

in-depth technical training on the state of the art 

in nanotechnology, and identification of the best 

sources of nanotechnology-related information. 

Activities within the partnership include:

• Specific nanotechnology-related patent examiner 

training.

• Work on new cross-reference digest for 

nanotechnology designated Class 977/Dig.1, entitled 

“Nanotechnology.” Appropriate classification will 

allow examiners to more easily locate relevant 

technical information, thereby improving patent 

quality.

• Continue ongoing discussions with the “Trilateral 

Offices” partners, the European Patent Office and 

the Japan Patent Office, regarding nanotechnology–

related patent examining issues facing all three 

offices, including search and documentation issues 

and substantive examination issues.

3. These efforts have relevance to all of the PCAs.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 13

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

Nanomaterials currently represents one of the most 

promising arenas for early commercial nanotechnology 

success, as well as being an enabling technology 

for subsequent development of other areas of 

nanotechnology. There will be limited applications 

where freestanding nanostructures provide the solution. 

Obtaining a fundamental understanding of the behavior 

of hierarchically structured nanomaterials—a major 

component of this PCA—will underpin their costeffective design and manufacture. Examples of benefits 

include: metals with augmented mechanical properties 

and lower corrosion susceptibility; ceramics that are 

cheaper to manufacture and that have more forgiving 

failure modes; and composites with multifunctional 

capabilities enabled by the design freedom offered by 

hierarchical structures. 

President’s 2006 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

Nanomaterials R&D has been a priority area for NNI 

research funding from the inception of the initiative. 

Based on results from NNI workshops and consultation 

with representatives from industry, subtopics that will 

receive particular emphasis include the following: 

■ Uniform, reproducible synthesis and processing of 

research quantities of nanomaterials 

■ Harnessing of biological processes and nanoscale 

biomaterials for low-cost synthesis and templating of 

designed nanostructures

■ Research on nanomaterials for use in sensing and 

detection, identity preservation and tracking, and 

controlled delivery and release of therapeutic agents

■ Research on nanocomposites for applications 

including lightweight, high-strength materials for 

transportation vehicles and civil infrastructure, and 

on packaging materials with improved barrier and 

mechanical properties

■ Development of precision nanostructure synthesis 

techniques required to provide process control over 

quantum transport characteristics of devices utilizing 

nanostructured materials

■ Development of measurements and standards 

for nanomaterials that will provide the 

critical infrastructure for manufacturing and 

commercialization of nanotechnology

■ An improved knowledge base of information on 

chemical and biological properties of nanoscale 

materials to evaluate their uses for improving the 

environment and human health, and to avoid 

possible adverse implications

■ Research focused on nanobiotechnology for 

improving biological production, processing, and 

preservation; development of value-added novel 

materials and products to benefit agriculture and 

society 

Highlights of the 2006 Request

❏ Basic nanomaterials research for the hydrogen 

economy.

❏ Funding to accelerate research in the areas of: 

nanomechanical property measurements (e.g., elastic 

properties, hardness, strength, friction and adhesion, 

residual stress/strain, interatomic potentials); 

nanotube/nanoparticle metrology; critical 

dimensions; size distribution; electronic properties; 

structure; surface composition; separation by size and 

electronic properties; and biological properties.

❏ Development of new tools for investigation of 

nanoscale features. 

❏ Research on emerging properties of materials and 

hierarchical assembly of functional nanostructures 

from the molecular scale. A focus of this research will 

be nanostructured catalysts, as recommended by a 

recent NSF workshop.

Nanomaterials

NNI Agencies Requesting 2006 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DOC (NIST), DOD, DOE, 

HHS (NIH), NASA, NSF, USDA

Other Participating Agencies: CPSC, DOC (BIS), DOC (TA), DOC (USPTO), DOT, DOTreas, EPA, 

HHS (FDA), HHS (NIOSH), IC, ITC
14 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

❏ Increased research on characterization of novel 

properties of nanoscale structures, and on materials 

of agricultural and biological origins.

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2006 Request

All NNI agencies: Coordination, through the NSET 

Subcommittee, of all agencies’ research funding, 

industry interactions, and workshop support in the 

area of nanomaterials. For example, the report from the 

Vision 2020 “Nanomaterials by Design” workshop and 

a forthcoming report from an NSET Subcommitteesponsored workshop on that topic will provide guidance 

to agencies in formulating their nanomaterials research 

programs.

DOD, NASA, NSF: Coordinated development of 

modeling and simulation tools for predicting properties 

of nanoscale materials and for developing and 

optimizing processes for nanomaterials fabrication.

DOD, NIH: Synthesis of nanometer-scale materials 

with an optical response tunable from visible to infrared 

wavelengths, enabling (via joint support from DOD and 

NIH) R&D on non-invasive destruction of tumors in 

mice; initial studies have shown 100% success.

EPA, DOE: Further development of a novel, 

inexpensive sorbent to remove mercury from the 

emissions from coal-fired power plants. Following 

successful bench-scale testing of the technology in 2004, 

further testing is planned in 2005 and 2006.

NIST, DOE: Coordinated activity in nanotube 

characterization at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

NIST, NASA: Collaboration to develop measurement 

protocols for nanotubes and other nanoscale materials, 

including the dispersion of nanoparticles in materials for 

use in outer space, in an effort to greatly improve their 

weathering performance.

NIST, DHS: Application of carbon nanotubes for 

improved fire resistance of construction materials. 

Efficacy of semiconductor nanoparticles deposited on 

the surface of construction materials for deactivating 

biological agents and for decomposing hazardous 

chemicals.

NIOSH (with all other NNI agencies): Coordination 

among NSET Subcommittee agencies in preparing 

guidance for the research community, industry, and the 

public on appropriate practices and strategies for safe 

handling of nanomaterials.

DOC (TA and BIS) and other NNI agencies: Support 

for the work of the Nanotechnology Working Group 

under the President’s Export Council/Subcommittee 

on Export Administration to maximize the economic 

potential of nanomaterials while simultaneously 

protecting the security interests of the United States.

2005 and 2006 Activities by Agency

DOD: Develop precision nanostructure synthesis 

techniques required for a high degree of process control 

over quantum transport characteristics of devices 

utilizing nanostructured materials; harness biological 

processes for low-cost synthesis and templating of 

designed nanostructures; control and exploit interactions 

between synthetic and naturally occurring (biological) 

materials; develop nanoscale architectures to enhance 

local diffusion behavior, reaction kinetics, optical 

properties, and electrical properties.

DOE: Research on structure and evolution of 

nanostructured materials; X-ray, neutron, and electron 

scattering characterization; response to external stimuli 

such as temperature, fields, and concentration gradients; 

phase transformations; mechanical behavior; radiationinduced defect cascades and amorphization; theoretical 

and computational models linking nanoscale structure 

to macroscale behavior; controlled synthesis mechanisms 

and process science including self-assembly; organic 

and polymeric nanoscale systems; and functionalized 

nanostructures and nanotubes.

EPA: In 2005, test (in a larger-scale laboratory) sorbents 

designed to remove mercury from coal-fired power 

plants. In 2006, depending on the results of the pilotscale studies, conduct additional performance studies 

necessary for future full-scale testing and implementation 

of this technology at a commercial coal-fired power 

plant.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 15

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

NASA: Research into nanomaterials with properties 

desired for future space systems, including large size 

per mass (for ultra-large apertures, solar sails, etc.) and 

high strength per mass (for launch vehicles, human 

habitats in space, etc.). R&D includes: (a) development 

of predictive models/simulations to guide materials and 

processing design; (b) development of fundamental 

understanding of synthesis, growth, nano-macro 

structure development mechanisms; (c) integration of 

physical and chemical forces with external fields to get 

desired properties during processing as well as develop 

the ability to control synthesis and manufacturing 

processes over all length scales; (d) development of 

inexpensive methods for production of highest quality 

nanomaterials; and (e) development of adaptable 

synthesis, processing, and characterization methods to 

efficiently utilize resources of other planets.

NIH: Research on development of innovative and 

body-friendly implantable materials based on biological 

nanostructures with desired physical, mechanical, and 

chemical properties, with shapes and textures that 

mimic extracellular matrix, for regeneration of damaged 

tissues. Construct “smart” multifunctional particles to 

target specific cells or tissues, sense medically-relevant 

physiological or molecular signals, and locally deliver 

measured doses of antibiotics or other therapeutics to 

reduce unwanted drug side effects, and intervene at the 

earliest stages of disease.

Within the NCI’s Nanotechnology Characterization 

Laboratory (further described under the PCA on 

Instrumentation Research, Metrology and Standards), 

develop a characterization cascade for use in preclinical 

evaluations of nanomaterials intended for cancer 

therapeutics. 

NIST: Development of measurements and standards 

to advance innovation and application of nanomaterials 

across all technology sectors. For example, programs to 

advance metrology of optical materials at the nanoscale 

will include multi-photon luminescence spectroscopy 

and refractive index measurements of III-nitrides and 

improved growth methods and characterization of 

semiconductor quantum dots. Additionally, NIST is 

pursuing research on chemically functionalizing carbon 

nanotubes for use in chemical force microcopy, chemical 

sensors, and polymer nanocomposites to enhance 

physical and fire resistance performance of polymeric 

materials. Characterizing material properties for 

nanoimprint lithography is also a growing area within 

NIST.

NSF: Research aimed at discovery of novel nanoscale 

and nanostructured materials and at a comprehensive 

understanding of the properties of nanomaterials 

(ranging across length scales, and including interface 

interactions). Controlled design and synthesis of 

nanostructured materials with targeted properties, 

including ceramic, metallic, polymeric and composite 

materials. Examples of applications that could benefit 

from this basic nanomaterials research include molecular 

electronics, nanostructured catalysts, thermal processes 

in nanostructures, advanced drugs, quantum computing, 

high capacity computer memory chips, two- and threedimensional “designed” nanostructures, biophotonics, 

and control of surface processes and lubrication. Five 

new Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers 

(MRSECs) awarded since the inception of the NNI 

continue to focus on nanomaterials research.

USDA: Research in the following major research areas: 

(a) nanoscale biomaterials of agricultural origins for 

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

and detection for food safety and biosecurity, identity 

preservation and tracking, and controlled delivery and 

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

(d) nanocomposite materials for various applications 

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

packaging materials).

USPTO: Support the high level of commercial 

patenting activity in nanomaterials as described in the 

section on the Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena and 

Processes PCA. 
16 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

This PCA focuses on the applied research and 

development needed to transition rapidly into 

technology the multitude of science discoveries in 

nanoscale phenomena, processes, and materials. Many of 

the truly dramatic benefits from nanoscale science and 

engineering research arise when the unique properties 

of nanostructures and nanomaterials are engineered 

into useful devices and systems that take advantage 

of those properties. Such innovation in devices and 

systems grows from a foundation of understanding the 

fundamental properties of individual nanostructures and 

of nanomaterials. The development of nanoscale devices 

and systems is expected to have broad applications across 

a variety of industries with significant economic benefits. 

For example, nanostructures will enable new devices 

for data gathering, logic, storage, and transmission, all 

of which will be incorporated into future generation 

information systems. 

President’s 2006 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

The development of practical device and systems 

applications of nanoscale science and technology remains 

a top priority for the NNI. Strategic priorities underlying 

this PCA include the following:

■ Accelerating the transition of science discovery into 

practical technologies for both civilian and defense 

applications 

■ Developing an improved knowledge base of 

information on chemical and biological properties of 

nanoscale devices and systems to evaluate their uses 

for improving the environment and human health, 

and to mitigate any possible adverse implications 

■ Incorporating new fundamental knowledge about 

nanoscience and nanotechnology into systems and 

devices for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases 

■ Designing and developing active nanostructures, 

systems of nanosystems, and molecular nanosystems 

■ Creating scientific and engineering platforms—

engineered materials systems or software used as a 

stage or scaffolding that serve as the base for generic 

classes of experiments—as a mechanism to facilitate 

exploration of innovations 

■ Using nanotechnology fabrication and measurement 

capabilities to support development of new devices 

for metrological applications

■ Developing devices and systems based on research 

at the nano-biology interface and nano-information 

interface

■ Investigating the potential for quantum physics to 

revolutionize information science 

■ Developing new nanodevices (such as Si-based 

quantum devices, molecular electronics, spintronics, 

opto-electronics, and organic thin-film transistors) 

to supplement and/or supplant conventional 

complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) 

devices that are currently used by the semiconductor 

industry 

■ Supporting complementary research, in collaboration 

with industry, aimed at exploring the limits of 

CMOS technology, particularly as CMOS devices 

are scaled down to the sub-100 nm level

■ Developing biomimetic devices for better 

understanding of biological structures and processes 

important to agricultural production, food quality 

and safety, human health, and environmental quality

Highlights of the 2006 Request

❏ R&D focused on the theme, “Silicon 

Nanoelectronics and Beyond,” including evaluation 

and review with input from the semiconductor 

electronics industry 

Nanoscale Devices And Systems

NNI Agencies Requesting 2006 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DHS, DOC (NIST), DOD, 

DOE, EPA, HHS (NIH), NASA, NSF, USDA

Other Participating Agencies: CPSC, DOC (BIS), DOC (TA), DOC (USPTO), DOJ, DOT, DOTreas, 

HHS (FDA), IC, ITC, NRC
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 17

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

❏ Continued growth of nanodevice research in the 

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

exploratory research on replacing electron charge as 

the information medium with electron spin, electron 

phase, or molecular state

❏ Establishing and expanding centers for application 

of nanotechnology to the diagnosis and treatment of 

cancer and of heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders

❏ Thrusts in R&D on nanosystem architecture and 

new nanoscale-based principles for sensors

❏ Intensified efforts to develop a variety of missionspecific nanoscale devices described below (see “2005 

and 2006 Activities by Agency”)

❏ Accelerated research and development on novel 

nanoscale sensors for defense, homeland security, 

agricultural, and industrial applications, such as 

nano-barcodes and nano-based devices for product 

identity preservation and tracking 

❏ Research on controlled delivery and release of 

functional micronutrients and bioactive compounds 

to improve human health

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2006 Request

All NNI agencies: Forthcoming NSET Subcommitteesponsored workshop reports on “nanobiotechnology,” 

“silicon nanoelectronics and beyond,” and “nanoelectronics, -magnetics, and –photonics” will provide 

guidance to agencies in formulating their nanodevice 

and nanosystems research programs.

