THE NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE

Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget
About the National Science and Technology Council

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

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

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

NSTC prepares research and development strategies that are coordinated across Federal agencies to form investment 

packages aimed at accomplishing multiple national goals. The work of the NSTC is organized under committees that 

oversee subcommittees and working groups focused on different aspects of science and technology. More information is 

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

About the Office of Science and Technology Policy

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

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

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

science and technology policy and programs; and fostering strong partnerships among Federal, state, and local 

governments, and the scientific communities in industry and academia. The Director of OSTP also serves as Assistant to the 

President for Science and Technology and manages the NSTC. More information is available at www.ostp.gov. 

About this document

This document is a supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget request submitted to Congress on March 4, 2014. It gives a 

description of the activities underway in 2013 and 2014 and planned for 2015 by the Federal Government agencies 

participating in the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), primarily from a programmatic and budgetary perspective. It 

is based on the NNI Strategic Plan released in February 2014 and reports actual investments for 2013, estimated 

investments for 2014, and requested investments for 2015 by Program Component Area (PCA), as called for under the 

provisions of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-153, 15 USC 

§7501). The report also addresses the requirement for Department of Defense reporting on its nanotechnology 

investments, per 10 USC §2358. Additional information regarding the NNI is available on the NNI website at www.nano.gov. 

About the cover

The cover images depict silica-core, gold-shell nanoparticles (gold nanoshells) as visualized by a transmission electron 

microscope (TEM). Each particle consists of a silica core (on the order of 100 nanometers in diameter) surrounded by a gold 

shell that is approximately 15 nanometers thick. These particles have unique features because of their nanoscale size and 

composition, and emit heat when activated with a specific wavelength of light. These gold nanoshells are currently 

undergoing clinical trial for targeted thermal ablation of tumors in cancer therapy. Preclinical characterization of these 

nanoparticles was performed at the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, in collaboration with Nanospectra 

Biosciences, Inc., at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, funded by the National Cancer Institute. The 

National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense provided early institutional support to Rice University and 

Nanospectra for research on the development of the gold nanoshells and exploration of their potential applications. 

Front: A “slice” from a 3D tomography image of the gold nanoshells, with false color added to emphasize the gold shell 

(yellow) and silica core (blue). To create this 3D reconstruction, the sample grid was gradually tilted, acquiring TEM images 

at every 2°. The resulting series of images were correlated and reconstructed into a 3D model. This technique allows 

researchers to visualize the inside of the particles and to examine the completeness of the gold shell. 

Back: TEM of the same gold nanoshells without 3D rendering. 

Cover and book design

Cover design is by Kathy Tresnak of Koncept, Inc. Book design is by staff of the National Nanotechnology Coordination 

Office (NNCO).

Copyright information

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

stipulations below, it may be distributed and copied, with acknowledgement to NNCO. Copyrights to graphics included in 

this document are reserved by original copyright holders or their assignees and are used here under the Government’s 

license and by permission. Requests to use any images must be made to the provider identified in the image credits, or to 

NNCO if no provider is identified.

Printed in the United States of America, 2014. 
SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRESIDENT’S BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 

THE NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE

Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology

Committee on Technology

National Science and Technology Council

March 2014
KEY * Official NSET Representative

† An independent commission that is represented on NSET but is non-voting

Report prepared by

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY (CoT)

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

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

CoT Executive Secretary: Randy Paris, Office of Science and Technology Policy 

NSET Subcommittee Chair: National Nanotechnology Coordination Office:

Altaf H. Carim, Office of Science and Technology Policy Lloyd J. Whitman, Interim Director 

NSET Subcommittee Executive Secretary: 

Tarek R. Fadel, National Nanotechnology Coordination Office

NSET Subcommittee Participants

Office of Science and Technology Policy 

(OSTP)

Altaf H. Carim* 

Office of Management and Budget 

(OMB)

Danielle Jones*

James Kim*

Celinda Marsh*

Consumer Product Safety Commission 

(CPSC)†

Mary Ann Danello* 

Treye A. Thomas* 

Department of Commerce (DOC)

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Kelly Gardner* 

Economic Development 

Administration (EDA) 

Thomas Guevara* 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST) 

Heather Evans*

Ajit Jillavenkatesa*

Debra L. Kaiser

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 

(USPTO) 

Gladys Corcoran* 

David R. Gerk* 

Bruce Kisliuk* 

Department of Defense (DOD)

Mostafiz Chowdhury

Jeffrey DePriest* 

Akbar Khan* 

Heather Meeks

Brian D. Pate 

Gernot S. Pomrenke* 

Lewis E. Sloter* 

David M. Stepp* 

Peter Vandeventer

Department of Education (DOEd)

Peirce Hammond* 

Department of Energy (DOE)

Harriet Kung*

George Maracas*

John C. Miller*

Andrew R. Schwartz*

Brian G. Valentine* 

Department of Health and Human 

Services (DHHS)

Agency for Toxic Substances and 

Disease Registry (ATSDR)

Candis M. Hunter

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Jed Costanza* 

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Charles L. Geraci* 

Vladimir V. Murashov* 

National Institutes of Health (NIH) 

Piotr Grodzinski* 

Lori Henderson* 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Richard T. Lareau

Ron McNeal* 

Department of the Interior (DOI)

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Sarah Gerould*

Department of Justice (DOJ)

National Institute of Justice (NIJ)

Joseph Heaps*

Department of Labor (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA)

Janet Carter*

Department of State (DOS)

Christopher M. Cannizzaro* 

Ken Hodgkins* 

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Peter Chipman* 

Jonathan R. Porter* 

Department of the Treasury (DOTreas)

John F. Bobalek*

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Tina Bahadori* 

William K. Boyes* 

Nora F. Savage* 

Philip G. Sayre* 

Intelligence Community (IC)

Office of the Director of National 

Intelligence (ODNI)

Richard Ridgley*

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

Matthew Cobert* 

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration (NASA)

Michael A. Meador* 

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Parag R. Chitnis* 

Khershed Cooper* 

Barbara Karn

Fred Kronz

Thomas P. Rieker* 

Mihail C. Roco* 

Grace J. Wang* 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)†

Brian Thomas* 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Agriculture Research Service (ARS)

Robert Fireovid*

Forest Service (FS)

World L.-S. Nieh* 

Theodore H. Wegner*

National Institute of Food and 

Agriculture (NIFA)

Hongda Chen*

U.S. International Trade Commission 

(USITC)†

Elizabeth R. Nesbitt*
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20502

March 24, 2014 

Dear Members of Congress: 

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

Initiative (NNI), in the form of the NNI Supplement to the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2015. This 

document summarizes the programs and coordinated activities taking place across the many departments, 

agencies, and commissions participating today in the NNI – an initiative that has been a leading model of 

Federal science and technology coordination for over thirteen years.

The proposed NNI budget for Fiscal Year 2015 of over $1.5 billion will continue to advance our 

understanding of nanoscale phenomena and our ability to engineer nanoscale devices and systems that 

address national priorities and global challenges. As is true across the spectrum of Federal science and 

technology investments, the FY 2015 NNI budget reflects difficult choices as well as the maturation and 

evolution of programs at some agencies. Despite current fiscal constraints, robust efforts are maintained 

in key investment areas such as the nanotechnology signature-initiative areas and environmental, health, 

and safety research. NNI activities also intersect with and support national priorities that are not confined 

to the domain of nanotechnology, including advanced manufacturing, the Materials Genome Initiative (a 

drive to accelerate the design and deployment of advanced materials), and the BRAIN (Brain Research 

through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) Initiative. 

The NNI investment sustains vital support for fundamental, ground-breaking R&D, research 

infrastructure (including world-class centers, networks, and user facilities), and education and training 

programs that collectively constitute a major U.S. innovation enterprise. Signature initiatives within the 

NNI leverage programmatic collaborations among multiple agencies to place particular emphasis on 

jointly identified opportunities. These signature initiatives include ongoing activities in solar energy, 

next-generation electronics, sustainable manufacturing, nanoinformatics and modeling, and sensors. 

Pursuant to a revision of the NNI’s Program Component Areas, detailed information on agency 

investments in signature initiative areas is now included in the annual budget reporting. 

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

nanotechnology and other emerging technologies. Now more than ever, the Nation’s economic growth 

and global competitiveness depend on it. Thank you for sharing and supporting that vision. 

Sincerely,

John P. Holdren 

Director and 

Assistant to the President for Science and Technology 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2014 Budget 1 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

Key Points about the 2015 NNI Investments ................................................................................................... 8

Utilization of SBIR and STTR Programs to Advance Nanotechnology ............................................................12

3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area ........................................................ 13

4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities ........................................................ 19

Activities Relating to the Four NNI Goals and Fifteen Objectives..................................................................19

Goal 1: Advance a world-class nanotechnology research and development program..................................20

Goal 2: Foster the transfer of new technologies into products for commercial and public benefit .............41

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

and toolset to advance nanotechnology ...........................................................................................50

Goal 4: Support responsible development of nanotechnology .....................................................................55

5. External Reviews of the NNI................................................................................................................ 66

Appendix A. Supplementary Information on Nanotechnology Investments by the Department of Defense...67

Appendix B. Abbreviations and Acronyms.........................................................................................................72

Appendix C. Contact List.....................................................................................................................................74
2 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 3 

1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Overview of the National Nanotechnology Initiative

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), established in 2001,1 is a U.S. Government research and 

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

commissions2 working together toward the shared and challenging vision of “a future in which the ability to 

understand and control matter at the nanoscale leads to a revolution in technology and industry that benefits 

society.”3 The combined, coordinated efforts of these agencies have accelerated discovery, development, 

and deployment of nanotechnology to benefit agency missions in service of the broader national interest. 

The 20 Federal agencies participating in the NNI are shown in Table 1; 11 of these report specific budget

data for nanotechnology R&D for 2015. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

provided in Appendix C. The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) acts as the primary 

point of contact for information on the NNI; provides technical and administrative support to the NSET 

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

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

behalf of the NNI.

 

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

are to fiscal years unless otherwise noted.

2 Participants in the NNI include Federal departments, independent agencies, and independent commissions,

which are collectively referred to as participating “agencies” within this document.

3 The National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan (NSTC, Washington DC, 2014; www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan), 

p. 5. 

What is Nanotechnology?

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

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

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

modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.

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

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

and 100 nanometers are known as the nanoscale. Unusual physical, chemical, and biological 

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

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

4 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

Table 1: Federal Departments and Agencies Participating in the NNI 

Federal departments and independent agencies and commissions with budgets 

dedicated to nanotechnology research and development (11)

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)†

Department of Commerce (DOC) 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Department of Defense (DOD)

Department of Energy (DOE)

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

National Science Foundation (NSF)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

Forest Service (FS) 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Other participating departments and independent agencies and commissions (9)

Department of Education (DOEd)

Department of the Interior (DOI)

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Department of Justice (DOJ)

National Institute of Justice (NIJ)

Department of Labor (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Department of State (DOS)

Department of the Treasury (DOTreas)

Intelligence Community (IC) 

Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)†

U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)†

Also participating from the Department of Commerce (DOC), listed above:

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Economic Development Administration (EDA)

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

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

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 5

The NSET Subcommittee has identified some critical issues that require special attention to interagency 

coordination, facilitated through subsidiary working groups and/or individual coordinator functions. NSET 

has therefore established two working groups—the Nanotechnology Environmental and Health 

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

Working Group—and four coordinators—for global issues; standards development; environmental, health, 

and safety research; and education, engagement, and societal dimensions. For additional details on these 

working groups and coordinators, see the Coordination and Assessment section of the 2014 NNI Strategic 

Plan.

4

 

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

achieving that overall vision: 

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

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

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

toolset to advance nanotechnology. 

4. Support responsible development of nanotechnology. 

For each of the goals, the plan identifies specific objectives toward collectively achieving the NNI vision.

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

The plan also lays out new R&D investment categories. These five Program Component Areas (PCAs), listed 

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

1. Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives. 

2. Foundational Research. 

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

4. Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation. 

5. Environment, Health, and Safety. 

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

national priority through enhanced interagency coordination and focused investment, are called out as a 

priority in the 2015 OMB/OSTP R&D Priorities Memo.5 Accordingly, they are also called out as specific NNI 

budget categories (PCAs) for the first time in the 2015 Budget. The NSI topics for 2013 through 2015 are as 

follows:

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

the Future. 

• Sustainable Nanomanufacturing: Creating the Industries of the Future. 

• Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond. 

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

Design. 

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

Safety, and the Environment. 

 

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

p. 39. 

5 www.WhiteHouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/fy_15_memo_m-13-16.pdf. 
1. Introduction and Overview

6 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

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

Strategy.6 The strategy supports all four NNI goals but is most closely aligned with NNI Goal 4 and PCA 5.

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

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

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

Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and Congress. The NNI agencies participating in the budget 

crosscut work closely with each other to create an integrated scientific program. This close communication, 

facilitated through the NSET Subcommittee and its working groups and coordinators, has led to 

interagency coordination and collaboration in a variety of forms, including sharing of knowledge and 

expertise; joint sponsorship of solicitations and workshops; and leveraging of funding, staff, and 

equipment/facility resources at NNI participating agencies. 

Purpose of this Report

This document provides supplemental information to the President’s 2015 Budget and serves as the 

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

(P.L. 108-153, 15 USC §7501). The report also addresses the requirement for Department of Defense 

reporting on its nanotechnology investments, per 10 USC §2358 (see Appendix A). In particular, the report 

summarizes NNI programmatic activities for 2013 and 2014, as well as those currently planned for 2015. 