All NNI agencies: Coordinated approaches to 

regulation of nanotechnology-enabled devices and 

products through participation in the Nanoscale 

Environment and Health Implications (NEHI) Working 

Group of the NSET Subcommittee.

DOD, NASA, NSF, DOE: Cooperative efforts on 

modeling and simulation for nanoelectronics. Advanced 

simulation software developed by DOD (ARO) is now 

being used in collaboration with DOE (Sandia National 

Laboratory) to design terahertz photoconductivity 

experiments on nanoscale detectors.

DOD, NASA: Joint participation in workshop 

associated with the Nanomaterials for Defense 

Applications Conference.

DOD, NIST: ARO continues to manage a major 

program in quantum computing in coordination 

with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 

(DARPA) and other agencies. Much of the work involves 

groundbreaking advances in nanotechnology required 

to sustain the fragile quantum coherent states and 

interactions within and among qubits. NIST plays a 

leadership role in the interagency Quantum Information 

Science Coordinating Group (QISCOG), coordinates 

nanoelectronics research with the Office of Naval 

Research, and coordinates quantum information science 

research with DARPA and other agencies.

DOD, NIST: Experimental characterization studies 

conducted at Yale University for DOD (ARO) are 

enabling NIST to optimize nanopore device fabrication.

EPA, DOE, USDA: In 2004, EPA collaborated with 

the USDA and DOE in the area of pervaporation, 

specifically membranes constructed of a polymer-zeolite 

matrix where the zeolites have nanoscale pores. EPA 

plans to continue these partnerships through 2005 and 

2006.

NIST, NIH: Development of carbon nanotube chemical 

probes for elucidating nanochemical structures within 

molecular networks.

NSF: Organization of an academic-industry-government 

workshop on integration of nanoscale devices and 

systems in microsystems. Joint workshops with other 

agenies, and student exchanges with researchers from 

Germany, Japan, Korea, France, and other countries.

USDA (with other NNI agencies): Developing a better 

understanding of nano-based sensor technologies.

2005 and 2006 Activities by Agency 

DOD: Utilize breakthroughs in nanotechnology to 

provide revolutionary devices and systems to advance 

warfighter and battle systems capabilities. Establish a 

detailed understanding of nanoscale behavior related 
18 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

to electrochemical power source applications (batteries 

with enhanced discharge rate and energy density). 

Develop high energy density capacitors, fuel cell 

catalysts, and electrode structures. Engage the DOD 

applied research and development communities to 

accelerate the transition of science discovery into 

DOD relevant technologies: examine future platform 

opportunities and requirements with the Director, 

Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E) 

Advisory Group on Electron Devices (AGED); U.S. 

Navy groups developing technology plans for Navy 

Carrier Technology (CARTECH), Navy Submarine 

Technology (SUBTECH), and Navy Surface Technology 

(SURFTECH) programs; the Air Force Future 

Technology Branch; and the U.S. Army Research, 

Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) 

Nanotechnology Working Group.

DOE: Conduct research on electronic, magnetic, 

and optical properties of nanostructures, including 

quantum dots, nanoscale particulate assemblies, and 

lithographically produced nanoarrays. Research on 

confinement effects in nanoscale and molecular devices 

and on contacts and interfaces. Development of 

novel sensor concepts and lab-on-a-chip systems, and 

integration of nanoscale devices and components.

EPA: Support research on pervaporation membranes 

constructed of a polymer-zeolite matrix with nanoscale 

pores for use in the recovery of biofuels (such as ethanol) 

from process waste streams. In 2005, EPA is partnering 

with USDA to develop high-performance membranes 

and conduct bench-scale testing of this technology. In 

2006, the agencies will perform pilot scale studies and 

work to transfer the technology to larger-scale private 

enterprises. Also in 2005, EPA continues its relationship 

with DOE to test these types of membranes under realworld conditions, including the use of actual biomass 

waste streams from partners’ facilities. In 2006, EPA will 

work with DOE to extend testing to pilot scale levels.

Research also includes support for small businesses 

to develop nanoscale technologies and instruments 

for sensing, treatment, remediation, and prevention. 

Support development of new nanoporous filters for 

removal of gaseous pollutants and particulates from 

contaminated air streams, nanoparticulate catalysts 

for utilization in volatile organic compound treatment 

devices and related applications, microelectromechanical 

systems (MEMS), and nanotechnology-based devices 

for use in environmental analytical and monitoring 

instruments (including sensors and nanocomponents) 

and a personal sampling device for the detection and 

quantification of airborne nanoparticle exposures.

FDA: Form a NanoTechnology Interest Group (NTIG), 

with representatives from all the FDA centers covering 

various categories of product areas, to ensure effective 

communication among the product specialists. Establish 

and maintain a website (www.fda.gov/nanotechnology/) 

to explain FDA’s approach to reviewing nanotechnologyenabled products.

NASA: R&D for nanoscale sensors and instrumentation 

that enhance remote sensing, vehicle health and 

performance monitoring, astrobiological and 

geochemical research, and manned space flight. 

Research on properties of structures that are not only 

determined by the layering of materials, but also by 

the three-dimensional shape of nanocomponents 

and their interaction properties. Address challenges 

facing development of nanoscale sensors, including: 

(a) production and refinement, (b) manipulation 

and control, (c) lithography, (d) macro-micro-nano 

integration, (e) toxicology, (f) robust and reliable 

architectures, (g) self-calibrating networks, and (h) data 

fusion.

NIH: Continue to support the development of: new 

nanoscale devices and systems for the early and specific 

detection of disease before pathology has substantially 

damaged the body; treatment of disease by use of 

directed methods that reduce undesired side-effects; 

monitoring of treatment efficacy; and repair of tissue 

that is damaged due to inborn conditions and trauma 

(e.g., accidents, disease, environment). 

For example, at the National Institute of Neurological 

Disease and Stroke (NINDS), support research to reduce 

the burden of neurological disease by investigating 

nanotechnology as a tool to study the development, 

structure and function of the brain. Nanoscale devices 

will be used for in vivo imaging and drug delivery, with 

utility for clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of 

disorders of the nervous system.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 19

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

At the NHLBI, Programs of Excellence in 

Nanotechnology seek to apply nanotechnology to 

the diagnosis and treatment of heart, lung, blood, 

and sleep diseases. Another program goal is to train a 

cadre of investigators with the skills required to apply 

nanotechnology to this research.

Beginning in 2005, the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology 

in Cancer will fund Centers for Cancer Nanotechnology 

Excellence (CCNEs) that will serve as hubs to develop 

and apply nanotechnology devices and systems to 

the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer; 

multidisciplinary cancer nanotechnology research teams; 

and individual projects for diagnosis, treatment, and 

prevention. These new activities will be integrated with 

existing NCI programs.

At the National Human Genome Research Institute 

(NHGRI), the “$1000 Genome” program, initiated in 

2004 and continuing in 2005 and 2006, explores the 

development of nanosensors the size of individual DNA 

molecules to sequence DNA rapidly and inexpensively.

NIST: Additional funding by NIST: (a) to intensify a 

new effort to develop mode-locked quantum-dot diode 

lasers as an inexpensive, efficient, robust and compact 

technology for producing fast (~20 femtosecond) 

optical pulses; (b) for metrology and applications of 

semiconductor nanowires, including development of 

electrically addressable nanowire lasers for homeland 

security and biomedical applications including 

nanoparticle based drug delivery systems; and (c) to 

accelerate development of a radio-frequency version of 

the single-electron transistor (rf-SET) enabling fast, local 

probing of nanoelectronic devices. 

Perfecting a quantum-based arbitrary waveform 

generator to become an ac voltage standard, using 

nanoscale devices fabricated in-house. Arrays of 

single electron tunneling junctions for use as a 

capacitance standard. Development of other devices 

for quantum computing, quantum communications, 

microcalorimeters for materials analysis of nanoscale 

contaminants in semiconductor manufacturing, and 

arrays of microcalorimeters for infrared astronomical 

observations. Multi-laboratory program to develop a 

measurement platform for single molecule manipulation 

and measurements. Metrology for electrical, optical, 

and dimensional measurements of carbon nanotubes in 

support of their use as device components. New carbon 

nanotube based optical coatings for thermal detectors 

used in laser power and energy measurement standards. 

Research on theoretical underpinnings of practical 

quantum computing devices. 

NSF: R&D that applies the principles of nanoscale 

science and engineering to create novel, or improve 

existing, devices and systems. Incorporation of nanoscale 

or nanostructured materials to achieve improved 

performance or new functionality. Development 

of new concepts to understand interactions among 

nanoscale devices in complex systems, including the 

physical, chemical, and biological interactions between 

nanostructures and device components. Interdisciplinary 

research on methods for design of systems composed 

of nanodevices, including use of multiple layers 

of abstractions with various mathematical models 

representing component behavior in different layers. 

Development of: (a) new tools for sensing, assembling, 

processing, manipulating, controlling, and testing 

of nanostructures and devices; (b) techniques for 

manufacturing and device integration from nanoscale 

to macroscale; (c) design and architecture concepts; 

(d) specialized software for nanosystems; and (e) design 

automation tools for assembling systems of large 

numbers of heterogeneous nanocomponents including 

fluidics and robotics. Focused research on both advanced 

silicon nanotechnology devices and on post-CMOS 

electronic, magnetic, and optical devices: research 

exploring the ultimate limits to scaling of features and 

examining alternative physical principles for devices 

employed in sensing, storage, communication, and 

computation, including biological, molecular, and other 

emerging areas of electronics at the nanoscale. 

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

Training of regulatory staff members on nanotechnology 

to enable them to make better regulatory 

recommendations; internal discussions and research 

on applicability of existing laws and regulations to 

nanotechnology-enabled products and systems.

TA: Continue to monitor developments in nanoscale 

devices and systems and facilitate dialogue between 

industry, government, and academic research 

communities to accelerate their commercialization.
20 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

Instrumentation, metrology, and standards are key links 

in the chain from discovery to commercialization. This 

PCA aims to advance the boundaries of knowledge in 

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

of standards for the nanotechnology community. By 

supporting scientific instrument development, it enables 

new investigations that were previously not possible and 

may open up entire new fields of scientific inquiry.

Today’s suite of metrology tools has enabled significant 

exploratory nanoscale research, but the limits of their 

resolution and accuracy are being approached. While 

these tools will continue to evolve, they are not expected 

to meet all the future metrology requirements of 

nanoscale researchers. Instrumentation to probe the 

nanoscale requires revolutionary developments rather 

than just evolutionary advances in measurement schemes 

and instruments. Advances in this PCA impact all the 

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

The ability to accurately and reproducibly measure the 

properties and performance characteristics of nanoscale 

materials, devices, and systems is a critical enabler for 

progress in fundamental nanoscience, in the design of 

new nanomaterials, and ultimately in manufacturing 

new nanoscale products. 

President’s 2006 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

To meet the emerging needs of the nanotechnology 

industry, the NNI’s investment strategy for this PCA will 

balance further evolution and standardization of current 

tools and methods with creation of entirely new tools 

and techniques. Priorities include R&D in the following 

areas: 

■ Revolutionary new techniques, tools, and 

instruments that enable quantum advances in spatial 

and temporal resolution limits.

■ Instrumentation combining sub-nanometer spatial 

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

structure of nanomaterials and nanodevices at all 

points within their volume.

■ Enhancement of the U.S. nanometrology 

infrastructure supporting commercial manufacture of 

advanced products.

■ Development of nomenclature to define the growing 

number of nanostructures. This nomenclature 

should be succinct, precise, and compatible with 

conventional molecular nomenclature. 

■ Standardization of measurement techniques, 

nomenclature, and testing methodologies to 

facilitate assurance of quality, safety, and efficacy 

of nanoproducts, and their effective regulation and 

production.

■ Development and verification of advanced 

simulation, visualization, and data analysis 

techniques and supporting standards. 

USDA: Development of new sensors for improving 

agricultural production, enhancing food quality and 

safety, improving human health through optimal 

nutrition, and monitoring and improving environmental 

quality.

USPTO: USPTO’s activities designed to support the 

high level of commercial patenting activity in nanoscale 

devices and systems are described in the section on the 

Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes PCA.

Instrumentation Research, Metrology, and Standards For Nanotechnology

NNI Agencies Requesting 2006 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DOC (NIST), DOD, DOE, 

HHS (NIH), NSF

Other Participating Agencies: CPSC, DHS, DOC (BIS), DOC (TA), DOC (USPTO), DOT, EPA
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 21

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

Highlights of the 2006 Request

❏ Major emphasis on advancing the state of the art 

of microscopies and analytical instrumentation 

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

microscopes, scanning and transmission electron 

microscopes, and electron, neutron, and photon 

spectroscopies.

❏ Strong advocacy for and participation by NSET 

Subcommittee members in the American National 

Standards Institute’s Nanotechnology Standards 

Panel (ANSI-NSP) efforts to develop common 

nomenclature and other standards in support of 

nanotechnology applications and commercialization. 

Four areas have been identified by ANSI-NSP 

for standardization: (1) general terminology 

for nanoscience and technology, (2) systematic 

terminology for materials composition and features, 

(3) toxicity effects and environmental impact/risk 

assessment, and (4) metrology, analytical methods, 

and standardized test methods.

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2006 Request

NIH (NCI), NIST, FDA: Collaborate on the 

development of the NCI Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory characterization cascade.

NIST, all NNI agencies, and NNCO: Coordinate and 

provide funding and staff support for the ANSI-NSP 

activity described above.

NIST, NIH (NCI), FDA, and EPA: Collaborate to 

address nanoparticle metrology.

NIST, other NNI agencies: A forthcoming NNI 

workshop report on “instrumentation and metrology for 

nanotechnology” will provide a framework for planning 

all NNI agencies’ R&D related to this PCA.

NIST, NASA: Collaboratively develop measurement 

protocols for nanotube characterization and fabrication.

2005 and 2006 Activities by Agency

DOD: Develop breakthrough next-generation 

instrumentation for developing advanced 

nanotechnology-based materials and devices; extend 

magnetic force microscopy and enable robust single-spin 

measurement devices; extend new measurement 

capabilities into innovative sensors for use in defense 

missions.