NNI budgets for 2013 through 2015 are presented by agency and PCA in Chapter 2 of this report. 

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

Transfer Research (STTR) program funds to support nanotechnology research and commercialization 

activities, also called for in P.L. 108-153, is included at the end of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 outlines changes in 

balance of investments by PCA (including how agencies are allocating investments among the new PCAs 

outlined in the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan). Activities that have been undertaken and progress that has been 

made toward achieving the four goals set out in the NNI Strategic Plan (including activities in support of 

the NNI Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives) are outlined in Chapter 4. Highlights from external reviews of 

the NNI and how their recommendations are being addressed are summarized in Chapter 5. Appendices 

include supplementary information on nanotechnology investments by the Department of Defense, a list of 

abbreviations and acronyms, and a contact list of NSET Subcommittee participants and NNCO staff members. 

 

6 The National Nanotechnology Initiative Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Strategy (NSTC, Washington DC, 

2011; www.nano.gov/2011EHSStrategy). 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 7 

2.NNI INVESTMENTS

Budget Summary

The President’s 2015 Budget provides over $1.5 billion for the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), a 

continued investment in support of the President’s priorities and innovation strategy. Cumulatively 

totaling nearly $21 billion since the inception of the NNI in 2001 (including the 2015 request), this support 

reflects nanotechnology’s potential to significantly improve our fundamental understanding and control of 

matter at the nanoscale and to translate that knowledge into solutions for critical national issues. NNI 

research efforts are guided by two strategic documents developed by the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, 

and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), the 2014

NNI Strategic Plan (www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan) and the 2011 NNI Environmental, Health, and Safety 

Research Strategy (www.nano.gov/2011EHSStrategy). These strategic documents guide how NNI agencies 

address the full range of nanotechnology research and development, technology transfer and product 

commercialization, infrastructure, and education, as well as the societal issues that accompany an 

emerging technology. The NNI investments in 2013 and 2014 and those proposed for 2015 continue the 

emphasis on accelerating the transition from basic R&D to innovations that support national priorities. 

One significant change for the 2015 Budget, which is reflected in the figures provided in this document for 

2013 and 2014, is a revision in the Program Component Areas (PCAs), budget categories under which the 

NNI investments are reported. Note that this represents an update of how NNI investments by the Federal 

Government are tabulated, but not a change in the overall scope of the Initiative. As outlined in the 2014 

NNI Strategic Plan, the new PCAs are more broadly strategic, fully inclusive, and consistent with Federal 

research categories, while correlating well with the NNI goals and high-level objectives. Of particular note is 

the creation of a separate PCA for the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs), reflecting the high 

priority placed on NSIs in the 2015 OMB/OSTP R&D Priorities Memo.7

The President’s 2015 Budget supports nanoscale science, engineering, and technology R&D at 11 agencies. 

Federal organizations with the largest investments are: 

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

sciences). 

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

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

technologies). 

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

• DOC/NIST (fundamental research and development of measurement and fabrication tools, 

analytical methodologies, metrology, and standards for nanotechnology). 

Other agencies and agency components investing in mission-related nanotechnology research are DHS, 

DHHS/FDA, EPA, NASA, USDA/NIFA, DHHS/NIOSH, USDA/FS, CPSC, USDA/ARS, and DOT/FHWA.8

 

7 www.WhiteHouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/fy_15_memo_m-13-16.pdf 

8 See Table 1 or Appendix B for explanations of the agency abbreviations used on this page and throughout the 

remainder of this report.
2. NNI Investments

8 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

Table 2: NNI Budget, by Agency, 2013–2015

(dollars in millions)

Agency 2013 Actual 2014 Estimated* 2015 Proposed

CPSC 1.3 2.0 2.0

DHS 14.0 24.0 32.4

DOC/NIST 91.4 97.8 82.6

DOD 170.1 175.9 144.0

DOE** 314.2 303.3 343.1

DOT/FHWA 2.4 2.0 1.5

EPA 14.6 15.5 16.8

DHHS (total) 485.4 469.5 469.6

FDA 16.1 17.0 17.0

NIH 458.8 441.5 441.5

NIOSH 10.5 11.0 11.1

NASA 16.4 17.9 13.7

NSF 421.0 410.6 412.4

USDA (total) 19.5 19.1 18.8

ARS 2.0 2.0 2.0

FS 5.0 4.0 4.0

NIFA 12.5 13.1 12.8

TOTAL*** 1550.2 1537.5 1536.9

* 2014 numbers are based on 2014 enacted levels, and may shift as operating plans 

are finalized. 

** Funding levels for DOE include the combined budgets of the Office of Science, the 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), the Office of Fossil Energy, 

and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E).

*** In Tables 2–6, totals may not add, due to rounding.

Table 2 presents NNI investments for 2013 through 2015 for Federal agencies with budgets and 

investments for nanotechnology R&D, including funding for the NSIs. Tables 3–5 list the investments by 

agency and by Program Component Area for 2013 through 2015. Table 6 shows the NNI investments 

within Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs

for 2008 through 2012. 

Key Points about the 2013–2015 NNI Investments

• NNI investments for 2013 through 2015 are reported here for the first time under the updated PCA 

categories called out in the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan. Investments under these revised categories 

should not be compared directly to investments in the previous PCAs set out in prior NNI strategic 

plans and reported in previous NNI budget supplement reports, with the exception of the 

environmental, health, and safety (EHS) PCA, which remains unchanged between the old and new 

PCA categories.

• 2013 actual NNI investments ($1.55 billion) reported in this document are approximately 6% less 

than the estimates previously published in the NNI Supplement to the President 2014 Budget. This 

difference is consistent with the budget reduction associated with the sequester for 2013, which 

was enacted after the publication of that supplement.
2. NNI Investments 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 9

Table 3: Actual 2013 Agency Investments by Program Component Area

(dollars in millions)

1. Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs)* 1a. Solar Energy 1b. Nanomanufacturing1c. Nanoelectronics1d. NKI1e. Sensors2. Foundational Research3. NanotechnologyEnabled Applications, Devices, and Systems4. Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation5. Environment, Health, and SafetyNNI Total

CPSC 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3 1.3

DHS 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.9 0.0 8.1 14.0

DOC/NIST 29.2 3.1 3.0 18.2 1.1 3.9 13.3 7.3 35.4 6.2 91.4

DOD 51.0 4.2 3.7 26.3 1.7 15.0 76.2 38.3 1.5 3.1 170.1

DOE 44.0 37.0 0.0 0.0 4.5 2.5 131.0 27.4 111.8 0.0 314.2

DOT/FHWA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.4 0.0 0.0 2.4

EPA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 14.6 14.6

DHHS (total) 51.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 51.0 153.3 214.7 16.6 49.8 485.4

FDA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 16.1 16.1

NIH 51.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 51.0 153.3 214.7 16.6 23.2 458.8

NIOSH 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.5 10.5

NASA 5.0 0.0 3.2 0.2 0.3 1.3 6.4 4.6 0.4 0.0 16.4

NSF 93.6 28.4 22.7 42.6 0.0 0.0 196.8 55.9 43.7 31.0 421.0

USDA (total) 6.2 1.0 2.2 0.0 0.0 3.0 4.3 4.9 3.0 1.1 19.5

ARS 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 2.0

FS 2.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 5.0

NIFA 4.2 0.0 1.2 0.0 0.0 3.0 2.3 2.9 2.0 1.1 12.5

TOTAL 279.9 73.6 34.7 87.3 7.5 76.8 581.3 361.4 212.5 115.1 1550.2

* Abbreviated titles for the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives are shown in Tables 3–5. See the text (Chapter 1, p. 5) for 

full NSI titles.

• The Foundational Research PCA constitutes over a third of the total NNI investment portfolio for 

2013 through 2015. The NNI agencies view this as a critical investment category, maintaining a 

pipeline of new nanotechnology-based innovations, even as prior foundational research matures 

into applications.

• Investments in Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (PCA 1) have grown since their inception, 

from approximately $246 million in 20119 to a request of over $291 million in the 2015 Budget. 

NSIs now represent nearly 20% of the total NNI investments for 2013 through 2015. EHS research 

investments have been sustained at approximately $110 million per year, reflecting their 

continued high priority for the NNI. EHS investments have risen from under 3% of the total NNI 

investment in 2005 to over 7% in the 2015 Budget. Cumulative EHS investments from 2005 

through 2015 have now reached over $900 million.

 

9 See www.nano.gov/2013BudgetSupplement. 
2. NNI Investments

10 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

Table 4: Estimated 2014 Agency Investments by Program Component Area

(dollars in millions)

1. Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs)1a. Solar Energy 1b. Nanomanufacturing1c. Nanoelectronics1d. NKI1e. Sensors2. Foundational Research3. NanotechnologyEnabled Applications, Devices, and Systems4. Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation5. Environment, Health, and SafetyNNI Total

CPSC 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 2.0

DHS 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 16.1 0.0 7.9 24.0

DOC/NIST 29.2 3.3 5.6 17.3 1.0 2.1 15.3 8.7 39.5 5.1 97.8

DOD 50.8 2.6 1.0 24.8 5.1 17.2 84.8 37.0 0.1 3.2 175.9

DOE 42.3 35.3 0.0 0.0 5.0 2.0 129.0 16.1 115.8 0.0 303.3

DOT/FHWA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 2.0

EPA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.5 15.5

DHHS (total) 49.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 49.1 119.0 228.1 19.9 53.3 469.5

FDA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 17.0 17.0

NIH 49.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 49.1 119.0 228.1 19.9 25.3 441.5

NIOSH 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.0 11.0

NASA 7.9 0.3 5.0 0.1 0.1 2.4 6.7 3.3 0.0 0.0 17.9

NSF 112.9 25.2 24.7 34.5 20.9 7.6 180.6 46.9 44.9 25.3 410.6

USDA (total) 5.9 0.7 2.1 0.0 0.0 3.1 4.3 4.9 3.0 1.0 19.1

ARS 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 2.0

FS 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 4.0

NIFA 4.9 0.7 1.1 0.0 0.0 3.1 2.3 2.9 2.0 1.0 13.1

TOTAL 298.1 67.4 38.4 76.7 32.1 83.5 539.8 363.2 223.2 113.3 1537.5

• Nanotechnology investments have remained stable at most NNI participating agencies since 2010, 

even with many competing priorities. This stability demonstrates the continued competitiveness 

of nanotechnology R&D in supporting agency missions.

• The Department of Defense has experienced a substantial reduction in its investments since 2012. 

DOD funding actuals for 2013, which are approximately 50% lower than 2012 actuals, reflect the 

completion of projects, especially at DARPA, where investments (particularly in nanotechnologyenabled devices and systems) have matured. DOD investments in foundational research have been 

sustained. Because nanotechnology investments by DOD are wholly driven by mission needs and 

opportunities, changes in investment are to be expected.

• The Department of Health and Human Services accounts for the largest portion of the total NNI 

investment, reflecting progress in the development of potentially revolutionary nanomedicine 

applications at NIH and a strong and sustained EHS research program at FDA, NIOSH, and NIH’s 

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. 
2. NNI Investments 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 11

Table 5: Proposed 2015 Agency Investments by Program Component Area

(dollars in millions)

1. Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs)1a. Solar Energy 1b. Nanomanufacturing1c. Nanoelectronics1d. NKI1e. Sensors2. Foundational Research3. NanotechnologyEnabled Applications, Devices, and Systems4. Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation5. Environment, Health, and SafetyNNI Total

CPSC 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 2.0

DHS 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 24.4 0.0 8.0 32.4

DOC/NIST 24.4 3.1 6.1 11.5 1.3 2.4 11.3 4.6 35.6 6.7 82.6

DOD 47.3 2.3 0.8 22.0 0.9 21.3 72.2 22.4 0.0 2.1 144.0

DOE 42.8 35.3 0.0 0.0 5.0 2.5 136.7 29.2 134.4 0.0 343.1

DOT/FHWA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 1.5

EPA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 16.8 16.8

DHHS (total) 49.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 49.1 119.0 228.1 19.9 53.4 469.6

FDA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 17.0 17.0

NIH 49.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 49.1 119.0 228.1 19.9 25.3 441.5

NIOSH 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.1 11.1

NASA 6.4 0.1 3.9 0.0 0.0 2.4 5.6 1.3 0.4 0.0 13.7

NSF 115.6 27.7 23.4 38.0 19.0 7.5 181.4 46.6 46.5 22.3 412.4

USDA (total) 5.7 0.7 2.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 4.2 4.9 3.0 1.0 18.8

ARS 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 2.0

FS 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 4.0

NIFA 4.7 0.7 1.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 2.2 2.9 2.0 1.0 12.8

TOTAL 291.3 69.2 36.2 71.5 26.2 88.2 530.4 363.0 239.8 112.4 1536.9

• The Department of Homeland Security is proposing to more than double its nanotechnology 

investments, from $14 million in 2013 to over $32 million in the 2015 Budget. 

• As in several recent years, NNI agencies are also actively participating in and contributing to other 

complementary and synergistic Administration R&D priorities, including the Networking and 

Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program, the Global Change Research 

Program (GCRP), the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI), Advanced Manufacturing, and the Brain 

Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative. Nanoscale science 

and technology is related to, enables, or is enabled by each of these other priority topics in various 

ways, and NNI investments may overlap with investments reported for each of them. NNI agency 

representatives and NNCO staff continue to explore opportunities to take full advantage of these 

synergies.