DOE: Initiate acquisition of a transmission electron 

aberration-corrected microscope (TEAM), a major 

instrument taking advantage of recent advancements 

in correction of electromagnetic lens defects to reach 

previously unobtainable performance levels. The design 

and development of TEAM is a multi-year project 

involving electron scattering research groups from 

five DOE laboratories in collaboration with industrial 

partners. New beam line instrumentation will be 

installed at neutron scattering centers to facilitate 

investigation of nanostructures; enhancement of beam 

line instrumentation will continue in 2006 to provide 

unprecedented capabilities for dynamic characterization 

of nanomaterials properties such as structure and 

composition.

NIH: Provide critical infrastructure and characterization 

services to nanomaterial providers to accelerate the 

transition of basic nanoscale particles and devices 

into clinical applications, thereby reducing suffering 

and death from cancer. The NCI’s Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory will serve as a national 

resource and knowledge base for all cancer researchers 

to facilitate the regulatory review of nanotechnologies 

intended for cancer therapies and diagnostics. The NCL 

is described further under the Societal Dimensions PCA. 

NIST: Support the development, at an elevated level, 

of new measurement infrastructure essential to a 

wide variety of applications research, including novel 

instruments such as:

• Innovative atomic force microscopes (AFMs): an 

atomic force acoustic microscope (AFAM) for 

nanomechanical property measurement, and an 

AFM-based chemical microscopy technique using 

functionalized nanoprobes and carbon nanotubes to 

measure chemical properties of materials at nanoscale 

spatial resolution
22 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

• High-energy-resolution X-ray microcalorimeters for 

materials analysis of nanoscale contaminants that can 

undermine nanomanufacturing processes

• Electron microscopy and spectroscopy 

instrumentation for quantitative three-dimensional 

chemical imaging at the nanoscale

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

microscopy with traceable metrology capabilities

• Methodologies and techniques for characterizing the 

photo and catalytic activities of nanoparticles and 

nanopigments

• Methodologies and techniques for fabricating, 

characterizing, and modeling nanomaterials used 

for high fire-resistance materials and fire-fighter 

protection

NSF: Support R&D pertaining to new nanotechnology 

tools, including next-generation instrumentation for 

characterization, measurement, synthesis, and design 

of materials, structures, devices, and systems, and 

particularly for temporal and spatial high-resolution 

measurement of nanoscale domains of engineering 

relevance. Through the Office of Interdisciplinary 

Activities’ Major Research Instrumentation program 

and the Division of Materials Research, several 

NSF-supported multidisciplinary user facilities also will 

provide support to nanotechnology research under this 

PCA. These user facilities include the Cornell HighEnergy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), the Synchrotron 

Research Center (SRC) at the University of Wisconsin, 

the Center for High-Resolution Neutron Scattering 

(CHRNS), and the National High Magnetic Field 

Laboratory (NHMFL).

USPTO: USPTO’s activities designed to support 

the high level of commercial patenting activity in 

instrumentation research, metrology, and standards 

for nanotechnology are described in the section on the 

Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes PCA.

simulation, and production that enable scaled-up 

and cost-effective manufacturing of nanoproducts in 

the expectation that nanomanufacturing will be one 

of the principal technologies impacting the future of 

manufacturing in general.

President’s 2006 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

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

driven self-assembly, and scanning-probe-based 

techniques for control of matter at the nanoscale, 

including biologically inspired processes and 

techniques, and into methods for integrating 

manufactured nanoscale products into larger 

application structures

Development of the capability to manufacture 

nanoscale materials and devices is key to realizing 

the potential benefits of nanotechnology for society. 

Nanomanufacturing is taken here to include all means 

that have the capability to reproducibly transform 

matter—from a bulk form or from individual atoms, 

molecules, and supramolecular structures—into 

nanoscale or nanostructured materials, devices, or 

systems with desired properties and performance 

characteristics, typically in large quantities. Additionally, 

manufacturing is the capability to integrate such 

nanoscale materials and devices into systems spanning 

nanoscale to macroscale dimensions. NNI programs in 

this area support the development of nanomanufacturing 

capabilities, including tools and processes for the 

modeling, design, and manufacture of nanomaterials, 

nanostructures, and nanosystems. Research and 

development programs address new methods for design, 

Nanomanufacturing

NNI Agencies Requesting 2006 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DOC (NIST), DOD, NASA, 

NSF, USDA

Other Participating Agencies: DOC (BIS), DOC (TA), DOC (USPTO), DOE, DOT, EPA, HHS (NIH), 

HHS (NIOSH), IC, ITC 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 23

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

■ Development of process control and quality control 

in manufacturing at the nanoscale based on traceable 

metrology

■ Research and development on pre-competitive 

nanomanufacturing problems such as scale-up and 

reproducibility of nanomanufacturing processes

■ Establishment of one or more centers focused on 

nanomanufacturing research, as called for in the 

Act, via collaborative efforts among existing Federal 

agencies, programs, and offices with interests in 

manufacturing

■ NSET Subcommittee coordination with other 

Federal efforts to enhance the manufacturing 

infrastructure of the United States, providing jobs 

and other economic benefit

■ Efforts to seek and utilize advice from the electronics, 

chemical and other industries to sharpen the NNI 

program

Highlights of the 2006 Request

❏ Establishment and coordination of a network 

for nanomanufacturing based on an NSF Center 

for Hierarchical Nanomanufacturing, a DOD 

Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University 

Research Initiative (MURI), and the NIST 

National Nanomanufacturing and Nanometrology 

Facility (N3F)—all expected to be fully operational 

in 2006

❏ Identification of appropriate opportunities to 

introduce nanomanufacturing into the DOD 

Manufacturing Technology (MANTECH) program

❏ Multiple programs to develop new metrology and 

characterization tools suitable for manufacturing 

environments

❏ NSET Subcommittee participation in the newly 

formed NSTC Interagency Working Group on 

Manufacturing Research and Development (IWGM)

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2006 Request

DOD, NSF, NIST: Coordination of program plans and 

program reviews for nanomanufacturing R&D efforts, 

including four NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering 

Centers (NSECs) and the DOD MURIs, and for 

development of R&D partnerships.

DOC (NIST, TA): The Department of Commerce 

(NIST and TA) will play a leading role in the NSTC 

Interagency Working Group on Manufacturing Research 

and Development. The IWGM is chartered to identify 

and integrate requirements, conduct joint program 

planning, and develop joint strategies for manufacturing 

R&D programs conducted by the Federal Government, 

and has identified nanomanufacturing as one of three 

manufacturing R&D priority areas. TA will serve as a 

portal for industry input.

USDA, NSF: Developing new understanding of 

nano-biomaterials and nano-biodevices, which may be 

integrated into novel applications in nanomanufacturing.

2005 and 2006 Activities by Agency

DOD: Develop affordable approaches for manufacturing 

nanostructured bulk materials; enable the synthesis, 

generation, and assembly of individual nanostructures 

using lessons drawn from biology, including the 

use of viruses and related structures as templates for 

nanowires and for arrays of inorganic materials; guide 

and monitor the introduction of nanotechnology into 

military hardware; identify appropriate opportunities to 

introduce nanomanufacturing into the DOD 

SBIR/STTR and MANTECH programs.

DOE: Develop collaboration platforms at the DOE 

Nanoscale Science Research Centers, such as the 

Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies’ “discovery 

platforms,” and other activities for the investigation 

of nanomanufacturability and related R&D on 

manufacturing processes.

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

environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Of 

particular interest are nanotechnologies that reduce the 

use and release of toxic pollutants, especially persistent, 

bioaccumulative toxics (PBTs), hazardous air pollutants 

(HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

Examples include nanostructured coatings for dry 

machining, metal-free nano-laminated coatings, and 

nanomaterials with smart characteristics, including 

reactive coatings that destroy or immobilize toxic 

compounds. Additional areas for support include R&D 
24 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

on high-surface-area nanomaterials for new coatings 

and environmental applications, and in development of 

technology for solvent-free production of nanometersize high performance ceramic powders and similar 

materials.

NIOSH: Continue to develop and expand research, 

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

good occupational safety and health practices in 

nanomanufacturing. 

NIST: The National Nanomanufacturing and 

Nanometrology Facility centered at the Advanced 

Measurement Laboratory (AML) opened and began 

initial operations in Gaithersburg, MD, in 2005. 

This facility enables fabrication of new nanoscale 

devices, instruments and standards; provides access 

to expensive nanofabrication tools and specialized 

expertise; and fosters collaboration in nanotechnology 

with external partners. Additionally, emphasis is being 

placed on developing new metrologies in support of 

nanomanufacturing including:

• Phase-sensitive scatterfield optical imaging for 

sub-10 nm dimensional metrology: NIST is 

embarking on a 5-year competence project to 

advance optical microscopy to unprecedented levels 

of performance. Initial simulations indicate that the 

resolution of this technique could ultimately surpass 

10 nm, which would give manufacturers the ability 

to measure linewidth, feature overlay, and defects 

in nanoelectronic devices using high-throughput 

optical methods. 

• Force dissemination for quantitative nanomechanical 

testing: NIST is working on critical pieces of 

metrology for use by primary, secondary, and 

industrial labs to support traceable quantitative 

measurement of forces below 10 millinewtons. This 

quantitative measurement of material and device 

response under mechanical force loading would 

enable materials testing, essential to wider acceptance 

of microscale and nanoscale engineered materials 

and systems.

• Novel fabrication platforms for testing functionality 

and operation of nanoimprint lithography, nanojet 

deposition, and other nanodevices.

• New test standards with atomic accuracy capability 

and integrity.

• Database of properties of atomic and molecular 

interactions with various materials to facilitate 

autonomous atom-by-atom assembly of 

nanostructures.

• High-accuracy positioners.

• New intrinsic calibration systems for basic physical 

properties.

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

reliable, cost-effective manufacturing of nanoscale 

materials, structures, devices, and systems, including 

novel concepts for high-rate synthesis and processing 

of nanostructures and nanosystems. Ultra-miniaturized 

top-down processes and increasingly complex selfassembly (or other bottom-up) processes will be 

explored. Biosynthesis and bioprocessing methods 

will be developed for the manufacture of biochips and 

novel biomaterials, improved delivery of bioactive 

molecules, engineering of nanoscale sensory systems, 

and modification of existing biomolecular machines 

for new functions. Awards will be made through the 

Nanomanufacturing Program in the Directorate for 

Engineering, through other NSF core programs, and 

in response to the research and education theme in the 

NSF-wide program solicitation. NSF expects to make an 

award for a Center for Hierarchical Nanomanufacturing 

in July 2005, which will become fully operational in 

2006.

USDA: Explore novel opportunities to produce 

biologically based and bioinspired nanomaterials 

and nanodevices, and support research into the use 

of materials of agricultural and biological origin as 

feedstocks in nanomanufacturing. 

USPTO: USPTO’s activities designed to support 

the high level of commercial patenting activity in 

nanomanufacturing are described in the section on the 

Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes PCA.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 25

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

The NNI has invested substantial resources in 

establishing large multidisciplinary centers and user 

facilities as mechanisms to create environments that 

bring together and foster collaboration among groups 

of researchers from many disciplines. These centers and 

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

to advanced and often costly instrumentation. Provision 

of these resources is a critical component of the overall 

NNI goal to develop the supporting infrastructure and 

tools to advance nanotechnology, and allows exploration 

of all the best ideas in nanoscience and nanotechnology 

by ensuring that leading edge capabilities are broadly 

available. User facilities are readily accessible on a 

merit basis to researchers from academia, government, 

industry, and other research organizations. Access to 

centers focused in specific areas of research or application 

is available through collaboration with center researchers. 

Physical or computational facilities are geographically 

distributed across the country to ensure easy access. 

Included in this PCA are facility planning; facility design 

and construction activities; acquisition of and bringing 

into operation instrumentation for nanoscience and 

nanotechnology research; and ongoing operation of 

instrumentation and facilities.

President’s 2006 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

■ Planning, constructing, and operating major 

scientific user facilities that are best-in-the-world or 

state-of-the-art to serve researchers from academia, 

Federal laboratories, and industry.

■ Acquisition of best-in-the-world or state-of-the-art 

instrumentation for nanoscale imaging, 

measurement, characterization, and manipulation to 

support nanoscience and nanotechnology research at 

university and Federal Government laboratories.

■ Leveraging Federal Government user facilities funded 

outside the NNI for nanotechnology R&D, such as 

X-ray and neutron sources and characterization tools. 

DOE, NSF, and NIST fund facilities with these 

capabilities.

■ Maintaining and improving nanoscale fabrication 

capabilities at Federal Government research 

laboratories. Ready access by Government 

researchers to world-class fabrication capabilities 

enables development of prototypical nanoscale test 

structures, measurement instruments, standard 

reference materials, electronic devices, NEMS/

MEMS, and bio-devices critical to agency missions 

and to the Nation’s nanotechnology needs.

■ Creating an infrastructure that facilitates use of 

instrumentation and equipment from distant 

locations—true tele-operation of advanced 

instrumentation for imaging, characterization, and 

fabrication at the nanoscale. 

Highlights of the 2006 Request

❏ Compilation of data on U.S. Government-supported 

user facilities and instrumentation. During 2006, 

all NSET Subcommittee member agencies will 

contribute to this effort and make that information 

accessible to the nanotechnology research 

community on the NNI website, www.nano.gov.

❏ Establishment and expansion of facilities for 

conducting nanomanufacturing R&D—a major 

focus for this PCA in 2006. Examples described 

more fully in agency activities include the new 

NSF Center for Hierarchical Nanomanufacturing, 

NIST’s N3F, transitioning of one of DOE’s 

Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRCs) from 

construction and development to full operation, 

and completion of the NCI’s Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory.

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2006 Request

DOD, DOE, NASA, NSF, NIH: The NIH 

Nanomedicine Roadmap anticipates that NIH 

Major Research Facilities and Instrumentation Acquisition

NNI Agencies Requesting 2006 Funding Related to This PCA: DOC (NIST), DOD, DOE, 

HHS (NIH), NSF

Other Participating Agencies: DHS, DOC (TA), NASA
26 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 27

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

researchers will leverage the NNI infrastructure 

supported by other agencies to study the physical 

properties of intracellular structures. Utilizing NNI user 

facilities, centers of excellence, and other infrastructure 

resources, NNI funded researchers will gather 

information about how biology’s molecular machines are 

built as the first step towards developing molecular-scale 

medical interventions.

DOE, NSF, EPA, USDA: DOE NSRC staff members 

are having ongoing discussions of NSRC capabilities 

with the staff and/or grantees of other agencies 

(including NSF, EPA, and USDA) and expect to 

continue and expand such dialogues. Each NSRC 

also will hold annual user meetings as they move into 

full operation. Meetings involving all NNI-supported 

facilities and centers are under consideration. 

NIST, NSF: Ongoing operation of the NIST Center for 

Neutron Research and expansion for greater user access 

to nanocharacterization tools.

NSF, DOD, NASA, DOE: Plans and activities 

at NSF’s National Nanotechnology Infrastructure 

Network (NNIN) and Network for Computational 

Nanotechnology (NCN) are coordinated with centers 

funded by DOD, NASA, and DOE.

2005 and 2006 Activities by Agency

DOD: Provide advanced nanoscience instrumentation 

to universities via the Defense University Research 

Instrumentation Program (DURIP); further enhance 

nanoscience facilities and instrumentation available for 

use in the DOD in-house laboratories.

DOE: A major highlight in 2006 will be the transition 

from construction and development to full operation of 

the first of five DOE NSRCs, the Center for Nanophase 

Materials Science at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

In addition, three other NSRCs will formally begin user 

operations as their buildings are completed. All of the 

NSRCs are user facilities that are available to the entire 

R&D community, with time and staff support allocated 

on the basis of merit-reviewed proposals. Collectively, 

they constitute the major scientific infrastructure 

investment under the NNI.

NIH: Complete the NCI Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory, a facility specifically aimed 

at providing support for the use of nanotechnology for 

prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

NIST: As previously described in the nanomanufacturing 

PCA section of this report, NIST’s N3F consists of 

the extensive Nanofabrication Laboratory Module 

of the AML augmented by select instrumentation 

within AML and NIST’s laboratories that support 

nanomanufacturing and nanofabrication. Key N3F 

facilities will be opened beginning in 2006 and 2007 to 

qualified external collaborators from industry, academia, 

and government.

The NIST Center for Neutron Research will expand 

to enable greater user access to nanocharacterization 

tools. Upgrading of NIST’s Boulder nanofabrication 

capabilities will continue with the acquisition and 

installation of a new field emission scanning electron 

microscope, which will be able to image nanoscale 

devices and to fabricate 20 nm or smaller devices via 

electron beam lithography.

NSF: Continued funding will be provided for 18 centers 

of excellence—the Nanoscale Science Engineering 

Centers (NSECs)—and two major user-facility 

networks, the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure 

Network and the Network for Computational 

Nanotechnology. Funding provided in 2006 will bring 

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

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

history of usage, these will provide support for about 

7,500 academic, industry and government users and 

industry partnerships with over 100 companies per year. 

The Major Research Instrumentation Program and other 

programs will continue to support the creation of smaller 

academic nanoscale science and engineering facilities.

Additionally, one new NSEC on nanomanufacturing 

will be established, along with mechanisms for 

sharing best practices in research, education, and 

management with the existing NSECs. The Center 

for Hierarchical Nanomanufacturing and the Center 

for Nanotechnology in Society, as well as the Center 

for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale Science and 

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

for Informal Science Education at the Nanoscale, will 
28 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

have roles in disseminating information and supporting 

nanotechnology activities at the national level. 

TA: Continue to serve as an advocate for NIST’s 

AML, which will operate a nanomanufacturing and 

nanometrology facility (N3F, see above) that will become 

a user facility for industry, academic, and government 

researchers in 2006 and 2007. Researchers will be able to 

fabricate prototypical nanoscale test structures, standard 

reference materials, and electronic devices.

Societal Dimensions

NNI Agencies Requesting 2006 Funding for R&D Related to This PCA: DOC (NIST), DOD, DOE, 

DOJ, EPA, HHS (NIH), HHS (NIOSH), NSF, USDA

Other Participating Agencies: CPSC, DOC (TA), DOS, HHS (FDA), IC, ITC

The Societal Dimensions PCA focuses on the practical 

implications and cultural context of nanotechnology 

research and development, on both a domestic and 

global scale. This PCA encompasses three subtopics: 

(a) research directed at environmental, health, and 

safety (EHS) impacts of nanotechnology development 

and risk assessment of such impacts; (b) educationrelated activities such as development of materials for 

schools, undergraduate programs, technical training, 

and public outreach; and (c) research directed at 

identifying and quantifying the broad implications of 

nanotechnology for society, including social, economic, 

workforce, educational, ethical, and legal implications. 

By developing these elements concurrently with its 

scientific research programs, the NNI facilitates public 

understanding of nanotechnology, is better able to 

proactively address public concerns and identify possible 

pitfalls, and can more effectively direct resources to 

optimize the benefits of nanotechnology. Cultivating 

public trust through open communications, education, 

policy foresight, and cooperation with the international 

community is important. Public awareness, acceptance 

of, and knowledge about nanotechnology are essential 

for fully realizing its potential economic and societal 

benefits. Equally important is the need to identify and 

address legitimate environmental, health, and safety 

issues.

President’s 2006 Request

Strategic Priorities Underlying This Request

■ R&D leading to a detailed understanding of the 

health and safety impacts of nanotechnology for 

researchers, workers, consumers, and the public

■ R&D leading to a detailed understanding of the 

positive or negative environmental impacts of the 

application of nanotechnology

■ Efforts to assure the health and safety of warfighters, 

first responders, and other early adopters of 

nanotechnology-enabled products

■ Multidisciplinary education in or relevant to 

nanoscale science and engineering as appropriate for 

various audiences at all age levels, “K to gray”

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

economic implications of nanotechnology; public 

interaction and outreach

■ Preparation of the nanotechnology workforce, and 

equipping future workforce members with the 

necessary information and skills to work safely, 

responsibly, and successfully in nanotechnologyrelated jobs and businesses

■ Efforts to ensure that stakeholders who wish to 

participate in public debate and decision-making 

have access to appropriate information and education 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 29

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

Highlights of the 2006 Request

❏ Expanded joint extramural research program 

addressing potential environmental implications 

of nanotechnology, including EPA, NSF, NIOSH, 

and USDA. The partnership will also include the 

European Commission. 

❏ Development of standards for environmental 

and toxicological studies of nanoparticles, and a 

metrology infrastructure supporting these standards.

❏ Major university-based toxicity study programs 

funded at the University of Houston and at the 

University of Rochester. 

❏ Identification and addressing of nanotechnology 

R&D needed to support regulatory decision-making 

through coordination provided by the NSET 

Subcommittee’s Nanotechnology Environment and 

Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group.

❏ Coordination of national and international 

efforts aimed at responsible development through 

organization of and participation in meetings and 

forums.

❏ Ramp up of the NSF Center for Learning and 

Teaching in Nanoscale Science and Engineering 

at Northwestern University. The center will train 

teachers and education leaders in grades 7-16, with 

the aim of reaching one million students in the next 

five years.

❏ Funding of an NSF Center on Nanotechnology 

Informal Science Education, which will support 

a national network of science museums providing 

informal educational activities for schoolchildren as 

well as adults.

❏ Establishment of the NSF Center for 

Nanotechnology in Society, through which a 

network of social scientists, economists, and 

nanotechnology researchers will address key 

issues of societal implications of nanoscience and 

nanotechnology. 

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

multi-agency program administered by the National 

Institutes of Health, to study the potential toxicity 

of nanomaterials, and to pioneer inhalation exposure 

studies for engineered nanomaterials such as singlewalled carbon nanotubes and quantum dots.

Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

Supporting the 2006 Request

All agencies: Coordinate approaches to regulation of 

nanotechnology-enabled devices and products through 

participation in the NEHI Working Group.

EPA, NSF, NIOSH: In 2005, EPA is partnering with 

NIOSH and NSF on a joint interagency competitive 

grant solicitation addressing environmental and health 

implications of engineered nanomaterials. Plans are to 

expand the partnership in 2006.

FDA, NIH (National Institute of Environmental 

Health Sciences, NIEHS), NIOSH, and CPSC:

Partnering to manage and operate the Toxicological 

Evaluation of Nanoscale Materials program within the 

NTP. 

NIOSH, FDA: NIOSH and FDA co-chair the NEHI 

Working Group of the NSET Subcommittee. Fifteen 

agencies participate in the working group, including 

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

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

NIOSH, DOE: Collaborating to investigate the 

impact of new emission controls for nitrogen oxides 

and soot from diesel engines on the toxicity of emitted 

nanoparticles. NIOSH also is consulting on nano-safety 

issues at the DOE NSRCs, including ideas for safe 

facility design and operation.

NIOSH, all NNI agencies: Sponsorship of the Second 

International Symposium on Nanotechnology and 

Occupational Health (Minneapolis MN, October 

2005). NSET Subcommittee member agencies will 

participate in the organizing committee and all NSET 

Subcommittee member agencies are invited.

NIST, NIH: Collaborating to characterize fundamental 

properties of zinc oxide and titanium oxide nanoparticles 

commonly used in sunscreen lotions.

NIST, NIH (NCI): Performing fundamental 

nanoparticle metrology related to characterization 

of nanoproducts for biomedical and nanomedicine 

applications.
30 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

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

support for broad-based nanotechnology training and 

cross-disciplinary outreach efforts, particularly at the 

undergraduate level.

NNCO, FDA, NIST, NIOSH, OSTP: The Director of 

NNCO serves as Co-Chair and agency representatives 

have membership on the ANSI-NSP Steering 

Committee and panel.

NSF, all other NNI agencies: Conducting meetings for 

NSF grantees, including a forum on education and one 

on EHS aspects of nanotechnology in the NSECs. All 

NSET Subcommittee member agencies are invited to 

participate. NSF will collaborate with the Department 

of Education in the area of nanotechnology K-12 

education.

2005 and 2006 Activities by Agency

DOD: Carry out research aimed at protecting the 

health and safety of warfighters who utilize future 

nanotechnology-based applications. Support research to 

enable physicochemical characterization and toxicology 

for water, air, and space environments. Provide support 

for a multidisciplinary education system capable 

of sustaining the skilled workforce needed to meet 

future defense needs. Assess, avoid, and abate adverse 

International Cooperation on Responsible Development of Nanotechnology

Responsible development of nanotechnology concerns a multitude of factors that contribute to (1) the 

commercialization of widely beneficial applications, (2) simultaneous planning for societal changes that could 

result from such innovation, and (3) the avoidance of potential negative impacts from new products. Because 

technological innovation is a global phenomenon, responsible development will be achieved most effectively 

through international cooperation. 

An international dialogue on responsible development of nanotechnology was launched in June 2004, when a 

group of experts met in Alexandria, VA. Convened by the National Science Foundation, the meeting involved 

participants from 25 countries and the European Union who addressed opportunities for international 

cooperation and coordination. 

Addressing the participants, Dr. John Marburger, director of the U.S. Office of Science and Technology 

Policy, said that “if we are to realize the full potential of nanotechnology for our nations, and for the 

developing nations that can share its benefits, then we are going to have to agree particularly on standards 

and nomenclature, on issues of intellectual property protections, and the need for responsible oversight and 

regulation of hazards that we may discover in these technologies.”

Central to discussion at the two-day meeting was how governments could best balance their efforts to 

promote innovation with efforts to reduce, minimize or, when possible, eliminate the risks and unintended 

consequences of nanotechnology. Emphasis also was given to facilitating information exchange on societal, 

health, and environmental research across the spectrum of applications expected to emerge from breakthroughs 

in nanoscience.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a preparatory group was formed to draft a plan of action for continued 

international dialogue and cooperation.

Proceedings of the workshop, entitled International Dialogue on Responsible Research and Development of 

Nanotechnology, are available from the Meridian Institute website

(http://www.nanoandthepoor.org/Final_Report_Responsible_Nanotech_RD_040812.pdf).
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 31

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

environmental or health impact from defense utilization 

of nanotechnology.

DOD sponsors the National Defense Science and 

Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program (http://www.

asee.org/resources/fellowships/ndseg/). Further, DOD 

collaborates with NSF in the NSF-Navy Civilian Service 

Fellowship/Scholarship program. This program seeks 

students at the bachelors, masters, or doctoral level in 

science, technology, engineering, and mathematics who 

wish to commit a portion of their careers to serve at a 

Navy R&D center (http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2004/

nsf0427/nsf0427.pdf).

DOE: Support research on fate and transport of 

nanoscale particles in the environment; develop 

informational materials on nanoscience research 

activities and user facilities; and interact with public 

audiences (students, local communities, media, and 

others) as an integral part of Nanoscale Science Research 

Center activities.

DOS: Continue to implement a foreign policy 

that seeks to facilitate the prudent development 

of nanotechnologies by addressing international 

social and political concerns through cooperation 

and collaboration. International cooperation on 

environmental, health, and safety issues can help 

reduce risk while realizing the benefits of technological 

development. Cooperation on ethical, legal, and 

social issues can help improve public confidence in 

nanotechnology, encourage free trade, and promote 

sustainable development through the realization of clean, 

efficient technologies.

EPA: Support research on the toxicology, fate, 

transport, transformation, bioavailability, and exposures 

of humans and other species to nanomaterials, to 

obtain information used in risk assessment, a central 

aspect of EPA’s mission. Potentially harmful effects of 

nanotechnology might arise as a result of the nature 

of the nanoparticles themselves, the characteristics 

of the products made from them, or aspects of the 

manufacturing processes involved. It is unknown 

whether nanomaterials bioaccumulate and thereby pose 

human health and environmental risks, and little is 

known about the fate, transport, and transformation of 

nanoscale materials after they enter the environment. 

EPA, NSF, and NIOSH will fund appropriate research 

proposals from a competitive solicitation that addresses 

these issues. This will build on and complement 12 

projects in these areas funded in 2004 under a similar 

program from EPA.