• Investments in SBIR and STTR funding by the participating agencies, reported outside of the formal 

NNI funding crosscut and the budget tables shown above, play a critical role in transitioning 

nanotechnology innovations into products for commercial and public benefit (NNI Goal 2), as 

discussed below.
2. NNI Investments

12 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

Utilization of SBIR and STTR Programs to Advance Nanotechnology

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

information on use of the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer 

programs in support of nanotechnology development. Five NNI agencies—DOD, NSF, NIH, DOE, and 

NASA—have both SBIR and STTR programs. In addition, NIOSH, EPA, USDA, and NIST have SBIR programs. 

Table 6 shows agency funding for SBIR and STTR awards for nanotechnology R&D from 2008 through 2012 

(the latest year for which data are available). 

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

solicitations. The NSF SBIR program has an ongoing nanotechnology topic included within its advanced 

materials, electronics, and biotechnology solicitations. Some agencies have had additional topical or 

applications-oriented solicitations for which many awardees have proposed nanotechnology-based 

innovations. SBIR/STTR data for 2004 through 2012 indicates that the NNI agencies have funded over $800 

million of nanotechnology-related SBIR and STTR awards. Data from 2008 through 2012 are shown in Table 

6, and a complete listing by year (including data from 2004 through 2007) can be found at a download link 

in the Overview section of nanodashboard.nano.gov. 

Table 6: 2008–2012 Agency SBIR and STTR Awards

(dollars in millions)

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

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

DOD 19.8 2.3 22.1 19.3 3.9 23.2 32.2 10.4 42.6 16.2 5.6 21.8 25.4 7.6 33.0

NSF 10.5 7.5 18.0 13.2 7.0 20.2 25.2 3.9 29.2 13.2 1.3 14.5 18.0 2.5 20.5

DHHS/NIH 29.3 1.8 31.1 23.0 3.7 26.7 21.7 1.6 23.2 22.6 1.5 24.1 21.7 3.9 25.6

DHHS/NIOSH 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.7 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

DOE10 13.8 2.7 16.5 31.9 5.7 37.6 19.4 4.4 23.8 4.7 1.1 5.8 7.8 1.7 9.5

NASA 6.2 0.8 7.0 15.0 1.7 16.7 11.6 2.1 13.7 12.1 3.7 15.8 17.0 3.9 20.8

EPA 0.7 0.0 0.7 0.7 0.0 0.7 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.9 0.0 0.9 0.7 0.0 0.7

USDA11 0.9 0.0 0.9 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.5 0.0 0.5

DOC/NIST 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.0 0.4

TOTAL 81.9 15.1 97.0 104.6 22.0 126.6 110.6 22.4 133.0 71.2 13.2 84.4 91.4 19.6 111.0

 

10 A significant portion of SBIR/STTR funding reported by DOE for 2009 and 2010 is from the American Recovery and 

Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

11 SBIR/STTR award levels for USDA include FS.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 13

3. CHANGES IN BALANCE OF INVESTMENTS BY PROGRAM 

COMPONENT AREA

The 21st Century Nanotechnology R&D Act calls for this report to address changes in the balance of 

investments by NNI member agencies among the Program Component Areas (PCAs). Because the NNI 

PCAs have changed significantly with the publication of the updated 2014 NNI Strategic Plan,12 some text is 

included in this chapter for all of the agencies that are part of the NNI funding crosscut to explain how they 

are reporting their investments under the revised PCAs.

CPSC: The investments in nanotechnology for CPSC for 2013 and 2014 have focused on addressing the

environmental, health, and safety issues identified in PCA 5. Data produced in these research efforts may 

also support the Nanotechnology Knowledge Infrastructure (NKI) Signature Initiative described in PCA 1. It 

is expected that research investments for 2015 will continue to support PCA 5. 

DHS: The Department of Homeland Security is reporting investments for 2013 through 2015 in PCAs 3 

(Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems) and 5 (Environment, Health, and Safety). 

DHS is requesting a significant increase in PCA 3 investments for homeland security applications, from 

$5.9 million in 2013 to $24.4 million in the 2015 request. See DHS text in Chapter 4 (Individual Agency 

Contributions to Objective 1.1) for additional details. 

DOD:13 The DOD does not establish funding targets for nanotechnology, which has proven to be 

competitive based on its contributions to meeting needs and providing opportunities for future 

capabilities. New projects are awarded on a competitive basis, and therefore, the balance of investment 

can change from historical levels and predictions. 

In 2015 DOD anticipates about $144 million in nanotechnology research and development, reduced from 

2014 ($176 million), and about 15% less than 2013 actual expenditures. Actuals tend to be larger than 

estimates due to success in competitive solicitations. The revised PCA structure provides a more 

meaningful and illustrative means of representing the broad nature of the DOD investment. The traditional 

50:50 breakdown between fundamental and applied research is approximately retained, but the resources 

are now more definitively characterized. About 45% of the DOD nanotechnology-related investment is in 

PCA 2 (Foundational Research)—rising to 50% in the 2015 request. About 23% is in PCA 3 

(Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems)—dropping to 16% in the 2015 request. 

Both of these changes are due in part to completion of projects, particularly at DARPA, in applied or 

applications-directed research classified under PCA 3. About 30% of the DOD investment is currently in the 

areas of the signature initiatives and clearly shows the topical emphasis on nanoelectronics (15%) and 

sensors (also 15% in the 2015 request). The projects associated with nanomanufacturing in 2013 and 2014 

are completing, but the emphasis on this area of research remains strong and will continue to be an area of 

competitive opportunity. The DOD Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business 

Technology Transfer (STTR) investments in nanotechnology remain very strong with an overall investment 

of $33 million in 2012, making these projects about 20% of the overall DOD nanotechnology research 

investment. 

 

12 www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan

13 Details for Department of Defense investments are provided per the statutory requirement for DOD reporting on its

nanotechnology investments (10 USC §2358). Additional details on DOD investments can be found in Appendix A.
3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area

14 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

The revision in PCAs is largely responsible for changes in distribution from prior years. In 2013–2015 

funding, the primary changes for DOD are associated with fluctuations in the signature initiatives and 

nanotechnology-enabled PCAs as projects complete and new opportunities for competition present 

themselves. 

DOE: In 2015, increases in DOE funding in PCA 4 are due primarily to the planned merger of three ElectronBeam Microcharacterization Centers (EBMCs) with the Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRCs), which 

will enhance the availability and use of state-of-the-art microscopy tools for nanoscience. In addition, DOE 

has requested an approximately 5% increase in the NSRC budgets for 2015 to allow for improved 

operational levels. 

DOT/FHWA: Under the current PCA construct, all of FHWA’s current and planned investment is in 

Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems (PCA 3). FHWA’s investment seeks to 

leverage developments in nanotechnology by focusing them on transportation applications such as 

corrosion protection, lightweight structural and multifunctional materials, and in situ and onboard sensing 

and communications devices.

EPA: The EPA 2015 Budget request continues EPA’s strong support for research in environmental, health, 

and safety applications of nanotechnology. EPA will continue work in PCA 5 on evaluating the chemical 

and physical properties of engineered nanomaterials that influence their potential for release into the 

environment; fate, transport, and transformation; and potential for exposure and adverse effects to 

humans or sensitive ecological species. The potential for nanomaterial releases will be evaluated across the 

product life cycle including manufacturing, product use, and end-of-life disposal. Research includes the 

mechanisms of interactions between engineered nanomaterials and biological organisms, which has been 

identified by the National Academies as a high priority.

FDA: FDA continues to focus on PCA 5 (Environment, Health, and Safety) with no change in investment 

balance. FDA investments in PCA 5 will continue to enable the agency to address products containing 

nanomaterials or involving the use of nanotechnology through the development of methods, validation of 

models, and generation of data that are necessary for safety and efficacy assessments of nanotechnologyenabled products.

NASA: NASA support for nanotechnology R&D has been focused primarily on PCA 1 (Nanotechnology 

Signature Initiatives), PCA 2 (Foundational Research), and PCA 3 (Nanotechnology Enabled Applications, 

Devices, and Systems). Nanotechnology R&D has been supported primarily by the Aeronautics Research 

Mission Directorate (PCA 3) and the Space Technology Mission Directorate (PCAs 1, 2, and 3). NASA 

investments in 2015 in PCA 1 are expected to grow by almost 30% relative to 2013 due to increased 

funding in nanostructured materials and nanotechnology-based chemical-biological sensors. Research 

investments in PCA 2 are expected to remain largely unchanged in 2015, while requested investments in 

PCA 3 are reduced in 2015 from 2013 levels. 

NIH: NIH currently invests approximately $450 million per year in nanotechnology-related biomedical 

research, which is expected to remain relatively constant for 2015 based on current grant funding policies 

and programmatic initiatives. For example, in 2013, there were five active nanotechnology-specific funding 

opportunity announcements (FOAs) and four major investment programs supported by the various NIH 

institutes that contributed to the total dollar investment. The major areas of research activity from both 

unsolicited and solicited resources focused on PCAs 1, 2, and 3 with more than 1,200 grants funded. Since 

then, the two SBIR/STTR FOAs have expired and were not renewed as stand-alone FOAs, given the increase 

in nanotechnology-related activities supported through other existing SBIR/STTR initiatives. The renewal of 

the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Provocative Questions FOA also led to increased support for primarily 
3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 15

PCAs 2 and 3. Overall, research projects funded in 2014 through both the investigator-initiated and 

programmatic initiatives are focused primarily on PCA 3, Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, 

and Systems (51.7%) for biomedical research, and to a lesser extent on PCA 4, Research Infrastructure and 

Instrumentation (4.5%), and PCA 5 (5.7%). In addition, the four major NIH nanotechnology programs, 

specifically, the NIH Common Fund Nanomedicine Initiative, NCI’s Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer, 

the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Program of Excellence in Nanotechnology, and the 

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Centers for Nanotechnology Health 

Implications Research initiated prior to 2014 continued to receive support to develop new treatments, 

diagnostics, and interventions for disease management and patient care related to nanotechnology. As a 

result, the amount invested per PCA has not changed significantly from 2013 to 2014 due to the 

continuation of research and the awarding of new grants. 

The NIH investment in nanotechnology in 2015 will continue to support the ongoing research projects 

within these programmatic initiatives as well as the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives. Emphasis at this 

stage of development will include new clinically relevant diagnostics and devices, novel uses of clinical 

imaging and drug delivery technologies, and advanced genetic sequencing devices/assays for biological 

profiling (impacting PCAs 1, 2, and 3). NIH will also maintain resources toward achieving the goals of the 

2011 EHS Research Strategy and continue to lead the Sensors NSI and participate in the Nanotechnology 

Knowledge Infrastructure NSI (see Chapter 4 for defined research activity).

New areas of opportunities for nanotechnology are also expected to arise in 2015 as the institutes across 

the NIH implement new programs/initiatives/plans to achieve the scientific vision of President Obama’s 

Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative. The Initiative promises 

to open new doors to understanding how the brain functions and is linked to mechanisms of brain disease 

by producing real-time pictures of complex neural circuits and visualizing the rapid-fire interactions of cells 

that occur at the speed of thought. The goal is to build on the growing scientific foundations in

neuroscience, genetics, physics, engineering, informatics, nanoscience, chemistry, mathematics, and other 

advances of the past few decades to catalyze an interdisciplinary effort of unprecedented scope. 

Nonetheless, the total dollar investment in this area for 2015 is not expected to significantly change relative 

to previous years due to ongoing funding and limited programmatic changes.

NIH’s investments in nanotechnology from 2013 to 2015 will not result in significant redistribution of funds 

across the PCAs due to continuation of existing initiatives, programs, and grant research. However, the 

actual NIH investments reported for 2015 in the future may change as NIH continues to refine and validate 

its reporting system to the updated PCA classification scheme. 

NIOSH: NIOSH support for nanotechnology R&D is reported under PCA 5 (Environment, Health, and Safety), 

although a number of its activities also are related to and support the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives 

(PCA 1). In 2015, NIOSH will maintain an active field investigation effort in support of the Sustainable 

Nanomanufacturing NSI that focuses on partnering with private sector nanomanufacturing facilities and 

providing comprehensive risk management guidance that promotes responsible development and 

supports speed to market. A critical focus area in 2015 will be the development and implementation of 

engineering control strategies and solutions that mitigate nanomaterials process releases and worker 

exposures. This program will continue to maintain focus in two areas: providing guidance to 

nanomanufacturing that is using established materials such as titania and carbon nanotubes and 

developing prospective guidance for emerging materials such as cellulose nanocrystals and graphene by 

conducting hazard assessment employing in vitro and in vivo models of exposure-response relationships. 

For 2015, NIOSH will continue its agency shift of emphasis within its program to fill knowledge gaps in five 

strategic areas: 
3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area

16 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

• Increase the understanding of nanomaterials’ new human health hazards and health risks to 

workers.

• Expand understanding of the initial hazard findings on engineered nanomaterials, including 

development of biomarkers of exposure and early response to support worker surveillance efforts.

• Continue the development and dissemination of high-impact guidance materials that inform 

workers, employers, regulatory agencies, and decision makers about hazards, risks, and risk 

management solutions.

• Support epidemiologic studies to understand the scope of worker exposure and potential health 

impacts.

• Promote and assess national adherence to risk management guidance.

NIOSH will continue to build partnerships with private sector nanomaterial companies and will coordinate 

efforts with other NNI agencies, including OSHA, NIST, CPSC, EPA, and DOD. An updated 2013–2016 NIOSH 

Nanotechnology Research Strategic Plan14 describes the new areas of emphasis. 