NIH: Under the NTP’s broad-based research program 

to address potential human health hazards from 

unintentional exposure associated with the manufacture 

and use of nanoscale materials, investigate toxicology of 

nanoscale materials of current or projected commercial 

importance. Three of the NSET agencies form the core 

of the NTP: the National Institute of Environmental 

Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health 

(NIEHS/NIH), NIOSH/Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention, and the National Center for 

Toxicological Research (NCTR) of the FDA. 

The program is studying skin uptake, inhalation, and 

oral routes of exposure and includes the following:

• Evaluation of the size- and composition-dependent 

biological disposition of nanoscale crystalline 

fluorescent semiconductors (“quantum dots”)

• Short- and long-term studies of one or more carbonbased nanoscale materials (e.g., single-or multiwalled nanotubes, fullerenes)

• Evaluation of the role of particle core and surface 

composition in the possible immunotoxicity of 

nanoscale crystalline semiconductor materials and 

carbon nanoscale materials

• Phototoxicology studies of representative nanoscale 

metal oxide particles used in industrial settings and 

in consumer products (e.g., titanium dioxide)

Most of the funding for this NTP activity is contributed 

by NIEHS. The FDA National Center for Toxicological 

Research contributes the use of state-of-the-art 

capabilities of its NTP Phototoxicology Center. This 

activity is expanding in 2005 and 2006.

Second, the NCI’s Nanotechnology Characterization 

Laboratory (NCL, http://ncl.cancer.gov—described 

above under the PCA on Instrumentation Research, 

Metrology, and Standards) will provide critical 

infrastructure for studies supporting decision-making 

about the implications of nanotechnology-based 

products. It will develop a characterization cascade 
32 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

for use in preclinical evaluations of nanomaterials 

intended for cancer therapeutics. As part of its assay 

cascade, the NCL will characterize nanoparticles’ 

physical attributes, their in vitro biological properties, 

and their in vivo compatibility using animal models. 

The time required to characterize nanomaterials from 

receipt through the in vivo phase is anticipated to be 

one year. Multifunctional nanoparticles, including 

dendrimers, liposomes, quantum dots, metals, and 

carbon-based particles, will be tested to fully understand 

health and safety implications from the perspective 

of intentional exposure (i.e., medical application or 

delivery). In carrying out its functions, the NCL will 

provide a comprehensive set of baseline characterization 

parameters that enables nanotechnology-based strategies 

to rapidly transition to clinical applications. This work 

also will lay a scientific foundation that will enable the 

FDA to make sound decisions concerning the testing 

and approval of nanoscale cancer diagnostics, imaging 

agents, and therapeutics.

HHS has investments that are not included under this 

PCA, but that are nevertheless strongly related. Studies 

of biocompatibility are integral to many NIH studies 

supported under other PCAs. For example, research to 

develop new nanotechnology-based imaging agents or 

restorative implants routinely include animal studies 

on the distribution, processing, and excretion of these 

materials, and monitoring for adverse effects that may 

occur during and after treatment. Even studies to 

develop tools with which to study cells, or for diagnostic 

devices, routinely examine the interaction of cells or 

biological fluids with the devices. Much can be learned 

from these studies about biocompatibility, which is in 

turn related also to potential toxicity.

The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer 

is supporting the education, training, and career 

development of post-doctoral as well as mid-career 

investigators for multi-disciplinary nano-oncology 

research (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/

rfa-files/RFA-CA-05-025.html). NCI expects to award 

approximately 36 new grants in this area. NCI also is 

making some programmatic investment of note in broad 

outreach and communication efforts via its publications 

and website (nano.cancer.gov) regarding nanotechnology 

research and development as it relates to cancer and 

other biomedical applications.

The NHLBI nanotechnology centers program (reported 

under the PCA on Nanoscale Devices and Systems) also 

includes a research training component.

NIOSH: Support research on nanotechnology issues 

associated with worker safety and health through 

intramural and extramural programs, including 

assessments of the use of nanotechnologies to increase 

worker safety and protect health, and research into 

toxicity and other potential harmful effects of exposure 

to nanomaterials. In 2005 and 2006: (a) continue to 

develop and expand partnerships and collaborations 

with stakeholders including industry, other agencies, 

and academia; (b) finalize the establishment of 

the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center to 

provide a framework for coordination and direction 

of intramural and extramural research programs 

addressing nanotechnology implications for worker 

safety and health; (c) evaluate occupational exposures to 

engineered nanomaterials, addressing effective exposure 

control in the workplace; and (d) with OSHA, develop 

guidelines for working with engineered nanomaterials. 

Coordinating with other NSET Subcommittee agencies 

in preparation of guidance for the research community, 

industry, and the public on “best practices” for safe 

handling of nanomaterials.

NIST: Develop measurement methods for in vitro

diagnostics, standards for advanced healthcare 

and therapeutics, and metrology methodology for 

nanoparticles.

NSF: Support extramural activities addressing the 

benefits, risks, and other broad societal implications of 

nanotechnology, including:

• Basic research directed at environmental, health, and 

safety impacts of nanotechnology development

• Development of educational materials and curricula 

for schools, new teaching tools, technical training 

programs, and public outreach programs

• Support for participation in nanoscience and 

nanoengineering research by undergraduates and 

high school teachers

• Graduate student assistantships and fellowships that 

cut across all NSF nanotechnology research programs
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 33

2. NNI Research by Program Component Area

• Research directed at analyzing, identifying, and 

quantifying the societal dimensions of 

nanotechnology from social, behavioral, legal, 

ethical, and economic perspectives 

In addition to the more specific activities above, 

two new NSF-wide program solicitations issued in 

2005—one focused on research (Nanoscale Science 

and Engineering) and another on education (Nanoscale 

Science and Engineering Education)—continue to 

expand the agency’s broad-based support for the creation 

of knowledge at the nanoscale across all disciplines, in 

targeted solicitations as well as core programs.

Each of the 16 NSECs and the 13 NNIN nodes 

includes components on EHS; ethical, legal and other 

societal issues; education; outreach; and interaction 

with the public in their programs. Collectively, they 

support the education and training of about 10,000 

graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral 

fellows, and teachers each year. Additional Research 

Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program sites 

will be established at NSECs on a competitive basis. 

The new NSF-sponsored NSEC on Nanotechnology in 

Society will provide a framework for addressing the most 

important societal implications of nanotechnology, while 

the Center for Informal Nanotechnology Education will 

open a broad net of activities to reach science museums 

around the country.

TA: Work to open new channels for public comment 

on nanotechnology, to expand understanding of 

public perceptions of nanotechnology, and to ensure 

the widest possible public dissemination of factual 

information about nanotechnology; begin efforts 

in collaboration with academic partners to explore 

business, legal, international, education and workforce 

issues and challenges associated with the development 

and commercialization of nanotechnology; work with 

professional societies to identify and explore the impact 

of nanotechnology on the law and potential implications 

for Federal policy.

USDA: Develop new educational materials for 

undergraduate students majoring in agricultural 

and food sciences and technology. Support and 

encourage education and outreach in various aspects of 

nanotechnology through funding mechanisms including 

competitive research, SBIR, and higher education 

challenge grants.

■ ■ ■
34 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 35

3. NNI Investments for 2005 and 2006

The 2006 NNI budget request for 

nanotechnology R&D across the Federal 

Government is $1.05 billion. The increase in 

spending for nanotechnology over the last five years 

(from an estimated $464 million in 2001) reflects this 

Administration’s continuing support for the NNI, based 

on its potential to expand knowledge, strengthen the 

U.S. economy, support national and homeland security, 

and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

A detailed summary of the NNI investments for 

2005 and 2006 is provided in Tables 3, 4, and 5. 

Table 3 provides the 2004 actual budget, the 2005 

estimated budget, and the 2006 funding request for 

those Federal agencies with R&D budgets dedicated 

to nanotechnology research and development. Table 

4 provides 2006 planned investments by Program 

Component Area for each of these agencies. Finally, 

Table 5 shows estimates for agency investments in 

the societal dimensions PCA in two subcomponents: 

programs that are primarily directed at environmental, 

health, and safety (EHS) R&D, and programs for 

education-related activities and research on the broad 

implications of nanotechnology for society, including 

economic, workforce, educational, ethical, and legal 

implications.

Key points about the NNI investments:

• The 2006 Budget request is $1.05 billion across 

eleven agencies for nanotechnology R&D. 

• In 2005, NNI investments will total $1.08 billion, 

a 9% increase over the 2004 actual investment.

• The increase from the 2004 actual to the 2005 

estimated budget includes $82 million in additional 

R&D funding for NSF, reflecting the growing 

importance of nanotechnology across the broad 

mission of NSF, and $36 million in additional R&D 

funding at HHS (NIH), reflecting an increased 

emphasis on advancing nanotechnology-based 

biomedical R&D. 

• Agencies with the largest budget requests and their 

areas of emphasis in 2005 and 2006 are:

o NSF, which will support the formation 

of new centers of excellence in 

nanomanufacturing, understanding societal 

issues, and nanotechnology education, 

and which will increase support for 

multidisciplinary research.

o HHS, which is funding the National Cancer 

Institute’s Alliance for Nanotechnology 

in Cancer, the National Institute of 

Environmental Health Sciences/National 

Toxicology Program study of nanoscale 

materials, and a new activity at the National 

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH) to address implications and 

applications of nanotechnology for health 

and safety in the workplace. These HHS 

funding activities were initiated in 2005 and 

will reach full operation in 2006.

o DOD, which is increasing its emphasis 

on applications development of materials, 

devices, and systems that address the use of 

nanotechnology toward the agency’s mission.

o DOE, which continues it funding for five 

Nanoscale Science Research Centers. 

o NIST, which recently opened the Advanced 

Measurement Laboratory and National 

Nanomanufacturing and Nanometrology 

Facility to provide research equipment and 

infrastructure with forefront capabilities 

that, when fully developed, will be broadly 

available to researchers from government, 

academia, and industry.

2005 and 2006 are transitional years for the NNI 

budget reports due to the new investment structure 

based on PCAs delineated in the NNI Strategic 

Plan and described in Section 1 of this report. 

Estimates by the agencies for their investments 

in each PCA are based on the descriptions of the 

PCAs provided in Section 1. The programmatic 

activities for each PCA, including interagency and 

individual agency programs for 2005 and 2006, 

key strategies for 2006, and highlights of new 

important activities, are described in Section 2.
36 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

3. NNI Investments for 2005 and 2006

* For 2005, includes $257 million for DOD-requested R&D and approximately $148 million for Congressionally directed 

funding for nanotechnology in the DOD budget; for 2004, includes $291 million actual and approximately $103 million 

Congressionally directed funding in the DOD budget.

Table 4

2006 Planned Agency Investments by Program Component Area (dollars in millions)

NSF 95 75 54 12 24 24 60 344

DOD 35 83 99 3 2 6 2 230

DOE 48 33 5 11 0 109 1 207

HHS (NIH) 46 17 67 6 0 1 8 144

DOC (NIST) 5 1 2 39 19 8 1 75

NASA 4 17 10 0 1 0 0 32

USDA 1 2 6 0 1 0 1 11

EPA < 0.5 0 < 0.5 0 0 0 4 5

HHS (NIOSH) 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3

DOJ 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2

DHS 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

TOTAL 234 228 244 71 47 148 82 1,054 Fundamental Nanoscale Phenomena and Processes Nanomaterials Nanoscale Devices and Systems 

Instrumentation Research, Metrology, and Standards for NanotechnologyNanomanufacturingMajor Research Facilitiesand Instrumentation AcquisitionSocietal DimensionsNNI Total**

* In DOD, the assessment of FY 2004 and FY 2005 funding for nanotechnology subsequent to Congressional 

changes is incomplete. In 2006, DOD will reassess which of its assigned R&D projects are appropriate to count as 

part of the nanotechnology crosscut, and any changes will be reported in subsequent nanotechnology publications.

Table 3

NNI Budget, 2004-2006 (dollars in millions) 

2004 Actual 2005 Estimate 2006 Request

NSF 256 338 344

DOD* 291 257 230

DOE 202 210 207

HHS (NIH) 106 142 144

DOC (NIST) 77 75 75

NASA 47 45 32

USDA 2 3 11

EPA 5 5 5

HHS (NIOSH) 3 3

DOJ 2 2 2

DHS 1 1 1

TOTAL 989 1,081 1,054

** Totals may not add due to rounding. 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 37

3. NNI Investments for 2005 and 2006

Investments Within Societal Dimensions PCA

There has been considerable interest on the part of 

Congress, as well as various individuals and groups that 

are following nanotechnology, regarding the balance of 

investments by the NNI between R&D to realize the 

benefits of nanotechnology and R&D on the potential 

implications of nanotechnology for the environment 

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

importance of environmental, health, and safety aspects 

of nanotechnology has been recognized and has been an 

area of research. 

To describe what the NNI is doing to ensure responsible 

development of nanotechnology, OMB requested that 

all agencies provide funding estimates within the Societal 

Dimensions PCA for R&D on environmental, health, 

and safety implications of nanotechnology based on the 

following definition. This definition is for the purpose 

of estimating funding and is not intended to be a 

comprehensive scientific or technical description of this 

topic: 

Research and development (R&D) on the 

environmental, health, and safety (EHS) implications 

of nanotechnology includes efforts whose primary 

purpose is to understand and address potential risks 

to health and to the environment posed by this 

technology. Potential risks encompass those resulting 

from human, animal, or environmental exposure 

to nanoproducts—here defined as engineered 

nanoscale materials, nanostructured materials, or 

nanotechnology-based devices, and their byproducts. 

All other funding in the Societal Dimensions PCA 

supports research on ethical, legal, or societal issues 

and education-related activities. As a part of the 

NNI, workshops have been organized on the societal 

implications of nanotechnology and as discovery of 

potential implications of the technology has been made, 

the investment in R&D to understand implications has 

been growing.

Table 5 shows the estimated NNI investments in 

the two categories described above. Using the above 

definition of R&D for EHS implications, the funding 

indicated in Table 5 does not include R&D within other 

PCAs that is relevant to, but not primarily directed at, 

EHS implications. For example, studies of the basic 

mechanisms of interactions between nanoscale materials 

and biological systems, or work to develop an application 

of nanotechnology that produces information related to 

potential toxicity of nanoscale components or of their 

fate and transport in the environment, are not included. 