NIST: NIST’s intramural research laboratories, user facilities, and services work at the cutting edge of 

science to ensure that U.S. companies, as well as the broader science and engineering communities, have 

the nanoscale measurements, data, and technologies to further nanotechnology innovation and industrial 

competitiveness. The 2015 Budget request continues NIST’s strong support for research in 

nanotechnology. The request continues a trajectory of increased investment in the key NIST priority area of 

nanomanufacturing (PCA 1, Nanotechnology Signature Initiative for Sustainable Nanomanufacturing). 

NIST’s commitment to nanotechnology-related environment, health, and safety research (PCA 5) is 

sustained, and the considerable investment begun in 2012 for major research facilities and instrumentation 

acquisition (PCA 4) remains NIST’s largest nanotechnology investment area. In 2015 some instrumentation

investments are reported in the Nanotechnology Signature Initiative (PCA 1) that the requested funds are 

intended to directly support. Overall funding amounts have decreased in many areas because of a revision 

in the approach to categorizing research planned for 2015, combined with changes in investments 

associated with significant program turnover and the transition of activities within NIST toward advanced 

manufacturing investments including precision measurements and advanced materials design and 

discovery.

NSF: NSF supports nanoscale science and engineering throughout all the research and education 

directorates as a means to advance discovery and innovation and integrate various fields of research. The 

NNI enables increased interdisciplinarity through research at atomic and molecular levels for about 5,000

active awards with full or partial contents related to nanoscale science and engineering (NSE).

The NSF 2015 request will have a decrease of about 2% as compared to the 2013 actuals. The support for 

Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (PCA 1) will grow from $93.6 million in 2013 to $115.6 million (a

23.5% increase) in the 2015 request, with significant increases for the Nanotechnology Knowledge 

Infrastructure NSI and the Sensors NSI, to $19 million and $7.5 million, respectively. The investment in 

Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation (PCA 4) will also grow, whereas Foundational Research (PCA

2); Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems (PCA 3); and EHS (PCA 5) investments will 

decrease. Those decreases are caused in part by the results of the peer review process of unsolicited 

proposals and co-funding available from other NNI agencies. Part of PCA 3 will be dedicated to research on 

breakthrough materials and advanced manufacturing as part of the NSF-wide Cyber-Enabled Materials, 

Manufacturing, and Smart Systems (CEMMSS) investment framework.

 

14 www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2014-106
3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 17

Three Nanosystems Engineering Research Centers (NERCs), with a total estimated budget of approximately 

$55 million for five years, were established in September 2012 and started full operation in 2013 and will be 

expanded by 2015. Additional NERCs are under competition. A new competition in 2014 is expected to 

yield additional NERCs. In 2015 the agency continues its contributions to translational innovation 

programs, including GOALI (Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry), I/UCRC 

(Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers), the I-Corps (Innovation Corps program), AIR 

(Accelerating Innovation Research), PFI (Partnerships for Innovation), and PFI’s Building Innovation 

Capacity (BIC) component. The NSF Small Business Innovation Research program has an ongoing 

nanotechnology topic with subtopics for nanomaterials, nanomanufacturing, nanoelectronics and active 

nanostructures, nanotechnology for biological and medical applications, and instrumentation for 

nanotechnology.

NSF has mainstreamed nanotechnology-related research in core programs in several directorates. There is 

a continuing strong interest from the community in nanotechnology research, education, and 

infrastructure through those core programs. 

Nanoscale Science and Engineering is substantially represented in NSF-wide activities in 2014 and 2015

such as Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability/Sustainable Chemistry, Engineering and 

Materials (SusChEM); Research at the Interface of Biological, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and 

Engineering (BioMaPS); and Smart Systems (CEMMSS), which includes Designing Materials to Revolutionize 

and Engineer our Future (DMREF) and Understanding the Brain. NSF’s Directorates for Mathematical and 

Physical Sciences (MPS), Engineering (ENG), and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) 

are considering additional nanotechnology emphasis in the areas of optics and photonics in 2015.

USDA/ARS: The President’s 2015 Budget request for ARS will continue to support research in 

nanotechnology. Classification of 2013 and 2014 investments highlights a focus on PCA 3, 

Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems. An approximate comparison to 2013 levels 

indicates that the requests for 2015 will remain constant. 

USDA/FS: Forest Service nanotechnology research supports USDA’s priorities of sustaining forest health, 

stimulating rural development, and creating value for our Nation’s landowners. In the 2015 Budget request, 

the Forest Service will support research on manufacturing, characterization, and application of cellulose 

nanomaterials originating from operations to restore forest vitality. The majority of the Forest Service’s 

nanotechnology R&D supported by the 2015 Budget are in the Sustainable Nanomanufacturing Signature 

Initiative (PCA 1) and in Foundational Research (PCA 2). The Forest Service plans to invest the balance of its

nanotechnology-related request in the 2015 Budget in Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation

(PCA 4). The 2015 Budget request reflects a 20% reduction in the Forest Service's total R&D investments 

from 2014. However, nanotechnology remains a priority within the FS R&D portfolio. Forest Service has

established a public–private partnership to continue its research in nanotechnology, even under this 

decreased overall R&D Budget request.

15

USDA/NIFA: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture will continue to support research in 

nanotechnology for agriculture and food systems. Currently, more than 300 active research and education 

projects in advancing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology are supported by NIFA to address 

grand societal challenges facing agriculture, food, health and nutrition, the environment, and rural 

communities. Analysis of 2013 investments reflects that NIFA has maintained a balanced approach in all 

five PCAs. About 20% of the investment is in PCA 2 (Foundational Research) and about 25% in PCA 3 

(Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems). NIFA also reports a 16% investment in 

 

15 www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdamediafb?contentid=2013/12/0235.xml&printable=true&contentidonly=true
3. Changes in Balance of Investments by Program Component Area

18 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

PCA 4 (Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation), as the new classification now includes efforts in 

curriculum development and human infrastructure development. More than 30% of the investment is 

currently in the areas of the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (PCA 1), with the topical emphasis on the 

Sensors NSI (24%) and the Sustainable Nanomanufacturing NSI (9%). NIFA is also involved in the 

Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion NSI. NIFA maintains about 9% of its 

investment in Environment, Health, and Safety (PCA 5). The request for 2015 will essentially remain the 

same as compared to the 2013 investment level. 
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 19

4. PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING

NNIGOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND PRIORITIES

Activities Relating to the Four NNI Goals and Fifteen Objectives

As called for in the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, this NNI Supplement to 

the President’s Budget provides an analysis of the progress made toward achieving the goals established 

for the National Nanotechnology Initiative. The NNI’s activities for 2013 and 2014 and plans for 2015 are 

reported here in terms of how they promote progress toward the four NNI goals and fifteen objectives set 

out in the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan (Figure 1). It is important to note that many agency programs and 

activities, although listed below under their primary NNI goals and objectives, address components of 

multiple goals simultaneously. Therefore an integrated perspective across the four goals is needed to 

understand progress towards achieving the NNI vision.

Figure 1. A summary of NNI goals and objectives from the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan.

16

 

16 Details on NNI strategic goals and objectives can be found in the 2014 National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic 

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

Goal 1.

Advance a world-class 

nanotechnology research 

and development 

program

1.1. Support R&D that 

extends the frontiers of 

nanotechnology and 

strengthens the 

intersections of scientific 

disciplines

1.2. Identify and support 

nanoscale science and 

technology research 

driven by national 

priorities and informed by 

active engagement with 

stakeholders

1.3. Assess the 

performance of the U.S. 

nanotechnology R&D 

program

1.4. Advance a portfolio of 

Nanotechnology 

Signature Initiatives (NSIs) 

that are each supported 

by three or more NNI 

agencies and address 

significant national 

priorities

Goal 2.

Foster the transfer of new 

technologies into 

products for commercial 

and public benefit

2.1. Assist the 

nanotechnology-based 

business community in 

understanding the Federal 

Government’s R&D 

funding and regulatory 

environment

2.2. Increase focus on 

nanotechnology-based 

commercialization and 

related support for publicprivate partnerships

2.3. Promote broader 

accessibility and 

utilization of user 

facilities, cooperative 

research centers, and 

regional initiatives to 

accelerate the transfer of 

nanoscale science from 

lab to market

2.4. Actively engage in 

international activities 

integral to the 

development and 

responsible 

commercialization of 

nanotechnology-enabled 

products and processes

Goal 3. 

Develop and sustain 

educational resources, a 

skilled workforce, and a 

dynamic infrastructure 

and toolset to advance 

nanotechnology

3.1. Sustain outreach and 

informal education 

programs in order to 

inform the public about 

the opportunities and 

impacts of 

nanotechnology

3.2. Establish and sustain 

programs that assist in 

developing and 

maintaining a skilled 

nanotechnology 

workforce

3.3. Provide, facilitate the 

sharing of, and sustain the 

physical R&D 

infrastructure, notably 

user facilities and 

cooperative research 

centers

Goal 4. 

Support responsible 

development of 

nanotechnology

4.1. Support the creation 

of a comprehensive 

knowledge base for 

evaluation of the potential 

risks and benefits of 

nanotechnology to the 

environment and to 

human health and safety

4.2. Create and employ 

means for timely 

dissemination, evaluation, 

and incorporation of 

relevant EHS knowledge 

and best practices

4.3. Develop the national 

capacity to identify, 

define, and responsibly 

address concepts and 

challenges specific to the 

ethical, legal, and societal 

implications (ELSI) of 

nanotechnology

4.4. Incorporate 

sustainability in the 

responsible development 

of nanotechnology
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

20 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

Goal- and objective-related activities are reported below in terms of two categories of activities: 

(1) individual agency activities and (2) coordinated activities of NNI agencies with other agencies and with 

groups external to the NNI, including international activities. The activities described below in terms of these 

two categories are only selected highlights of current and planned work of the NNI member agencies and are not 

an all-inclusive description of ongoing NNI activities. 

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

program. 

U.S. leadership in nanotechnology R&D depends on the continued investment of participating agencies in 

the stimulation of discovery and innovation. These activities expand the boundaries of knowledge through 

a comprehensive R&D program that builds on the foundation established over the past thirteen years. The 

Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs), while developed in the context of all four NNI goals, are 

explicitly called out in Objective 1.4 under Goal 1, as detailed in the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan. The NSIs

provide a spotlight on critical areas and define the shared vision of the participating agencies to accelerate 

the advancement of nanoscale science and technology from research through commercialization. This 

enhanced coordination enables the leveraging of individual agency programs, resources, and capabilities

in addition to the development of collaborative programs, and both categories are reported below. 

Objective 1.1 – Support R&D that extends the frontiers of nanotechnology and strengthens the 

intersections of scientific disciplines. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 1.1 

DHS: The DHS Science and Technology Directorate plans to continue the development of micro- and 

nanoscale structures for electron emitters in high-performance mass spectrometers for explosives trace 

detection systems and x-ray sources in next-generation baggage screening systems. The use of 

nanofibrous organic and polymeric materials for vapor sensing of explosives is also under investigation for 

potential applications in handheld explosives trace detection systems. The current focus is on 

development and commercialization of these component technologies into original equipment 

manufacturer (OEM) systems for DHS deployment.

DOD: The DOD nanoscience and foundational research efforts are associated with about half of the 

department’s nanotechnology resources. Nanoscience and processing of materials at the nanoscale are 

important aspects for increasing the specific performance of materials and items upon which future 

defense capability can be built. Please refer to Appendix A for a detailed account of plans and progress 

associated with this objective.

DOE: The DOE Office of Science (DOE-SC) supports a broad and diverse investment in nanoscience 

research and development, primarily through grants to individual researchers at universities, funding for 

research groups at DOE laboratories, and support of interdisciplinary efforts such as the Energy Frontier 

Research Centers (EFRCs). 

IC/DNI: The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) continues to work on enhancing the properties of 

carbon nanotubes (CNTs), specifically in three critical areas:

• Better chirality control and separation of various types of CNTs for improved performance. 

• Better alignment of CNTs during growth; initial alignment has been proven, and post-processing 

alignment experiments are being conducted.
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 21

• Increased density of CNTs in sheets and yarns; dramatic improvements of five- to ten-fold have 

been achieved through use of super fuels and will enter commercialization ramp-up in 2014, thus 

resulting in reduced cost and increased quantities being manufactured.

Ongoing research into decreasing direct current (DC) resistivity for 48-volt DC data center operations has 

now achieved one-twelfth the resistivity of copper wire in the lab and continues to make great strides. The 

goal is to save 10–15% energy consumption in every U.S. data center. Nonvolatile carbon nanotube-based 

memory is scheduled for market trials in 2014. The goal is to eliminate traditional synchronous random 

access memory (SDRAM), flash memory buffers, and hard disk drives from data centers for savings in size, 

weight, performance, and cost. This will allow a 100-fold speed-up in data processing.

Academia continues to tackle the challenge of finding a suitable nano-resin for composites that is 

optimized for CNTs, resulting in superior strength and enhanced acoustic dampening.

New academic research into development of boron nitride nanotubes will commence in early 2014. This is 

the perfect insulator to match CNT materials. NRO continues to make progress in developing superiorstrength CNT bulk materials with improved electrical and thermal conductivity.