It should also be noted that R&D on EHS implications 

is taking place in industry and in university and 

government laboratories around the world. As described 

in several of the PCAs, the NSET Subcommittee is 

coordinating actively with these efforts—both nationally 

and internationally.

Utilization of SBIR and STTR Programs to 

Advance Nanotechnology

The NNI supports numerous activities designed 

to accelerate the transition of newly developed 

nanotechnologies to practical applications for 

commercial use and/or public benefit. The Small 

Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business 

Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are two of 

those activities. In 2005 and 2006, several agencies are 

naming nanotechnology as a focus area in their SBIR 

solicitations, including DOD, EPA, NIH, NSF, and 

USDA. The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research 

and Development Act explicitly calls for information on 

the use of the SBIR/STTR program in support of the 

NNI. However, the amount that is granted each year is 

not planned in advance, but depends on the proposals 

received in response to a given solicitation. Therefore, 

data are only available after grants have been awarded. 

To date, information on the amount of SBIR/

STTR funding that has gone specifically toward 

nanotechnology research has not been collected. Data for 

SBIR and STTR grants made in 2004 were not available 

from the Small Business Administration at the time of 

this report. The NSET Subcommittee will submit an 

addendum to this report once the data are available.
38 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

3. NNI Investments for 2005 and 2006

Table 5

Estimates of 2006 NNI Investments within Societal Dimensions PCA 

(dollars in millions) 

Environmental, Health, and 

Safety R&D

Education and Ethical,Legal, 

and other Societal Issues

NSF 24.0 35.5

DOD 1.0 1.0

DOE 0.5 0.6

HHS (NIH) 3.0 5.0

DOC (NIST) 0.9 0

NASA 0 0

USDA 0.5 0.5

EPA 4.0 0

HHS (NIOSH) 3.1 0

DOJ 1.5 0

DHS 0 0

TOTAL* 38.5 42.6

* Totals do not add to the Societal Dimensions PCA total listed in Table 4, due to rounding. 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 39

3. NNI Investments for 2005 and 2006

Agency Nanotechnology Programs in 

2005 and 2006

This section provides narrative descriptions of single 

agency as well as multi-agency nanotechnology activities 

with an emphasis on changes from 2005 to 2006. The 

descriptions do not describe the full range of ongoing 

activities of the agencies in support of the NNI. 

Interagency Thrusts

As indicated previously, the new NNI Strategic Plan 

that takes effect in 2006 underlies the most significant 

changes in NNI interagency budget priorities and 

coordination activities supported by the 2006 budget 

request. The NNI goals and the newly established 

Program Component Areas (PCAs), which were 

identified in the plan as supporting those goals, 

provide the basis for changes in NNI interagency 

priorities over previous years. Examples of new and 

renewed interagency thrusts for 2006 reflecting the 

goals and PCAs set out in the NNI Strategic Plan 

include nanomanufacturing, continued infrastructure 

development, promotion of technology transfer and 

commercialization, and responsible development of 

nanotechnology, including environmental, health, and 

safety research. Specific interagency activity highlights 

and areas of emphasis for 2006 include the following: 

Environmental, Health, and Safety Research

EPA, NSF, NIOSH, and USDA plan an expanded 

joint extramural research program addressing potential 

EHS implications of nanotechnology, including 

development of standards for environmental and 

toxicological studies of nanoparticles, and a metrology 

infrastructure supporting these standards. The 

National Toxicology Program’s initiative to support 

research related to environmental and health aspects of 

nanotechnology will yield early results, as will NIOSH’s 

efforts to establish “recommended practices” for safe 

handling of nanomaterials. The NSET Subcommittee’s 

Nanotechnology Environment and Health Implications 

Working Group provides a forum for coordinating this 

interagency thrust. NSET is seeking input from industry 

to provide additional perspectives.

Nanomanufacturing

NSF’s Center for Hierarchical Nanomanufacturing 

will become fully operational in 2006, as will the 

complementary DOD MURI, and the NIST N3F. 

The NSET Subcommittee’s informal working group 

on nanomanufacturing will help coordinate these 

activities. NSET will also coordinate its activities in this 

area with the NSTC Interagency Working Group on 

Manufacturing Research and Development.

Industry Liaison in Support of Technology Transfer and 

Commercialization

The NSET Subcommittee will expand its activities to 

reach out to U.S. industry beyond its existing successful 

interactions with the semiconductor/electronics and 

chemical industries, seeking input from industry on 

research needs and opportunities for technology transfer 

from NNI-funded research activities. NSF’s “Silicon 

Nanoelectronics and Beyond” activity may serve as a 

model for future collaborations with industries such 

as biotechnology, forest products, and agriculture. The 

NNI agencies will continue to seek opportunities to 

promote commercialization of nanotechnology through 

their SBIR and STTR programs, as described earlier 

in this section of the report. DOD will place a new 

emphasis in 2006 on moving research innovations into 

applications in support of the DOD mission. NSET’s 

informal working group on industry liaison will help to 

coordinate this interagency thrust.

Standards Development

The NSET Subcommittee member agencies will 

continue to provide in-kind contributions (i.e., 

staff time) and funding for the American National 

Standards Institute’s Nanotechnology Standards Panel 

(ANSI-NSP), which is developing nomenclature 

and other standards in support of nanotechnology 

applications and commercialization. Particular effort 

will be devoted by NSET member agencies in 2006 to 

expediting this activity, which was initiated in 2004. 

Participation in national standardization activities and 

in activities getting underway within the International 

Standards Organization will be complemented and 

supported by standards and metrology research funded 

by NIST and other NNI agencies.
40 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

3. NNI Investments for 2005 and 2006

Infrastructure Development

As described in detail in the previous section of this 

report, three new NSF nanotechnology research centers 

will be awarded in 2005 and will reach full operation in 

2006. NIH’s network of Nanomedicine Development 

Centers will be expanded in 2006, and the Centers 

for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence will begin full 

operation. New NNI user facilities also will become 

operational in 2006, including several DOE Nanoscale 

Science Research Centers. These and other new centers 

and user facilities will join a substantial existing network 

of dedicated nanotechnology centers around the 

country, as illustrated on page 26. The NNI-funded 

infrastructure is further complemented by an array of 

large-scale research facilities and centers not specifically 

dedicated to nanotechnology research, but providing 

the specialized tools and light sources needed to conduct 

nanotechnology research. All of this is the result of a 

coordinated interagency strategy to provide the research 

infrastructure necessary for rapid advancement of 

nanoscale science, technology, and applications.

Interdisciplinary Research at the Intersections of 

Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Information 

Technology

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

seek new opportunities for synergistic research at 

the intersection of nanotechnology and biology. For 

example, in 2005 NIH initiated new research thrusts 

on nanotechnology for cancer detection and therapy, 

novel DNA sequencing technologies, and early detection 

and treatment of heart, lung, and blood diseases, which 

are expected to reach full operation in 2006. Similarly, 

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

increase their funding for research in nanotechnology 

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

devices yielding new paradigms for computing and 

data storage) and for use of advanced information 

technology in support of nanotechnology research 

(e.g., high performance computing for modeling and 

simulation of nanostructured materials and devices).

Changes for Individual Agencies

DOD

Although total DOD research funding is decreasing in 

2006, Army, Navy and Air Force investment in applied 

research (6.2) and prototyping projects (6.3) related 

to nanotechnology will grow in an effort to accelerate 

the transition of nanoscience research into mature 

nanotechnologies for use in military systems.

New DARPA nanotechnology programs are expected 

in 2006, leading to increases in planned spending as 

the fiscal year approaches; specific topics have yet to 

be identified, but the agency continues to emphasize 

the development of nanotechnology in applications 

important to national defense, such as quantum 

computation and nanoelectronic devices. 

New nanotechnology R&D activities are being 

considered within the Defense Threat Reduction Agency 

(DTRA) and the U.S. Army Medical Research and 

Materiel Command.

DOE

The DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences will increase 

support for basic research on nanoscale phenomena 

and processes and on nanomaterials, in support of 

developing a hydrogen economy. Funding levels for 

other fundamental nanoscale scientific research, at DOE 

National Laboratories and through grants to universities, 

remain similar in 2006 to those in 2005.

DOE’s nanoscience flagship, the five NSRCs, constitute 

the largest infrastructure investment within the NNI. 

All of the NSRCs are user facilities that are available to 

the entire R&D community, with time and staff support 

allocated on the basis of merit-reviewed proposals. In 

2006, NSRC investment emphasis will transition from 

the construction and development phase to operations. 

The first NSRC, the Center for Nanophase Materials 

Science at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will 

commence full operations, and three other NSRCs will 

formally begin initial user operations as their dedicated 

buildings are completed and instruments are installed. 

EPA 

EPA will continue to focus the majority of its research 

in 2006, as in 2005, on health and environmental 

implications of nanomaterials. EPA also will investigate 

nanoscale technology as solutions to environmental 

problems. 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 41

3. NNI Investments for 2005 and 2006

NASA

A key thrust for NASA in 2006 will be the application 

of nanotechnology to space exploration, in keeping 

with the President’s new Vision for Space Exploration 

announced in 2004. At a workshop cosponsored by 

the NSET Subcommittee and NASA in 2004 on 

“nanotechnology for space exploration,” research 

opportunities were identified in areas such as 

nanomaterials, microcraft, micro/nanorobotics, 

nanosensors and instrumentation, nano-micro-macro 

integration, and astronaut health management. 

The forthcoming report from this workshop will 

help to guide the NASA nanotechnology research 

agenda in 2006 and beyond. Areas to be emphasized 

include: (1) ultrahigh strength and multi-functional 

materials; (2) high density, low power electronics; 

(3) ultra-small and sensitive sensors; and (4) highly 

miniaturized spacecraft systems (from MEMS—

microelectromechanical systems—to NEMS—

nanoelectromechanical systems). 

NIH

NIH’s priorities for nanotechnology research continue 

to be creation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic 

approaches and devices, and development of new 

research capabilities to understand fundamental 

biomedical mechanisms. This research will lead to 

improved health of the population and to reduced 

suffering from disease and disability. There is no 

significant change in priorities from 2005 to 2006. 

However, several recently launched programs will expand 

in 2006: university/research institution-based basic 

research (e.g., the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in 

Biology and Medicine Program) and an SBIR program 

(Bioengineering Nanotechnology Initiative). 

The following are new NIH programs in 2005 and 

2006:

• Nanomedicine Roadmap, NIH-wide

• Programs of Excellence in Nanotechnology, National 

Heart Lung and Blood Institute

• Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer, National 

Cancer Institute

NIOSH

In 2006, NIOSH will finalize the establishment of a 

Center of Excellence for Nanotechnology Research, 

coordinating nanotechnology-related activities across 

the institute and addressing critical occupational health 

issues. NIOSH will continue to develop partnerships 

with stakeholders and other organizations to ensure 

the relevance of its research programs, and to enable 

the translation of agency activities into appropriate 

workplace practices. 

NIST

New nanomanufacturing and nanofabrication 

programs were inaugurated in 2005 to enhance 

support for research into nanoimprint lithography, 

particle metrology, and other manufacturing metrology 

techniques. These programs also support development 

and delivery of measurement and infrastructural 

technologies to provide traceable metrology, 

process-control, and quality assurance for nanoscale 

manufacturing.

Funding also will increase for research on measurements 

of nanomechanical properties, nanotube and 

nanoparticle metrology, and to produce nanoelectronic 

and nanophotonic devices.

The National Nanomanufacturing and Nanometrology 

Facility (N3F) opened in Gaithersburg, MD in 2005, 

and will be expanded in 2006. The N3F is being 

developed at NIST as a user facility to support the 

development of new metrology and standards for U.S. 

nanotechnology efforts. The N3F provides access to 

NIST’s unique nanometrology and nanofabrication 

resources, including the facilities of the Advanced 

Measurement Laboratory, and NIST’s world-class 

nanometrology experts. 

NSF

Awards for three new NSF Nanoscale Science and 

Engineering Centers (NSECs) will be announced 

in 2005, each the hub of a new layer in U.S. 

nanotechnology infrastructure: a Center for Hierarchical 

Nanomanufacturing, a Center for Nanotechnology in 

Society, and a Center for Nanotechnology Informal 

Science Education. They will become fully operational in 

2006, joining NSF’s existing National Nanotechnology 
42 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

3. NNI Investments for 2005 and 2006

Infrastructure Network, Network for Computational 

Nanotechnology, sixteen Nanoscale Science and 

Engineering Centers, and Nanotechnology Center for 

Learning and Teaching, as national-level platforms for 

nanotechnology that include merit-review-based open 

access and that serve as clearinghouses for information. 

Research Experience for Undergraduate programs will be 

expanded at the NSECs.

An increased investment will support research and 

education on:

• Active nanostructures, systems of nanosystems 

and molecular nanosystems, with emphasis on 

architecture and fabrication of nanoscale devices and 

systems

• Understanding and controlling self-assembly of 

materials and systems

• Multi-disciplinary aspects of nanoscale science, 

engineering and technology, in particular at the 

nano-biology interface and the nano-information 

interface

• Understanding long-term societal implications of 

nanotechnology, and providing for public interaction

• Programs and teaching materials supporting early 

education related to nanotechnology

NSF will expand academic researcher partnerships with 

industry, medical facilities, and states through the Grand 

Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry and 

the Partnerships for Innovation programs.

NSF will maintain the dedicated nanotechnology theme 

within its SBIR/STTR programs, first established in 

2000, at a level of approximately $13 million for 2005 

and 2006.

USDA 

The USDA nanotechnology program will expand 

substantially in 2006 while maintaining its 

programmatic directions. The program portfolio in the 

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 

Service (USDA’s extramural research branch) includes 

research, education, and technology development 

through competitive research grants (USDA’s National 

Research Initiative and SBIR programs), higher 

education challenge grants, formula funds, and special 

research grants. R&D efforts will have a central theme 

of exploiting the novel properties of nanoscale biological 

structures derived from important agricultural materials. 

The development of nanotechnology-based sensors for 

application in the food industry and agriculture is also a 

priority, and will expand.