NASA: NASA has continued to support both foundational and applied research in nanotechnology at 

NASA centers, at universities, and in industry. For example, the Space Technology Research Fellowship 

Program funded 12 graduate fellowships in 2013 and a total of 30 fellowships since its inception in 2011 to 

perform foundational research in nanotechnology-related areas in collaboration with NASA scientists and 

engineers. In-house research through the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Center Innovation Funds 

and the Aeronautics Mission Research Directorate’s Seedling Fund has been supported in topics such as 

the development of nanoscale coatings to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of aircraft, carbon 

nanotube- and boron nitride nanotube-based materials and devices, nanoscale vacuum electronics, and 

high-bandwidth antennas utilizing a polyimide aerogel substrate. 

NIH: NIH advances world-class nanotechnology research through its extensive portfolio of extramural 

awards, awarded in response to both investigator-initiated applications and NIH-directed requests for 

applications. Investigator-initiated research largely focuses on nanoscale phenomena and development of 

nanomaterials and nanotechnology-enabled devices for biomedical applications. NIH investment directed 

specifically towards nanotechnology focuses heavily on the translation of discoveries from basic research 

into clinically applicable technologies, including materials for biomedical imaging and drug delivery and 

devices for disease detection and monitoring. This emphasis on translational research brings together the 

basic nanotechnology, engineering, and biomedical and clinical research communities. 

The NIH institutes and centers play a significant role in nanotechnology research and development. Due to 

the diversity and comprehensiveness of research supported by NIH, the following highlights are limited to 

certain investment programs or new opportunities that demonstrate how NIH activities are advancing the 

frontiers of nanotechnology across disciplines. For instance, the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer, 

the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Programs in Excellence in Nanotechnology, and the 

NIH Nanomedicine Initiative will continue to push the boundaries of biomedical nanotechnology R&D. The 

NCI Alliance has undergone programmatic reviews by the NCI Scientific Program Leaders and the 

Institute’s Board of Scientific Advisors and was approved to continue a third phase starting at the end of 

2015. Phase III will last five years and be populated by a request for applications for funds set aside 

specifically for Centers of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence, a program announcement with a specialized 

review dedicated to platform awards, and leveraging the general program announcement to support 

nanotechnology training centers. The Nanomedicine Initiative is also focused on the quantitative 

characterization of nanoscale components of the cell and the use of this knowledge to treat disease or 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

22 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

repair tissue in a clinical setting. The new Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies 

(BRAIN) Initiative is also expected to advance collaborative nanotechnology research and development 

efforts. The Administration announced the BRAIN Initiative in 2013 as part of a new Presidential focus 

aimed at revolutionizing the understanding of the human brain. The goal is to accelerate the development 

and application of innovative new technologies that build upon many scientific areas (e.g., neuroscience, 

genetics, physics, engineering, and nanoscience) to construct a dynamic picture of brain function that 

integrates neuronal and circuit activity for understanding behavior and diseases. It is in early stages of 

planning, but as it matures, the Initiative will take advantage of new uses of nanotechnologies and create 

new ones. 

Advances from the NCI Alliance expected for 2014 through 2015 include: 

• Development and testing of a gold nanoparticle contrast agent in conjunction with clinical 

development of a Raman endoscope for enhanced colonoscopy. 

• Nanoparticle formulations for rapid validation and treatment of potential therapeutic targets 

identified by genetic screens. 

• Development of bioresponsive materials for imaging or detection of enzymatic activity in vivo, 

enabling noninvasive “optical” biopsies and diagnostic screens. 

The end of 2015 will see the start of a five year third phase of the Alliance, supporting research and 

development centers, targeted platform awards, and interdisciplinary training centers. 

Advances from the Nanomedicine Development Centers expected for 2014 through 2015 include: 

• Development of alternative technologies based on nanopatterning and nanoarchitectures that 

stimulate the expansion of T cells for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. 

• Development of bioreactor beads to manipulate the ratio of memory T Cells to effector T Cells in 

blood for treating leukemia (CLL). 

In addition, NCI funding opportunities released in 2013 that are likely to exploit nanotechnology to extend 

basic biomedical research and advance disease diagnosis and treatment include:

• Development of Appropriate Pediatric Formulations and Pediatric Drug Delivery Systems FOAs. 

• A continuation of the Image-Guided Drug Delivery in Cancer FOA. 

• A continuation of the Research Answers to NCI’s Provocative Questions FOA. 

NHLBI continues to support the Programs of Excellence in Nanotechnology, with a focus on the 

development of nanotherapeutics, imaging agents, and in vitro diagnostic devices. Advances during the 

past year include development of a magnetic barcode assay for genetic detection of pathogens, permitting 

strain-specific, point-of-care identification of M. tuberculosis; nanoparticle-encapsulated siRNA used to 

silence inflammatory signaling; and large-scale single-step manufacture of drug-containing multifunctional 

high-density lipoprotein-like nanoparticles. 

In summary, research activities throughout the entire “Nanotechnology Program Activities” sponsored by 

the institutes and centers of NIH will address future challenges in Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives

(PCA 1), Foundational Research (PCA 2), and clinical translation/evaluation in support of NanotechnologyEnabled Applications, Devices, and Systems (PCA 3) commercialization.

NIST: NIST is developing optical picocalorimetry measurement instrumentation and methods needed to 

advance technologies ranging from semiconductors and data storage to biotechnology and 

optoelectronics. Measurement methods and instrumentation are also being developed for engineered 

nanomaterial metrology and characterization, including separations and surface composition. NIST is also 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 23

developing the first SI-traceable nanoindentation instrument for measuring nanoscale mechanical 

properties of a broad range of materials; methods to elucidate chemical, mechanical, and electrical 

properties of molecular layers at the nanoscale; small-angle x-ray scattering methods for nondestructive, 

three-dimensional profiling of nanoscale patterns in semiconductor fabrication; and broadband, highresolution, scanning probe microscopy for high-frequency characterization of nanoelectronic devices and 

materials.

NIST is supporting high-risk, leading-edge nanotechnology research that anticipates future measurement 

and standards needs of industry and science through the Innovations in Measurement Science (IMS) 

Program. Multidisciplinary IMS research teams are completing the development of measurement methods 

needed to characterize in three dimensions the essential nanoscale processes in photovoltaic materials and 

devices; bridging measurement length scales to advance graphene device technologies; and developing 

the motion metrology for micro- and nanomechanical systems needed to provide quality control during 

manufacturing and to increase device reliability.

NSF: NSF supports fundamental nanoscale science and engineering in and across all disciplines. NSF’s 

nanotechnology research is supported primarily through grants to individuals, teams, and centers at U.S. 

academic institutions. The efforts in team and center projects have been particularly fruitful because 

nanoscale research and education are inherently interdisciplinary pursuits, often combining elements of 

materials science, engineering, chemistry, physics, and biology.

The NSF nanotechnology investment in 2013 supported about 5,000 active projects, over 30 research 

centers, and several infrastructure networks for device development, computation, and education. It 

impacted over 10,000 students and teachers. Approximately 150 small businesses were funded to perform 

research and product development in nanotechnology through the SBIR and STTR programs. 

Three new directions planned for 2015 are two-dimensional nanoscale materials; chemical species and 

nanostructured composite materials; and nanoscale optics and photonics. [See also the section below on 

coordinated activities in support of Objective 1.1.] 

USDA/FS: The Forest Service plans in 2015 to continue investing in fundamental research on cellulose 

nanomaterials. These fundamental research areas include interfaces between cellulose nanomaterials and 

other polymeric materials, new methods to separate cellulose nanocrystal from wood, basic morphology of 

cellulose nanocrystals, and others. The results of this research will provide foundations in understanding 

the properties of cellulose nanocrystals and in incorporating the renewable cellulose nanomaterial in 

polymeric composites, with potential application in automobiles, aerospace equipment, biomedical 

devices, and replacement for other plastics applications.

USDA/NIFA: USDA/NIFA nanotechnology efforts continue to advance the frontiers of interdisciplinary 

nanoscale science, engineering, and technology R&D endeavors to address a broad range of grand societal 

challenges and opportunities facing agriculture and food systems through various extramural research 

funding mechanisms. NIFA supports nanoscience research and development primarily through 

competitive and formula grants to individual researchers at land grant universities and other public and 

private research institutes.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 1.1

DOD/Army, universities, industry, and international organizations: The Army-sponsored Institute for 

Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN) continues to maintain strong interactions with Army labs to investigate 

manipulating the intrinsic properties of matter at the nanoscale. This research effort has strong active 

research collaborations that have led to effective transitioning of ISN-developed materials, engineering 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

24 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

capabilities, and computational expertise. These efforts have strengthened the intersection of scientific 

disciplines including fundamental research on metal-graphene interactions through atomistic modeling of 

dislocation behavior at the material interfaces to investigate the mechanical properties of metal-graphene 

composites. Alloy technology has been transitioned from the ISN to the Army Armament Research, 

Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC), the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), and MIT startup 

Xtalic for scale-up, testing, and further development. Biomolecules and bio-nanomaterials research has 

been coordinated with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), and 

potentially through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Working 

Group. Additional coordinated activities include ARL support for the polyfunctional scaffold effort through 

Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) projects and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The DTRA 

project focuses on the development of self-cleaning coatings and other technologies to improve coatings, 

and the overall effort involves researchers from ARL, AFRL, and the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), as well 

as the Army’s Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center, in the evaluation of additives in Air Force 

topcoats. 

DOD/DARPA and NIST: DARPA's MesoDynamic Architectures (Meso) program has exploited nonlinearities 

intrinsic to the mesoscale-nanoscale to produce frequency sources with performance and stability well 

beyond the state of the art for their size. This offers increased performance and new capabilities for military 

systems ranging from longer ranges for radios to maintaining radar performance on vibrating platforms. 

The Meso program is engaged with NIST for independent performance evaluation. Demonstrations using 

prototype devices can enable the Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking and longer-range radio 

transmissions at lower operating power. Typically, the performance of measurement devices is limited by 

deleterious effects such as thermal noise and vibration. Notable exceptions are atomic clocks, which 

operate very near their fundamental limits. Driving devices to their physical limits will open new 

application spaces critical to future DOD systems. 

DOD/DARPA, NSF, NIST, and industry: The Semiconductor Technology Advanced Research Network 

(STARnet) program is jointly funded by U.S. member companies and DARPA. Management is provided by 

DARPA, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), and the U.S. member companies with the 

Microelectronics Advanced Research Corporation (MARCO) administering day-to-day operations. DARPA 

routinely shares the results with NSF, NIST, and the other DOD component organizations. [Also applies to 

Objective 1.2, where it is described in greater detail.] 

NIH/NIDCR and NIST: In 2013, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) 

participated in an Interagency Agreement with NIST to develop clinical standards for resin compositebased dental restorative materials. These restorative materials contain bio-inert nanoparticles for enhanced 

mechanical properties and/or bioactive nanoparticles with potential antimicrobial properties. Examples 

include the development of a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate for biofilm quantification 

using controlled nanotopography and new approaches to quantify demineralization using innovative data 

analysis procedures with nanometer resolution. NIST efforts in producing tooth-mimetic substrates have 

focused on early mineralization events involving development of restorative materials based on 

nanometer-size building blocks. NIDCR’s role is to financially support these efforts and provide scientific 

and clinical advice to NIST through 2015. 

NIST, DOE, and industry: Working with SBIR-supported companies, NIST and DOE are jointly developing 

synchrotron spectroscopy imaging instruments and methods to characterize the chemistry, structure, and 

electronic state of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). These instruments are being transferred to the new 

DOE synchrotron facility NSLS-II in 2014 and are expected to be fully operational in 2015. NSLS-II was 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 25

designed specifically for nanoscale imaging and thus will provide enhanced capability of NIST’s 

instruments for both spatial and depth resolution.

NIST, USDA, universities, and industry: NIST, the USDA Forest Product Laboratory, Purdue University, the 

University of Maine, and the Technical Association for the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI, a non-profit 

organization supporting the American paper and pulp industry) published Production and Applications of 

Cellulose Nanomaterials, a book highlighting the importance of cellulose nanomaterials and the wide range 

of research being conducted worldwide to advance this technology.

NIST and industry: NIST is collaborating with industry on the development of standards for scanning 

microwave microscopy for applications in life sciences, next-generation electronics, and data storage 

technology.

NIST, universities, and industry: In December 2013, NIST selected a consortium led by Northwestern 

University to establish a new NIST-sponsored center of excellence for advanced materials research. The 

new Center for Hierarchical Materials Design (CHiMaD) will be funded in part by a $25 million award from 

NIST over five years. This partnership is an important component of NIST’s programs in support of the 

Administration’s Materials Genome Initiative. NIST will work closely with the university and industry 

members of the CHiMaD consortium to accelerate the design, discovery, development, and deployment of 

advanced materials. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials research will play an important role in this new 

center.

NSF and DOD/AFOSR: Both agencies collaborate in the Two-Dimensional Atomic-layer Research and 

Engineering (2-DARE) program, which addresses fundamental challenges in the creation of 2-D nanoscale 

materials and their hybrids, scalable manufacturing strategies, characterization tools and methods, and 

novel devices. These may lead, among other things, to solar cells that exploit the unique properties of 

stacked, heterogeneous layers.

NSF, EPA, and USDA/NIFA: NSF, EPA, and USDA collaborated in a joint grantees conference in December 

2013, facilitating portfolio evaluation and identification of future research directions. 

Objective 1.2 – Identify and support nanoscale science and technology research driven by 

national priorities and informed by active engagement with stakeholders. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 1.2

DOD/Army: ARL and the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies collaborated in a malaria vaccine study 

using a murine model. A new ISN-developed nanoparticle, called an inter-bilayer-crosslinked multi-lamellar 

vesicle, provided a tenfold increase in immune response with 100 times less vaccine. Moreover, the 

immune response remained essentially unchanged for over five months. Along a different direction is the 

ongoing development of “rapid reconstitution packages” of lyophilized drugs to enable greatly simplified 

logistics, dramatically prolonged drug shelf life, and increased ease of administration in the field.

DOD/DARPA: A competitive electronics industry is a national priority to maintain commercial technology 

leadership and ensure new defense capabilities. DARPA is identifying promising new approaches for using 

nanotechnologies to drive advances in new devices to replace transistors or to augment the performance 

of conventional transistor integrated circuits. See the DOD STARnet and Meso program descriptions under 

Collaborative Activities for Objective 1.1. The STARnet program is advancing fundamental research for 

creating highly functional circuits using these devices and understanding their inherent limitations. In this 

case, the program is partnering directly with several industrial stakeholders including equipment supplier 

Applied Materials, semiconductor integrated device manufacturers Intel and Micron, foundries IBM and 
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26 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

Global Foundries, along with defense contractors Raytheon and United Technologies. The STARnet 

program funds research directly at U.S. universities. 

Many defense-critical applications require exceptionally precise time and frequency standards enabled 

only by atomic clocks. GPS and the Internet are two key examples. DARPA's Enabling Quantum 

Technologies program is building upon established control and readout techniques from atomic physics to 

develop a suite of measurement tools that will find broad application across the DOD, particularly in the 

areas of biological imaging, inertial navigation, and robust global positioning systems. Recent progress 

under this program includes the demonstration of the world's most precise atomic clocks that exhibit 

stability greater than two parts per quintillion (one followed by 18 zeros). 

Defense applications such as geolocation, navigation, communication, coherent imaging, and radar 

depend on the generation and transmission of stable, agile electromagnetic radiation. Improved radiation 

sources—for example, lower-noise microwaves or higher-flux x-rays—could enhance existing capabilities 

and enable entirely new technologies. The Basic Photon Sciences program is investigating ways to exploit 

the exquisite stability and control achieved in ultrafast lasers to enable novel radiation sources that span 

the electromagnetic spectrum with improved performance while reducing size, weight, and power. It is 

envisioned that such devices, once demonstrated by DARPA, will find broad application across the DOD, 

particularly in the areas of secure communications, electronic warfare and countermeasures, coherent 

radar, nondestructive evaluation, biological imaging, and materials characterization. Recent key 

achievements in this program include the demonstration of up to 20 decibel reduction in the noise floor of 

photonic microwave generation compared to state-of-the-art lab-based sources and the first 

demonstration of 3-D full-field x-ray imaging with 5.5 nanometer spatial resolution and about 

1 femtosecond temporal resolution. 

DOD/Navy: The Navy nanomanufacturing program is developing nanoscience-based, high-speed 

continuous fabrication of full-function hybrid flexible electronic systems. The challenge is to form a family 

of devices (sensors, logic circuits, radio frequency identification—RFID, displays, power, etc.) as a 

multifunctional system-on-film. The program is developing appropriate nanomaterials (oxides, CNTs, silver, 

etc.) that will be used in the building of multilayered devices; appropriate nanoscale processes (printing, 

imprinting, etc.) for creating the circuits in an optimal sequence; design and construction of the circuits for 

selected systems of interest optimized for performance and production; and strategies for continuous, rollto-roll nanomanufacturing of these complex electronic systems. Flexible electronics have the potential to 

be lightweight and low-cost, both features beneficial to the military. The program is targeting an efficient, 

conformal brain-machine interface (BMI) electronic system, which will replace a current discrete electrodebased BMI.

DOE: DOE-SC continues to support the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP), an Energy 

Innovation Hub aimed at developing revolutionary methods to generate fuels directly from sunlight. In 

2013 DOE-SC initiated the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), another Energy Innovation 

Hub focused on batteries and energy storage. A significant fraction of the effort in both hubs involves 

nanotechnology. By fostering unique, cross-disciplinary collaborations, these hubs will help advance highly 

promising areas of energy science and engineering from the early stage of research to the point where the 

technology can be handed off to the private sector.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) supports a broad range of early-stage, 

potentially disruptive energy technology projects that involve both applications of current 

nanotechnology and applied research and development in new areas of nanotechnology. A major focus is 

on the challenging translation of nanotechnology from the laboratory to commercial viability. 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 27

The SunShot Initiative in the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE-EERE) supports a 

variety of projects that use nanotechnology to drive down the cost of solar power installations. Approaches 

to reach the SunShot $1 per watt target using nanotechnology include quantum dot solar cells, 

nanostructures for bandgap engineering, monolayers to adjust a material’s work function or passivate 

surfaces, and nanostructured materials for plasmonics and antireflective coatings. 

The solid-state lighting (SSL) program in DOE-EERE supports research and development of promising SSL 

technologies in areas such as emitter materials research at the nanoscale level to reduce current droop and 

thermal sensitivity in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and light extraction approaches for organic LEDs 

(OLEDs). Manufacturing R&D projects accelerate SSL technology adoption through manufacturing 

improvements that reduce costs and enhance quality of SSL devices.

The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies (HFCT) program in DOE-EERE conducts nanomaterials research 

and development for fuel cell, hydrogen production, and hydrogen storage applications. These efforts, 

such as those in catalyst R&D, will lead to lower costs and improved performance in hydrogen and fuel cell 

technologies and will help to enable widespread commercialization of these technologies. 

DOT/FHWA: The Federal Highway Administration is developing innovative materials and coatings that can 

provide significant improvements in the durability, performance, and resiliency of transportation 

infrastructure. Nanomaterials efforts are focused on improving the behavior and durability of cementitious 

materials through modification and enhancement of interface behavior and expanding the fundamental 

understanding of cement hydration kinetics. Multifunctional infrastructure materials can improve 

structural health monitoring, self-repair capability, and the ability to detect and mitigate corrosion. 

Advancements in nanoscale sensors will provide opportunities for networked infrastructure and 

connectivity with vehicles to provide a safer, more efficient, longer-lasting transportation system.

NIH: NCI has engaged the external stakeholder community through a strategic workshop, the Request for 

Information on Needs and Directions in Cancer Nanotechnology, and a web-based forum entitled Dialogue 

on Nanotechnology in Cancer, which has over 100 registered users. The community response to these 

efforts is being used to identify the pressing needs and promising opportunities for cancer 

nanotechnology and to inform the shape of NCI’s future investment in nanotechnology. Nanotechnologyspecific responses were also received in response to the Request for Information (RFI), “Regarding 

Opportunities for Cancer-Relevant Innovative Technologies with Transformative Potential.” NCI also 

engages with the patient advocate and pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry through the Translation of 

Nanotechnology in Cancer (TONIC) consortium. The collective stakeholder inputs to these efforts were 

integrated into the successful Alliance Program renewal effort and will be key to identifying programmatic 

priorities as Phase III of the Alliance begins at the end of 2015. [See Objective 2.2 for more details.]

NIOSH: NIOSH continues to provide broad support to advancing nanotechnology research through active 

partnership with the private sector and through the NNI Signature Initiatives. Within this effort, NIOSH has 

several activities that are focused directly on safe and responsible development of the technology that will 

facilitate speed to market and competitive advantage.

NSF: NSF organized the Arizona State University Center for Nanotechnology in Society (CNS-ASU) first 

annual Winter School on the Anticipatory Governance of Emerging Technologies focused on statistical data 

on societal dimensions of nanotechnology, socio-technical integration research methods, and future 

scenario development.
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28 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

USDA/ARS: Nanotechnology investments include research in the following areas:

• Processing technologies to produce healthy, value-added foods from specialty crops, including 

applications of methylcellulose and chitosan nanoparticles in edible films.

• Imaging technology for food safety and security, including use of Raman scattering with silver 

nanorods or use of nanoscale peptides and DNA aptamers to detect food-borne pathogens and 

toxins.

• Novel methods for manufacturing of bioproducts from agricultural feedstocks, including blowspinning and electro-spinning of biopolymers to produce nanocomposites, nanofoams, 

nanofibers, microemulsions, and hydrogels.

• Environmentally friendly processes and new applications for animal hides and leather, including 

collagen-based nanofibers for high-efficiency, biodegradable air filters.

• Development of new bioactive and bio-based products from plant cell wall polysaccharides in 

sugar beet pulp, citrus peel, and other processing residues, including polysaccharide-based 

nanoparticles for controlled release of bioactive food ingredients and for active packaging 

applications.

• Development of nanoscale coatings to make cotton flame-resistant, and depositing 

enzymes/peptides on cotton nanocrystals for applications in biosensors, antimicrobials, and 

bioremediation.

USDA/NIFA: The NIFA nanotechnology program supports foundational sciences and innovative ideas to 

develop nanotechnology-enabled solutions for a range of national priorities including global food security 

through improving productivity, quality, and biodiversity; adaptation and mitigation of agricultural 

production systems to climate changes; improvement of the nutritional quality of food and feed; early 

detection and effective intervention technologies for ensuring food safety and biosecurity; more effective 

therapies that significantly impact animal health and wellness; development of the biology-based 

economy; and increased protection for natural resources, the environment, and agricultural ecosystems.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 1.2

DOE and NSF: NSF and DOE co-sponsor the Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar Technologies (QESST)

Engineering Research Center (ERC), which conducts photovoltaic (PV) research. The DOE Hydrogen and 

Fuel Cell Technologies (HFCT) program activities are coordinated primarily with DOE-SC and NSF, working

to understand the fundamental science behind relevant nanomaterials. The findings from the fundamental 

work are then applied to the HFCT R&D efforts to further develop and then to commercialize nanoscale 

technologies in hydrogen and fuel cells.

NASA, NRO, and DOD: In 2013, NASA and the NRO participated in a technical interchange meeting to 

identify areas of mutual interest and explore opportunities for further collaboration in nanotechnology 

R&D. NASA continues to work with AFOSR in carbon nanotube and boron nitride nanotube structural 

materials.

NSF, NIH, EPA, DOD, NASA, and USDA/NIFA: “Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 

2020” (see wtec.org/nano2), the report of a study led by NSF with input from academic, industry, and 

government experts from over 35 countries, addresses the progress and impact of nanotechnology since 

2000 as well as the vision and research directions for nanotechnology by 2020. Further, convergence of 

nanotechnology with other technologies and areas of application was analyzed in the NSF-led study and 

2013 report created in collaboration with NIH, EPA, DOD, NASA and USDA/NIFA, Convergence of Knowledge, 

Technology, and Society (see: wtec.org/NBIC2-Report).
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 29

NSF, NIST, and industry: The Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) works with NIST and NSF to 

address the confluence of two key national priorities that are also associated with long-standing U.S. 

Government interagency research initiatives: (1) nanotechnology/NNI and (2) information 

technology/NITRD (Networking and Information Technology Research and Development).

Objective 1.3 – Assess the performance of the U.S. nanotechnology R&D program. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 1.3

DOD/Air Force: Exploration of the applications impact of emerging nanomaterials work is of principal 

importance in the AFRL nanotechnology research portfolio. Nanomaterials and nanodevice research is 

informed by advances in nanomanufacturing to determine where application goals can be met. Nanooptical materials research is focused on quantitative improvements to filter technology and optical 

detector technology by exploring quantitative improvements in performance through novel zero-index 

nanomaterials and nanodevice enhancements of infrared detectors including increased sensing 

functionality through transformation optics in a nano-patterned system. In addition, an investigation of

nanomaterials for improving the performance and function of additive manufacturing systems has been 

conducted. Evaluations of technical progress were done by comparison with conventional materials 

approaches to similar technical challenges. [This is also relevant to Objective 4.1 through the required 

evaluation of new process hazards.]

NIH: A thorough performance assessment was a critical component of the successful renewal of the NCI 

Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer (Phase III to start at the end of 2015). As noted in Objective 1.2, NCI 

combined the results of a pilot analysis of Alliance network connectivity and productivity with NIH portfolio 

analysis, bibliometric analysis of Alliance publications, input from an external evaluation committee and 

other experts in the field, and responses to relevant questions from the Cancer Nanotechnology RFI to 

assess the multidisciplinarity, translational potential, and productivity of the Alliance program. This 

evaluation effort addressed other important issues including the appropriateness of the balance between 

basic and translational research in the program, the effectiveness of training efforts in the program, the 

extent to which the program advances adherence to standards by researchers in the field, and the value of 

the program’s engagement with the clinical and industrial communities. The results of this assessment 

inform the structure and strategy of NCI’s continuing nanotechnology investment. 

NSF: The CNS at ASU has evaluation activities for research performance and nanotechnology outcomes. 

The CNS node at Georgia Tech evaluates trends in publication, patents, and commercialization through 

data mining, interviews, and other methods as part of the “Research and Innovation Systems Analysis” 

group. The group’s main goal is to characterize the technical scope and dynamics of the nanoscale science 

and engineering enterprise and the linkages between it and a variety of public values and outcomes. 

USDA/NIFA: USDA/NIFA continues its evaluation of the performance and progress of NIFA’s

nanotechnology R&D projects through its annual grantees meeting. Given the tight travel budget, the 2014 

grantees meeting will be conducted in video conferences.

USPTO: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office contributes a variety of nanotechnology-related patent data, 

which is used as a benchmark to analyze nanotechnology development and for trend analysis of 

nanotechnology patenting activity in the United States and globally. The data shows that since the start of 

the NNI, the percent of nanotechnology-related U.S. patents assigned or owned by universities have 

slightly increased and the percent of nanotechnology-related U.S. patents with government interest 

statements has almost doubled. Both of these increases are likely attributable to the increased Federal R&D 

funding from the NNI. Regarding international nanotechnology-related patenting activity, U.S. inventors 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

30 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

continue to lead in the total number of nanotechnology-related patent publications globally. However, 

that lead has been shrinking. U.S. inventors more significantly lead in the total number of nanotechnologyrelated patent publications in three or more countries, indicating an aggressive pursuit of international 

intellectual property protection. 