USPTO

The Nanotechnology Customer Partnership, through 

which Patent Office officials and patents stakeholders 

meet on a regular basis to share concerns and 

information related to the patenting of nanotechnology, 

will continue in 2005 and 2006, as will specific 

nanotechnology-related training of patent examiners. 

USPTO also is engaged in efforts to identify and 

classify nanotechnology-related patents. Utilization 

of the cross-reference digest Class 977/Dig.1 (entitled 

“Nanotechnology”), which was established in October 

2004, provides the ability to search nanotechnologyrelated prior art, will improve patent quality, and allows 

the USPTO to better quantify nanotechnology patent 

activity.

■ ■ ■
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 43

Appendices

Appendix A. Glossary

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

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

ANSI American National Standards Institute

ARO Army Research Office (DOD)

BIS Bureau of Industry and Security (DOC)

CCNEs Centers for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence (NIH/NCI)

CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission

CT Committee on Technology of the NSTC

DTRA Defense Threat Reduction Agency 

DHS Department of Homeland Security

DOC Department of Commerce

DOD Department of Defense

DOE Department of Energy

DOJ Department of Justice

DOS Department of State

DOT Department of Transportation

DOTreas Department of the Treasury

DURIP Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DOD)

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

FDA Food and Drug Administration (HHS)

HHS Department of Health and Human Services

ITC International Trade Commission

IC Intelligence Community (represented on NSET by the Intelligence Technology Innovation Center)

MANTECH Manufacturing Technology (DOD program)

MEMS Microelectromechanical systems

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

N3F National Nanomanufacturing and Nanometrology Facility (DOC/NIST)

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NCI National Cancer Institute (HHS/NIH)

NCL Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (HHS/NIH/NCI)

NCTR National Center for Toxicological Research (HHS/FDA)

NEHI Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications Working Group of the NSET

Subcommittee

NEMS Nanoelectromechanical systems

NHLBI National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (HHS/NIH)
44 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

Appendix A. Glossary

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

NIH National Institutes of Health (HHS)

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

 Prevention/HHS)

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology (DOC)

NNAP National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel

NNCO National Nanotechnology Coordination Office

NNI National Nanotechnology Initiative

NNIN National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NSF program)

NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission

NSEC Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers (NSF program)

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

NSF National Science Foundation

NSRC Nanoscale Science Research Centers (DOE program)

NSP Nanotechnology Standards Panel (ANSI)

NSTC National Science and Technology Council

NTP National Toxicology Program (HHS)

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

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

TA Technology Administration (DOC)

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 45

Appendix B. Summary of NNI Responses to the 2002 National Research Council Review

Appendix B. Summary of NNI Responses 

to the 2002 National Research Council 

Review

The 2002 National Research Council review of the 

National Nanotechnology Initiative, Small Wonders, 

Endless Frontiers, included ten recommendations for 

strengthening the initiative. These recommendations, 

along with the provisions of the 21st Century 

Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, were 

critical inputs to the development process for the NNI 

Strategic Plan, which NSET released in December 

2004. Following is a list of current or planned activities 

responding to each recommendation.

R1: The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) 

should establish an independent standing nanoscience 

and nanotechnology advisory board (NNAB) to provide 

advice to NSET members on research investment policy, 

strategy, program goals, and management processes. 

In July 2004, President Bush amended Executive Order 

13226 to designate the President’s Council of Advisors 

on Science and Technology (PCAST) as the National 

Nanotechnology Advisory Panel (NNAP). The NNAP 

is responsible for periodically assessing the NNI and 

advising the President on its progress and related 

recommendations. The NNAP is preparing its first 

report.

R2: NSET should develop a crisp, compelling, 

overarching strategic plan. The plan would articulate 

short- (1 to 5 years), medium- (6 to 10 years), and longrange (beyond 10 years) goals and objectives. It should 

emphasize the long-range goals that move results out of 

the laboratory and into the service of society. 

The NNI Strategic Plan, which was released in 

December 2004, articulates the overarching vision and 

goals for the initiative, along with strategies by which 

those goals are to be achieved. 

As described more fully in Section 1, the Strategic Plan 

details current and planned activities or objectives aimed 

at accomplishing each goal, and defines the NNI areas of 

investment or Program Component Areas (PCAs).

In 2005 and 2006, the NSET Subcommittee will 

develop research targets for each of the seven PCAs. 

Whereas the plan represents a high-level interagency 

strategy, individual agencies are developing specific goals 

based on their respective missions. A good example of 

such an approach is the Cancer Nanotechnology Plan 

developed by the National Cancer Institute (http://nano.

cancer.gov/alliance_cancer_nanotechnology_plan.asp). 

This plan identifies key areas of opportunity for 

nanotechnology to address the NCI’s vision for 

eliminating suffering and death from cancer, as well as 

measurable milestones for progress in each area.

R3: The NNI should support long-term funding in 

nanoscale science and technology so that they can achieve 

their potential and promise.

Support for long-term funding is embedded in the 

strategies for achieving each of the goals set out in the 

NNI Strategic Plan and is embodied in the activities 

and programs within the participating agencies. A 

component of the NNI that particularly represents 

this long-term commitment is the investment in 

infrastructure, including multidisciplinary centers that 

have lifetimes of 5 to 10 years and the construction of 

major research facilities dedicated to nanoscale science 

and technology R&D. The chart on page 26 of this 

report shows over two dozen centers already established, 

as well as additional centers now being planned.

In addition to supporting infrastructure, activities 

such as the NTP program to investigate the toxicity of 

nanomaterials and the NCI Nanotechnology Cancer 

Plan are examples of long-term planning for and 

commitment to nanotechnology research.

R4: NSET should increase multiagency investments in 

research at the intersection between nanoscale technology 

and biology. 

The NSET Subcommittee has addressed multiagency 

investments in research at the intersection of nanoscale 

technology and biology in several ways. First, the NSET 

Subcommittee convened a workshop, with participation 

by multiple agencies as well as academics from a broad 

range of disciplines. The workshop was aimed at bridging 

the gaps between the nanotechnology and biology 

communities by inviting leaders from both communities 

and by identifying cross–cutting scientific opportunities 
46 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

Appendix B. Summary of NNI Responses to the 2002 National Research Council Review

that can be realized only through effective collaborations 

among these communities. Workshop participants 

presented concrete examples of opportunities and 

needs at the interface of nanotechnology and biology. 

As suggested by the workshop, NNI activities are 

encouraging the formation of multidisciplinary teams in 

which participants will benefit from and contribute to 

each other’s ongoing investigations, and ultimately open 

new lines of completely novel inquiry. 

Second, NIH investments in research at the intersection 

of nanoscale technology and biology have increased 

significantly, and as described in the PCA subsections on 

“Interagency Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration 

in Support of the 2006 Request,” a number of 

multiagency investments in this field are underway. 

Third, programs at the nano-bio interface under joint 

agency sponsorship, initiated since the National Research 

Council report, include (a) the EPA-NSF-NIOSH 

solicitation for proposals to investigate Environmental 

and Human Health Effects of Manufactured 

Nanomaterials (which is expected to result in 15 to 20 

awards in 2005) and (b) in vivo rodent studies of toxicity 

and uptake of fullerenes and semiconductor quantum 

dots under the National Toxicology Program (involving 

the FDA, NIOSH, and the NIEHS). 

Finally, the NSET Subcommittee has formed a working 

group on Nanotechnology Environmental and Health 

Implications (NEHI) that is playing a very active 

role in research and regulatory issues at the bio/nano 

interface, including coordinating regulatory and 

standards development efforts and developing models for 

biological impacts of engineered nanomaterials.

R5: NSET should create programs for the invention and 

development of new instruments for nanoscience.

Over 60 universities have received NNI funding 

in support of nanotechnology facilities and 

instrumentation. Four national networks are developing 

state-of-the-art tools and instruments, and making them 

available to the research community as user facilities: 

1. The National Nanotechnology Infrastructure 

Network (supported by NSF)

2. The Nanoscale Science Research Centers (supported 

by DOE, collocated at national laboratory sites) 

3. The National Nanomanufacturing and 

Nanometrology Facility and Advanced Measurement 

Laboratory (supported by NIST)

4. The Network for Computational Nanotechnology 

(supported by NSF)

Research into novel experimental and computational 

tools will continue to receive high priority as part of the 

Instrumentation Research, Metrology, and Standards 

Program Component Area.

R6: Create a special fund for Presidential grants, under 

OSTP management, to support interagency research 

programs relevant to nanoscale science and technology. 

These grants should be used exclusively to fund 

meaningful interagency collaborations that cross mission 

boundaries, particularly among the National Institutes 

of Health, the Department of Energy, and the National 

Science Foundation.

While current authorities do not allow direct OSTP 

funding of programs as the National Research Council 

recommended, the NSET Subcommittee, with OSTP 

encouragement, continues to explore means for 

stimulating further interagency collaborations. The 

NEHI working group and joint EPA-NSF-NIOSH 

solicitations mentioned above, and the coordinated 

DOD-NSF-NIST activities in nanomanufacturing, as 

well as NIH-NSF-USDA and NIH-DOE cosponsored 

workshops, are examples of such activities. 

R7: NSET should provide strong support for the 

development of an interdisciplinary culture for nanoscale 

science and technology within the NNI.

The educational programs, grant solicitations, and 

facilities use policies of the NNI all strongly encourage 

an interdisciplinary approach to nanoscale science and 

engineering. In particular, solicitations for centers of 

excellence and research teams require multidisciplinary 

participation. Over 40,000 practitioners from numerous 

disciplines have received training in at least one 

aspect of nanotechnology through NNI-sponsored 

programs. Educational programs at the middle and 

high school level, both in classrooms and in informal 

settings, are beginning to introduce nanoscience 

concepts. These programs are laying the groundwork 

for an interdisciplinary culture among tomorrow’s 

nanotechnology researchers. 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 47

Appendix B. Summary of NNI Responses to the 2002 National Research Council Review

Several NIH activities focus on interdisciplinary 

research approaches. The Nanomedicine Roadmap 

Initiative envisions a cross-disciplinary effort with 

biologists, clinicians, physical scientists, engineers, and 

mathematicians to create new paradigms for treating 

disease and healing injured tissue. The National 

Cancer Institute has invited researchers from all 

disciplines to participate in its cancer nanotechnology 

programs, and supports career development grants for 

individuals trained in the basic, biomedical, clinical, and 

information sciences and engineering who wish to apply 

their knowledge and skills to critical problems in cancer 

research and clinical oncology.

R8: Industrial partnerships should be stimulated and 

nurtured, both domestically and internationally, to help 

accelerate the commercialization of NNI developments. 

NSET should create support mechanisms for 

coordinating and leveraging state initiatives to organize 

regional competitive clusters for the development of 

nanoscale science and technology.

The NSET Subcommittee’s vision of a “grand coalition” 

of academe, government, industry, and professional 

groups contributing to the NNI is taking shape. Over 22 

alliances have been formed throughout the United States 

at regional, state, and local levels to promote industrial 

partnerships in commercial or educational opportunities. 

In September 2003 the NSET Subcommittee and the 

NNCO brought together interested parties from 22 

states and the District of Columbia to discuss common 

goals and practices and interact with representatives of 

NNI agencies.

The NSET Subcommittee and the NNCO have begun 

major outreach efforts to science, engineering, and health 

professional societies. Industry liaison activities also are 

underway with the electronics sector and the chemical 

sector, and are being initiated with several other major 

U.S. industrial sectors including aerospace, automotive, 

biotechnology, forest products, and plastics. Specifically, 

NSET has consulted with the electronics and chemical 

sectors; jointly organized workshops have resulted and 

reports from those workshops are available through the 

NNI website. Industrial participation also is critical to 

the standards activities the NSET Subcommittee has 

initiated in the past year under the auspices of the new 

ANSI Nanotechnology Standards Panel. These industrial 

partnerships will be crucial to NNI Goal 2, facilitating 

transfer of new technologies into products for economic 

growth, jobs, and other public benefit.

R9: NSET should develop a new funding strategy to 

ensure that the societal implications of nanoscale science 

and technology become an integral and vital component 

of the NNI.

While research and education into societal implications 

of nanotechnology have been integral to NSET 

Subcommittee member agency plans since the inception 

of the NNI, they have received heightened attention 

in the past two years. Four interagency workshops on 

environmental, social, and medical issues were held in 

2003 alone, and the number of research projects funded 

in these areas has grown significantly since the National 

Research Council made this recommendation. In 

accordance with the provisions of the Act, NSF opened a 

competition for a Center for Nanotechnology in Society 

and expects to make an award for this center in 2005.

The NNI Strategic Plan defines a Societal Dimensions 

Program Component Area, with subcategories for 

research related to environmental, health, and safety 

impacts; education and public outreach; and other broad 

implications of the development of nanotechnology 

including social, economic, ethical, legal, and workforce 

issues. Activities in this PCA directly support Goal 4 of 

that plan, Responsible Development of Nanotechnology. 

R10. NSET should develop performance metrics to assess 

the effectiveness of the NNI in meeting its objectives and 

goals.

A component of the NNI Strategic Plan is the 

establishment of focused R&D objectives within each 

of the PCAs. As indicated in this Supplement to the 

President’s 2006 Budget, the NSET Subcommittee 

member agencies plan to define these objectives in terms 

of “research targets” during 2005 and 2006. The NSET 

Subcommittee obtained recommendations from the 

academic and industrial communities for these research 

targets during the NNI Research Directions II workshop 

convened in September 2004. 
48 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

Appendix C. Contact List

OSTP

Dr. Celia I. Merzbacher

Agency Representative

National Science and Technology 

Council 

Washington, DC 20502

T: 202-456-6108

F: 202-456-6021

Celia_Merzbacher@ostp.eop.gov 

Dr. Sharon L. Hays

Deputy Associate Director for 

Technology

Office of Science and Technology Policy

Executive Office of the President

Washington, DC 20502

T: 202-456-6135

F: 202-456-6021

shays@ostp.eop.gov

OMB

Irene Brahmakulam

Office of Management and Budget

Executive Office of the President

725 17th St., N.W.

Washington, DC 20503

T: 202-395-3535

ibrahmak@omb.eop.gov

David P. Radzanowski

Office of Management and Budget

Executive Office of the President

725 17th St., N.W.