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 1.3

DOD/Air Force, universities, and industry: The teams executing the Air Force efforts towards this 

objective (listed above under “individual agency contributions”) include academic-industrial partnerships 

fostered by interaction through AFRL and industry partnerships. The specific information has been used 

both for comparison with technical goals in these areas and to evaluate the current overall nanomaterials 

engineering capability. 

NNI agencies, NNCO, National Academies, and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and 

Technology (PCAST): As discussed in Chapter 5 of this report, the NNI participating agencies and NNCO 

contribute background information and other resources, as appropriate, to the periodic reviews of the NNI 

by the National Academies and PCAST. These reviews include assessment of the performance of the 

nanotechnology research supported by the NNI agencies. 

Objective 1.4 – Advance a portfolio of Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs) that are 

each supported by three or more NNI agencies and address significant national priorities.

17

Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion

Individual agency contributions to this NSI

DOD/Air Force: The Air Force Materials and Manufacturing Directorate contributes to this NSI by 

continuing to develop nanostructured organic photovoltaic devices based on single-layer and tandem bulk 

heterojunction (BHJ)-type photovoltaic devices. Current activities are focused in three areas: (1) developing 

approaches to fabricate these devices on nontraditional substrates to enable structural power applications 

(such as solar aircraft wings), (2) designing reproducible recombination layers for tandem (multilayer) 

devices, and (3) developing direct-write approaches for on-demand, low-cost, scalable production of these 

devices. These devices are expected to have the greatest impact for applications requiring very high 

specific power (W/g) such as unmanned air vehicles and high-altitude airships.

DOE: The Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) in the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable 

Energy supports a variety of efforts related to nanotechnology research and development in this NSI at the 

intersection of scientific disciplines. For example, the Bridging Research Interactions through collaborative 

Development Grants in Energy (BRIDGE) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) was released to 

support collaborative efforts between scientists with photovoltaic experience and those with expertise 

utilizing the national scientific user facilities. The BRIDGE FOA was executed as a collaborative effort 

between DOE-SETP and DOE-SC. A variety of projects funded under this FOA are related to 

nanotechnology, such as those focused on grain boundaries and nanoscale arrays of photoactive materials.

The DOE Office of Science supports a wide array of fundamental research related to solar energy, including 

a number of Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) and the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis 

(JCAP). 

 

17 For additional information on the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives, see the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan 

www.nano.gov/2014StrategicPlan and www.nano.gov/signatureinitiatives. 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 31

NIST: NIST is developing measurement methods needed to characterize, in three-dimensions, the essential 

nanoscale processes in photovoltaic materials and devices, and is expanding efforts into methods to be 

applied during manufacturing. In support of this NSI, NIST has demonstrated a new solar simulator system 

with the ability to match arbitrary solar spectral conditions while maintaining spot size below 2000 

nanometers, enabling optimization of advanced photovoltaic materials such as quantum dots, 

polycrystalline semiconductors, and multijunction stacks.

NSF: NSF supports basic research and interdisciplinary efforts by groups of primarily academic researchers 

to address the scientific challenges of highly efficient harvesting, conversion, and storage of solar energy—

projects in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), Engineering (ENG), Computer & Information 

Science & Engineering (CISE), and Biological Sciences (BIO) Directorates. A primary emphasis is on the 

education, at all levels, of a highly trained scientific and technical workforce. NSF activities that address 

research topics generally related to this NSI include Engineering Research Centers, such as the QESST ERC,

18

and Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI). 

The Sustainable Energy Pathways (SEP) program is part of the NSF-wide initiative on Science, Engineering, 

and Education for Sustainability (SEES). The SEP solicitation calls for innovative, interdisciplinary basic 

research in science, engineering, and education by teams of researchers. One example of an SEP program 

that addresses the goals of this NSI is the Development of Economically Viable, Highly Efficient Organic 

Photovoltaic Solar Cells Program, which is administered through the University of Chicago, Northwestern 

University, and the University of California, Los Angeles. This program is aimed at achieving low-cost solar 

energy conversion to electricity through the development of organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells, 

through evaluating the sustainability of OPV technology, and through addressing the environmental and 

economic aspects of OPV technology.

The MPS and ENG Directorates are responsible for over 80% of the NSF investment. Examples of

investments relating to this NSI include research on photovoltaic energy conversion theory, modeling, 

surface chemistry, materials synthesis, device physics, engineering and characterization, and 

nanotechnology for power electronics. 

USDA/NIFA: The NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) nanotechnology program supports a 

broad range of value-added uses of agricultural bio-nanomaterials and products to strengthen the national 

economy while seeking innovative technologies to provide new energy sources. A successful research 

example is the development of direct conversion of solar energy to electricity using nanoscale protein units 

responsible for plant photosynthesis from leafy vegetables and other plants. Another example is the 

development of a prototype solar battery developed by a multidisciplinary research team at Vanderbilt 

University that utilizes a nanoscale photosystem I (PSI) multilayer to generate enough power to operate a 

handheld calculator. 

Coordinated activities with other agencies and other institutions contributing to this NSI 

DOD/Air Force, NNI agencies, and universities: The Materials and Manufacturing Directorate work is 

coordinated with other DOD and Government agencies through both the Reliance 21 Communities of 

Interest (Advanced Materials and Energy & Power) as well as through the Interagency Advanced Power 

Group. AFRL collaborates with the Georgia Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and the 

University of Chicago.

 

18 Discussed above under coordinated activities in support of Objective 1.2 (p. 28).
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

32 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

NNI agencies: Agencies participating in the NSI collaboratively organized a symposium on 

Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion at Nanotech 201319 (May 2013, in Washington, 

DC) and participated in meetings of the NSI group to exchange information and coordinate 

nanotechnology efforts in this field. 

NSF and DOE: In addition to continuing the joint funding NSF-DOE activities in the Solar Energy NSI, NSF

and DOE are co-sponsoring the Engineering Research Center for Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar 

Technologies (QESST ERC), another research center that involves industry collaboration. This center has 

been jointly funded by the DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Program and NSF since 2011. QESST research 

focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of electronic excitations, relaxation, and transport in 

nanostructured materials, leading to materials with electric-charge collection efficiencies in excess of the 

single-junction solar cell limit. Under development in this research center are sophisticated new III-V 

quantum-scale semiconductor materials and solar designs with projected efficiencies in excess of 50%, and 

new photovoltaic energy concepts that will enhance planetary and deep space exploration. This center 

also works with companies to advance technologies toward commercialization. 

NSF, DOE, and NIST: The annual “Photovoltaic Specialist Conference,” which is co-sponsored by DOE, NSF, 

and NIST, continued to be held in each of the years following the articulation of this NSI (2010, 2011, 2012, 

and 2013). This conference also has included a workshop titled “PV Velocity Forum: Accelerating the PV 

Economy,” that was jointly planned and implemented by DOE and NIST.

NSF, industry, and universities: Collaborative research centers have facilitated ongoing partnerships 

between participating agencies, industry, and academia, thereby helping to strategically focus R&D efforts 

and efficiently implement R&D advances. For example, the “Silicon Solar Consortium” Research Center is an 

industry/university collaborative research center that involves joint NSF and industry funding. This center 

performs research on crystalline silicon crystal growth, impurities and defects, photovoltaic device 

processing, process modeling and simulation, and module issues. This center has created a multiuniversity, multi-company culture addressing the science and technology issues that the international 

photovoltaic silicon materials industry must solve in order to meet the future needs of advanced silicon 

solar cell manufacturing, while educating graduate students with photovoltaic materials/devices expertise 

to meet future workforce needs. As a collaborative agency/industry enterprise, this center conducts the 

critical research related to improving the efficiency of PV devices while addressing the manufacturing 

issues related to realizing the commercialization of these devices. 

Sustainable Nanomanufacturing: Creating the Industries of the Future

Individual agency contributions to this NSI

DOD/Air Force: The Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is conducting numerous research efforts 

toward nanoelectronics, with efforts focused on enhanced electron and phonon transport, carbon 

nanotubes, 2-D and 3-D electron gas structures, oxide nanostructures, thin film processes, and predictive 

modeling of materials performance for applications in surveillance and electronic warfare. Significant 

efforts throughout the Directorate are focused on the development of metallic, organic, and carbon 

nanotube inks for a wide range of nanoelectronic devices, including flexible, inherently rugged electronic 

devices. 

DOD/Army: The Army Research Laboratory has successfully engineered a new method of producing stable 

nanocrystalline powders with sufficient stability to resist microstructural changes during the high-

 

19 www.techconnectworld.com/Nanotech2013/about
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 33

temperature processing needed for full-density consolidation. Availability of advanced nanocrystalline 

alloys is critical to the paradigm shift mandated for future Army infantry, weapons, and vehicle 

performance. Nanocrystalline microstructures thermodynamically are subject to coarsening at room 

temperature. Therefore, the processing and applications of these materials will be limited by the ability to 

create stabilized microstructures. Current users exploit state-of-the-art atomic-level characterization 

techniques to identify and determine the electronic contributions responsible for reducing and minimizing 

the interfacial energy of high-temperature nanocrystalline alloys that are relevant to Army applications. 

Through this process researchers have been able to bulk consolidate and/or produce near-net-shaped 

parts, retaining nanocrystalline microstructure, potentially suitable for various Army applications. These 

include aluminum alloys for light-weighting ballistic applications, nanostructured steels for ultrahigh 

strength at high temperatures, and nanostructured materials for penetrator applications. 

NASA: NASA continues to work with industry, universities, and other Federal agencies in the development 

of ultralightweight, high-strength composites based on carbon nanotube reinforcements and their 

application in aerospace components. This project, supported by the Space Technology Mission 

Directorate’s Game Changing Development Program, will design, build, and flight-test a carbon nanotube 

composite reinforced pressure vessel in 2015. In 2013, NASA researchers, under a Center Innovation Fund 

project, have been exploring the use of halogen intercalation chemistries to improve the electrical 

conductivity of carbon nanotube yarns and fibers for use in lightweight data and power cables. This work is

continuing in 2014 with support from the Game Changing Development Program.

NIOSH: NIOSH continues to provide broad support to advancing nanotechnology research through the 

NSIs. Within this effort, NIOSH has several activities that are focused directly on safe and responsible 

development of the technology. In 2015, NIOSH will continue to develop and disseminate case studies that 

demonstrate the utility of applying Prevention through Design (PtD) principles to nanomanufacturing. 

Elements of the PtD program include identification of physicochemical properties of nanomaterials that

can be modified to decrease adverse biological responses, and the development of EHS practices for 

incorporation into the texts and curricula of U.S. engineering schools. Partnerships with private 

nanomanufacturing companies will be expanded in 2015 to include extension of effective risk 

management practices into elements of the Administration’s Advanced Manufacturing priority area. Many 

nanomaterial-enabled applications and products will realize full commercialization through advanced 

manufacturing technologies, and NIOSH will extend and reapply knowledge gained from 

nanomanufacturing into this area. [Funding for this activity is reported by NIOSH under PCA 5; also relevant to 

Objective 4.4.] 

NIST: NIST is developing high-throughput measurement methods to characterize the nanoscale 

morphology of carbon nanocomposites. These microwave-based measurement methods will be used in 

manufacturing for quality assurance and control. As part of this program, new high-resolution techniques 

are also being developed to provide insight into the processing-structure-properties relationships in 

nanocomposites. In particular, a novel method for actuating atomic force microscope cantilevers is yielding 

mechanical property information at a length scale of 30 nanometers, helping elucidate the role of 

nanoscale reinforcements in composite behavior.

NSF: The NSF Nanomanufacturing Program and other core programs fund fundamental research projects 

and have contributions in carbon-based nanomaterials, optical metamaterials, and cellulosic 

nanomaterials. A program solicitation on Scalable Nanomanufacturing has had two competitions, in 2013

and 2014; another one is planned for 2015. 

USDA/NIFA: NIFA’s current focus in nanomanufacturing is on nanobiomaterials derived from various 

forest, crop, and by-products biomass. There are ongoing research efforts in synthesis of carbon-based 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

34 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

nanomaterials; development of cost-effective production methods; functionalization and characterization 

of nanomaterials; and exploring applications such as piezoelectric, renewable nanocomposite polymers, 

flexible displays, food packaging, barrier films, windows, and others.

Coordinated activities with other agencies and other institutions contributing to this NSI 

DOD/Army, NNI agencies, and universities: Army efforts are highly embedded with universities through 

collaborations with several national universities including George Mason University, MIT, Penn State, 

University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University, Drexel University, and Texas A&M. Other 

partners include Los Alamos National Laboratory, the ARL Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate, and 

the Army Armor Research, Development, and Engineering Center. There are collaborations with the Center 

for Computational Materials Design, an NSF-supported Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, 

on various aspects of phase formation and grain growth. The ARL internal mission program was 

instrumental in developing an ARL/ARO SBIR project focused on the processing and property interrogation

of high-strength nanostructured aluminum alloys. This program directly impacts the Army light-weighting 

capability by seeking to develop alloys that exceed the expected physical properties of current aluminum 

alloys. This would enable weight reduction of 65% in alloys with ultrahigh toughness. 