Washington, DC 20503

T: 202-395-4613 

David_P._Radzanowski@omb.eop.gov 

NNCO

Dr. E. Clayton Teague

Director

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4319

F: 703-292-9312

cteague@nnco.nano.gov

Catherine B. Alexander

Communications Director

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4399

F: 703-292-9312

calexand@nnco.nano.gov

Thomas Bartolucci

Systems Administrator

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4533

F: 703-292-9312

tbartolu@nnco.nano.gov

Stephen B. Gould

Project Manager

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4503

F: 703-292-9312

sgould@nnco.nano.gov

Appendix C. Contact List

National Science and Technology Council, Committee on Technology 

Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET)

NSET Chair: Dr. Mihail C. Roco, National Science Foundation

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

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

BIS

James Thompson

Division Director, Sensors and 

Aerospace

Bureau of Industry and Security

U.S. Department of Commerce

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

Room 2600

Washington, DC 20230

T: 202-482-3226

jthompso@bis.doc.gov

List of NSET Members and Relevant Executive Office of the President and NNCO Staff
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 49

Appendix C. Contact List

Michael J. Pender

Licensing Officer/Patent Attorney

Office of National Security and 

Technology Transfer Controls

U.S. Department of Commerce

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

Room 2600

Washington, DC 20230

T: 202-482-2458

F: 202-482-3345

mpender@bis.doc.gov

CPSC

Dr. Mary Ann Danello

Associate Executive Director

Directorate for Health Sciences

U.S. 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

U.S. 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

Transportation Security Administration

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Mail Code: TSL-100

Transportation Security Research & 

Development Division

William J. Hughes Technical Center, 

Bldg. 315

Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 

08405

T: 609-813-2760

F: 609-383-1973

Richard.Lareau@faa.gov

Dr. Keith Ward

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Science & Technology Directorate

7th and D Street S.W.

Washington, DC 20590

T: 202-254-6132

Keith.Ward@dhs.gov

DOD 

Dr. William O. Berry

Director for Basic Research

ODUSD(LABS)

Department of Defense

Ballston Center Tower 3

4015 Wilson Blvd. Suite 209

Arlington, VA 22203

T: 703-696-0363

F: 703-696-0569

william.berry@osd.mil

Dr. James S. Murday 

Superintendent, Chemistry Division

Naval Research Laboratory

Code 6100

4555 Overlook Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20375-5342 

T: 202-767-3026

F: 202-404-7139

murday@ccf.nrl.navy.mil

Dr. Gernot S. Pomrenke

Directorate of Physics and Electronics

Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Ballston Common Towers III

4015 Wilson Blvd., Room 713 

Arlington, VA 22203-1954

T: 703-696-8426

F: 703-696-8481

gernot.pomrenke@afosr.af.mil

Dr. David M. Stepp

Chief, Materials Science Division

U.S. Army Research Office

AMSRD-ARL-RO-EM

P.O. Box 12211

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

T: 919-549-4329

F: 919-549-4399

david.m.stepp@us.army.mil

Dr. Josh Henkin

Office of the ARO/DDR&E Scientific 

Advisor

Army Research Office – Washington

4015 Wilson Blvd. Suite #216

Arlington, VA 22203-1939

T: 703-696-2530

F: 703-696-2535

Joshua.Henkin.ctr@osd.mil

DOE

Dr. Patricia M. Dehmer

Director

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

U.S. Department of Energy

SC-10/GTN

1000 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20585

T: 301-903-3081 

F: 301-903-6594 

PATRICIA.DEHMER@science.doe.gov

Dr. Altaf H. Carim

Division of Materials Sciences and 

Engineering

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

U.S. Department of Energy

SC-13/GTN

1000 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20585

T: 301-903-4895

F: 301-903-9513

e-mail: carim@science.doe.gov

Dr. John C. Miller

Division of Chemical Sciences, 

Geosciences, and Biosciences

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

U.S. Department of Energy

GTN/SC14/E425

1000 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20585

T: 301-903-5806

F: 301-903-4110

John.Miller@science.doe.gov

Dr. Kristin A. Bennett

Division of Materials Sciences and 

Engineering

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

U.S. Department of Energy

SC-13/GTN/F419

1000 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20585

T: 301-903-4269

F: 301-903-9513

Kristin.Bennett@science.doe.gov

Dr. Aravinda M. Kini

Division of Materials Sciences and 

Engineering

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

U.S. Department of Energy

SC-13/GTN

1000 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20585

T: 301-903-3565

F: 301-903-9513

a.kini@science.doe.gov
50 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

Appendix C. Contact List

Dr. Sara A. Dillich

Office of Industrial Technologies

U.S. Department of Energy

Headquarters Bldg., EE-2F

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, DC 20585-0121

T: 202-586-7925

F: 202-586-7114

Sara.Dillich@ee.doe.gov

DOJ

Dr. Stanley A. Erickson

Chief, Research and Technology 

Development Division

Department of Justice 

Office of Science and Technology

National Institute of Justice

810 7th Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20531

T: 202-305-4686

F: 202-305-9091

Stanley.Erickson@usdoj.gov

DOS

Ralph L. Braibanti

Director, Office of Space and Advanced 

Technology G/OES/SAT

Department of State 

2201 C Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20520

T: 202-663-2390 

F: 202-663-2402

BraibantiRL@state.gov

Dr. Peter Kozodoy 

Office of the Science and Technology 

Adviser 

G/STAS 

Department of State 

2201 C Street, N.W. 

Washington, DC 20520 

T: 202-663-3240 

F: 202-663-5136

KozodoyPX@state.gov

Dr. Christopher J. Rothfuss

Office of Space and Advanced Technology

G/OES/SAT 

U.S. Department of State 

2201 C Street, N.W. 

Washington, DC 20520 

T: 202-663-2399 

F: 202-663-2402 

RothfussCJ@state.gov

DOT

Dr. Richard R. John

Director, Volpe National Transportation 

Systems Center

Department of Transportation

55 Broadway, Kendall Square

Cambridge, MA 02142

T: 617-494-2222

F: 617-494-3731

john@volpe.dot.gov

Annalynn Lacombe

Program Analyst

Transportation Strategic Planning and 

Analysis Office

Volpe National Transportation Systems 

Center

Department of Transportation

55 Broadway

Cambridge, MA 02142

T: 617-494-2161

F: 617-494-3688

Lacombe@volpe.dot.gov

Dr. Richard A. Livingston

Senior Physical Scientist

Office of Infrastructure R&D

Federal Highway Administration

6300 Georgetown Pike

McLean Virginia 22101

T: 202-493-3063

F: 202-493-3161

Dick.Livingston@fhwa.dot.gov

DOTreas

James Carter

Deputy Assistant Secretary for 

Economic Policy

U.S. Department of the Treasury

T: 202-622-2220

James.Carter@do.treas.gov

EPA

Stephen A. Lingle

Director, Environmental Engineering 

Research Division

National Center for Environmental 

Research 

Office of R&D, 8722F

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Av., N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

T: 202-343-9830

F: 202-565-2446

Lingle.Stephen@epamail.epa.gov

Dr. Barbara P. Karn

Environmental Engineering Research 

Division

National Center for Environmental 

Research

Office of R&D, 8722F

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

T: 202-343-9704

F: 202-343-0678

Karn.Barbara@epamail.epa.gov

Dr. Nora F. Savage

National Center for Environmental 

Research

Office of R&D, 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. Phillip 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

Dr. Flora Chow

Chemical Control Division 

Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics

Environmental Protection Agency

Mailcode 7405M

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

T: 202-564-8983

F: 202-564-9490

chow.flora@epa.gov

FDA

Dr. Norris E. Alderson

Associate Commissioner for Science

Director, Office of Science and Health 

Coordination

Food and Drug Administration

5600 Fishers Lane, Rm. 14-69 (HF-32)

Rockville, MD 20857

T: 301-827-3340

F: 301-827-3410

nalderson@oc.fda.gov
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget 51

Appendix C. Contact List

Dr. Stanley A. Brown

Biomaterials Engineer

Food and Drug Administration

Division of Mechanics & 

Materials Science

12725 Twinbrook Parkway

Rockville, MD 20852

T: 301-827-4751

T: 301-827-4853 

sab@cdrh.fda.gov

Donald E. Marlowe

Standards Administrator

Food and Drug Administration

Office of Science and Health 

Coordination

Office of the Commissioner

5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville, MD 20857

T: 301-827-3340

dmarlowe@oc.fda.gov

ITC

Elizabeth R. Nesbitt 

Supervisory International Trade Analyst 

Energy, Chemicals and Textiles Division 

Office of Industries

International Trade Commission

500 E Street S.W.

Room 500I

Washington, DC 20436 

T: 202-205-3355 

F: 202-205-3161

elizabeth.nesbitt@usitc.gov 

IC

Susan Durham

DCI Intelligence Technology Innovation 

Center

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, DC 20505

susaned0@ucia.gov

NASA

Dr. Minoo N. Dastoor

Special Assistant

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration

NASA Headquarters, Room 6A20

Washington DC 20546-0001

T: 202-358-4518

F: 202-358-2920

mdastoor@mail.hq.nasa.gov

Dr. Murray S. Hirschbein

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration

NASA Headquarters, Rm. 6D70

Washington DC 20546-0001

T: 202-358-4662

F: 202-358-2920

mhirschb@mail.hq.nasa.gov

Dr. Meyya Meyyappan

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration

Ames Research Center

MS 229-3 

Moffett Field, CA 94035

T: 650-604-2616

F: 650-604-5244

meyya@orbit.arc.nasa.gov

NIH

Dr. 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

Dr. Eleni Kousvelari

Chief, Cellular & Molecular Biology, 

Physiology & Biotechnology Branch

National Institute of Dental and 

Craniofacial Research

National Institutes of Health

Natcher Building, Room 4AN 18A

Bethesda, MD 20892-6402

T: 301-594-2427

F: 301-480-8318

kousvelari@de45.nidr.nih.gov

NIH/NCI

Dr. Gregory J. Downing

Director, Office of Technology and 

Industrial Relations

Office of the Director

National Cancer Institute

National Institutes of Health

31 Center Drive, 10A52

Bethesda, MD 20892

T: 301-496-1550

F: 301-496-7807

downingg@mail.nih.gov

Travis M. Earles

Technology Development Specialist

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

NIH/NHLBI

Dr. Denis Buxton

Heart Research Program, DHVD

National Heart, Lung, and Blood 

Institute

National Institutes of Health 

6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 9186

Bethesda, MD 20871 

T: 301-435-0504

F: 301-480-1454

BuxtonD@NHLBI.NIH.GOV

NIH/NIBIB

Dr. Peter Moy

Program Director

National Institute of Biomedical 

Imaging and Bioengineering

National Institutes of Health 

Democracy Two, Suite 200 MSC 5469

6707 Democracy Boulevard

Bethesda, MD 20892-5469

T: 301-496-9270

F: 301-480-0679

moype@mail.nih.gov

NIH/NIEHS

Dr. John R. Bucher

Deputy Director, Environmental 

Toxicology Program 

Chief, Toxicology Operations Branch

National Institute of Environmental 

Health Sciences

National Institutes of Health

P.O. Box 12233 

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

T: 919-541-4532

F: 919-541-4225 

bucher@niehs.nih.gov
52 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2006 Budget

Appendix C. Contact List

Dr. Sally S. Tinkle

Program Administrator

Cellular, Organ, and Systems 

Pathobiology Branch 

National Institute of Environmental 

Health Sciences

National Institutes of Health

P.O. Box 12233, MD

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

T: 919-541-5327 

F: 919-541-5064

tinkle@niehs.nih.gov

NIOSH

Dr. Andrew Maynard 

Senior Service Fellow 

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health 

Robert A. Taft Laboratory 

4676 Columbia Parkway, MS R3 

Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998 

T: 513-841-4319

F: 513-841-4545

zel5@cdc.gov

Dr. Vladimir V. Murashov

Senior Scientist

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health

OD/NIOSH M/S-P12

200 Independence Ave., S.W.

Room 733G

Washington, DC 20201

T: 202-401-3737

F: 202-260-4464

vem8@cdc.gov

NIST

Dr. Michael T. Postek

Program Manager/Group Leader

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology

Precision Engineering Division

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8212

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8212

T: 301-975-2299

F: 301-869-0822

postek@nist.gov

Dr. Robert D. Shull

Metallurgy Division

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8552

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8552

T: 301-975-6035

F: 301-975-4553

robert.shull@nist.gov

Dr. Eric Steel

Acting Director, Program Office

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1060

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1060

T: 301-975-3750

F: 301-216-0529

eric.steel@nist.gov

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. Thomas A. Weber

Director, Division of Materials Research

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Mathematical and 

Physical Sciences

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1065

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4915

F: 703-292-9035

tweber@nsf.gov

Dr. Maryanna P. Henkart

Director, Division of Molecular and 

Cellular Biology

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Biological Sciences

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 655S

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8440

F: 703-292-9061

mhenkart@nsf.gov

Dr. T. James Rudd

Program Manager, SBIR/STTR

Division of Design, Manufacture, & 

Industrial Innovation

National Science Foundation

4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 550

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4759

F: 703-292-9057

tjrudd@nsf.gov

■ ■ ■

NRC

Michele Evans

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Mail Stop T-10D20

Washington, DC 20555-0001

T: 301-415-7210

MGE@nrc.gov

TA

John F. Sargent, Jr.

Senior Policy Analyst

Office of Technology Policy

Technology Administration

U.S. Department of Commerce

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

Rm. 4823

Washington, DC 20230

T: 202-482-6185

F: 202-501-2595

jsargent@technology.gov

USDA 

Dr. Hongda Chen

National Program Leader, Bioprocess 

Engineering 

U.S. 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

USPTO 

Charles Eloshway

Patent Attorney

Office of International Relations

United States Patent and Trademark 

Office

T: 571-272-9300

F: 571-273-0123

Charles.Eloshway@uspto.gov

Bruce Kisliuk

Patent Examining Group Director

Technology Center 1600

United States Patent and Trademark 

Office

T: 571-272-0700

F: 571-273-0200 

Bruce.Kisliuk@uspto.gov