NIST, NASA, universities, and industry: NIST is working with samples from NASA, a major aerospace 

company, and MIT to validate new measurement methods that enable a very detailed analysis of the 

distribution of nanomaterials in polymers—information that is critical to turning these promising highperformance composites into flight-qualified components.

NNI agencies: Agencies participating in the NSI collaboratively organized a symposium on Sustainable 

Nanomanufacturing at Nanotech 201320 (May 2013 in Washington DC) and participated in meetings of the 

NSI group to exchange information and coordinate nanotechnology efforts in this field. 

NRO, DOD, industry: NRO is working with DOD and several companies to leverage Defense Production 

Act Title III funds to help develop and expand U.S. industrial capabilities for nanomanufacturing of bulk 

carbon nanotube sheets, yarns, and tapes, as well as compression-molded carbon nanotube composite 

parts. [See additional details below under activities in support of Objective 2.2.] 

USDA/FS and universities: In 2013, the University of Maine commissioned a Forest Service-funded 1 ton

per day pilot-scale production facility for making cellulose nanofibrils using mechanical methods. This pilot 

facility is the second of the two Forest Service-funded pilot facilities for cellulose nanomaterials research 

and development. The first of these, located at the Forest Service’s Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, 

WI, produces both cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibrils using a different process from the Maine plant. It 

was commissioned in 2012.

The Forest Service continues to collaborate with a network of universities in cellulose nanomaterials (CN) 

research. This Forest Service-academia collaboration was established with a one-time investment in 2009. 

In the 2013 progress review held at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, researchers presented their results for 

cellulose nonmaterial research in the areas of CN functionalization, aerogels from CN, composites with 

improved wet strength and liquid barrier properties, predictive modeling, aqueous aerospace composites 

from CN, and online measurement of CN in a manufacturing process.

 

20 www.techconnectworld.com/Nanotech2013/about
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 35

Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond

Individual agency contributions to this NSI 

DOD/Air Force: The Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is exploring nanoelectronic materials and 

their synthesis processes to improve device performance and reliability and to develop technologies that

are less dependent on foreign foundries. Currently, most electronic materials are manufactured abroad, 

which places the United States at a strategic disadvantage for next-generation electronic materials. 

Alternative processes for electronics manufacturing are being explored to allow for a cost-effective and 

rapid progress in advanced nanoelectronic materials, which can include 0-D (e.g., quantum dots), 1-D (e.g., 

nanotubes and nanowires), and 2-D (e.g., monolayer) approaches. These materials and processes are of 

strategic importance for both DOD applications (sensors, communications, navigation, etc.) and for 

commercial products in telecommunications, computation, medicine, and other fields. AFRL is actively 

researching these nanoscale electronic materials and their processing technologies as well as developing 

strategic partnerships with U.S. academic research centers and industry for both research advancements 

and applications development. 

DOD/Army: ARL developed a breakthrough materials synthesis strategy that results in a fifty-fold increase 

in the crystal size of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) 2-D nanomaterials. Optimized hBN is needed to serve as 

the insulating interface for graphene nanoelectronics, thus this work is a critical step in nanoelectronics 

development. 

NIST: NIST is making significant advances in nanoelectronics by developing measurements and fabrication 

approaches for high-performance devices based on semiconductor nanowires and two-dimensional thin 

film device platforms for electronic and nanophotonic applications; advancing processes to integrate 

molecular components into robust electronic devices with metal or silicon electrodes; developing new 

approaches to characterize topological insulators; characterizing the energy barriers at materials interfaces 

critical for future ultra-low-powered electronics such as tunnel FETs; creating new nanoscale methods to 

measure and understand spin transport, dynamics, and related magnetic interactions in electronic and 

data storage devices; developing novel ways to measure and manipulate photons in nanophotonic 

applications; and coupling quantum optical and nanomechanical systems in silicon to create innovative 

devices for metrology and quantum communications applications. In addition, NIST is making major 

advances in carbon-based nanoelectronics, having developed a rapid and economical method to produce 

high-purity samples of carbon nanotubes along with techniques to monitor their purity, and by elucidating 

critical properties of graphene and graphene-based devices. Critical advances in materials growth and 

nanofabrication have been made at NIST that open the way for the use of silicon-based nanoelectronics in 

quantum information technology. The NanoFab, a shared resource in NIST’s Center for Nanoscale 

Technology (CNST) user facility, is providing support to this NSI through access to a comprehensive 

commercial-state-of-the-art tools set for nanoelectronics fabrication.

NSF: The NSF investment has a primary focus on upstream, exploratory research in the following areas: 

new alternative “state variables” for logic and memory components and suitable computer architectures, 

computer-based research of new devices, integration of nanoelectronic and nanophotonic components 

into new systems, and new quantum information system components and systems. Examples of core 

programs covering this thrust are the Electronic and Photonic Materials Program within MPS’s Division of 

Materials Research and the Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices Program within ENG’s Division of 

Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems. Examples of center activities include the Materials Research 

Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs), the Science and Technology Centers (STCs), the Engineering 

Research Centers, and the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers (NSECs). Two examples are the STC 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

36 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

on Quantum Materials and Devices at Harvard University and the Center for Quantum and Spin 

Phenomena in Nanomagnetic Structures at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. NSF also supports the 

National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN), whose 14 universities provide capabilities that 

include nanoelectronics.

Coordinated activities with other agencies and other institutions contributing to this NSI 

DOD/Army and universities: Coordinated activities include Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) 

with research goals focusing on 2-D nanomaterial synthesis, including hexagonal boron nitride (hBN).

NSF, NIST, industry, and universities: Via the Nanoelectronics Research Initiative (NRI), NNI agencies and 

industry support 12 interdisciplinary research teams at academic institutions across the Nation.

NNI agencies: Agencies participating in the NSI collaboratively organized a symposium on 

Nanoelectronics at Nanotech 201321 (May 2013 in Washington, DC) and participated in meetings of the NSI

group to exchange information and coordinate nanotechnology efforts in this field. 

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

Design

Individual agency contributions to this NSI

NIH: NCI supports the caNanoLab, a web-based portal and data repository that allows researchers to 

submit and retrieve information on nanoparticles including composition; function (e.g., therapeutic, 

targeting, diagnostic imaging); physical characteristics (e.g., size, molecular weight); and in vitro (e.g., 

cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity) experimental characterization, along with information on the protocols used 

for these characterizations and links to any related publications. NCI is working with journal editors to 

promote the use of the portal by authors who, concurrent with publication, would be encouraged to 

submit information to caNanoLab to continue to develop the portal into a robust outlet for storage of 

characterized nanomaterials data and detailed data sharing. Currently, the caNanoLab website averages 

80–120 unique visitors per month. Software from caNanoLab is available for download and installation at 

local institutions. It is open source, and the code is being deposited to the National Cancer Informatics 

Program (NCIP) channel in the GitHub code repository to support open, community-led development. 

Going forward, the caNanoLab team aims to emphasize policies and resources that promote and 

incentivize standards-based data capture directly by the data producers. [Also relevant to Objective 4.1.] 

NIOSH: NIOSH remains focused on developing an effective nanoinformatics tool for EHS practitioners. 

Specific contributions include ongoing support for the Nanoparticle Information Library and making 

available real-life data on current and emerging nanotechnology practices in the workplace. This latter 

investment will include the collection of data on workplace exposures; experimental evidence and 

modeling of toxic effects from categories of nanomaterials; knowledge and data on efficacy of controls; 

recommended exposure limits; and tools and guidance to support sustainable nanotechnology. [Funding 

for this activity is reported by NIOSH under PCA 5; also relevant to Objective 4.4.] 

NIST: NIST is developing a series of standard procedures to validate theoretical models and computational 

algorithms used in the prediction of a wide variety of physicochemical properties of nanomaterials. NIST 

efforts include validated models for direct comparison with nanomechanical property measurements of 

nanowires with the goal of producing predictive models; software to compute interactions between 

magnetic spins for visualization of nanoscale domain structures; and a database of computationally 

 

21 www.techconnectworld.com/Nanotech2013/about
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 37

generated electrical properties and structures of metal nanoparticles. The NKI provides essential 

opportunities for interagency collaboration in support of these activities.

NSF: NSF continues its participation in the NKI through investments in nanoscale modeling and simulation, 

database networking and computer user facility (Network for Computational Nanotechnology, or in brief, 

nanoHUB), and Cyber-Enabled Discovery and Innovation initiatives within its Cyberinfrastructure 

Framework for the 21st Century Science and Engineering activities such as Software Infrastructure for 

Sustained Innovation. NSF will also contribute to the foundations of this NSI by means of specific databases 

for nanoscale materials and processes, transformative thinking about models for linkage of properties and 

behaviors at different scales, extension of computational and statistical techniques to support 

development and use of the nanotechnology cyber toolbox to accelerate discovery and manufacturing of 

nanomaterials and nanodevices, advances in fundamental theory and modeling, techniques across ranges 

of scales (from first principles to coarse-graining and phase-field modeling), and education by integrating

the cyber toolbox into the fabric of next-generation science and the training of the next-generation 

modeling community.

Coordinated activities with other agencies and other institutions contributing to this NSI 

NIH, CDC, FDA, EPA, and NIST: The National Cancer Informatics Program (NCIP) Nanotechnology Working 

Group has become involved in this NSI. The objectives of this working group, which are highly relevant to 

the NKI NSI, are to develop data exchange standards and ontologies, build a community of interest, and 

eventually enable predictive modeling of nanomaterials activity and rational design of nanomaterials. 

Working group members include NIH institutes, CDC, FDA, EPA, and NIST, along with representatives from 

academia, industry, and standards organizations. 

NIH and FDA: The NIH Common Fund’s Regulatory Science program and FDA have cooperatively funded a

project to develop a new method to predict the potential harmful effects of nanoparticles intended for use 

in clinical applications prior to their testing in humans. Given the increasing emphasis on the use of 

nanoscale materials for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, if successful, this approach would provide a 

safety review for potential new therapeutic candidates. [Also relates to Objective 4.1.] 

NIH, universities, and industry: NCI, NIBIB, and NIEHS work together to manage the Nanomaterial 

Registry. The goal of the Nanomaterial Registry is to become the definitive cross-disciplinary resource for 

nanoparticle characterization data for health, toxicity, and industrial concerns. It draws inputs from existing 

curated databases, including caNanoLab, and currently includes over 1,300 particle entries. Entries are 

populated on the web portal through curated data extraction using a Minimal Information About 

Nanomaterials (MIAN) characterization vocabulary architecture. MIANs capture the physicochemical 

characteristics, biological interactions, and environmental interactions of the given particle. This 

homogenized vocabulary enables searches and comparisons based on MIAN similarity. [Also relates to 

Objectives 4.1 and 4.2.] 

NIOSH, NNI agencies, industry, and universities: In 2015, NIOSH will continue collaborations with the 

NanoInformatics consortium that includes Federal partners NCI, NIH, NIST, Pacific Northwest National 

Laboratory (PNNL), and DOD and other public and private sector partners: UCLA, National 

Nanomanufacturing Network, nanoHUB, RTI International, MIT, and the Nanotechnology Business and 

Commercialization Association. [Also relates to Goal 4.] 

NIST, NNI agencies, industry, universities, and international organizations: Multiple NNI agencies are 

participating in several international forums developing ontologies and nomenclatures for description of 

ENMs. Federal agency participation in these efforts helps to facilitate data sharing and ensure that agency 

perspectives and positions are well represented in the resulting documentary standards.
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

38 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

NNI agencies: In collaboration with other agencies, NIST is designing a set of robust tools to assess the 

quality of the data used to generate the theoretical models as well as the data generated by the 

computational algorithms implemented by the nanotechnology community. As a result of these activities, 

the NKI NSI group has drafted a Data Readiness Level (DRL) document22 highlighting the principles 

underpinning the data validation metrics for nanotechnology. In addition, agencies participating in the NKI 

group are designing the framework for a nanotechnology cyberinfrastructure that will lead to the effective 

capture, curation, and dissemination of data, and computational tools to be used by the nanotechnology 

community.

Agencies participating in the NSI collaboratively organized a symposium on Nanotechnology Knowledge 

Infrastructure at Nanotech 201323 (May 2013 in Washington DC) and participated in meetings of the NSI

group to exchange information and coordinate nanotechnology efforts in this field. 

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

Safety, and the Environment

Individual agency contributions to this NSI 

DOD/Air Force: The Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is developing nontraditional sensors to 

detect biomarkers that indicate fatigue, cognition, and other indicators of human performance. Work is 

focused on identifying binding agents for these biomarkers as well and the transducer devices that would 

indicate a binding event and thereby signal the detection of the biomarker. Carbon nanomaterials such as 

graphene and carbon nanotubes have been demonstrated as potential transducer devices. Efforts are also 

focused on formulating inks of the binding agents for simple device fabrication.

DOD/Army: Researchers at the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (funded by the Army Research Office 

and Army Research Laboratory) have explored optoelectronic fibers capable of detecting light, heat, and 

sound. Unlike traditional approaches for making “smart” fabrics, which center on attaching devices to 

conventional woven materials, this research focuses on the development of unique fibers that are 

themselves optoelectronic devices. The fibers are already used for over 2,400 endoscopic medical 

procedures a month across about 1,000 hospitals. Future applications could include combat identification, 

infrared communications, sniper detection, medical imaging, and blast and blunt impact monitoring.

DOD/DARPA: Natural biological sensors often display high sensitivity, selectivity, and low false alarm rates 

while being fabricated and operated in dirty, noisy natural environments. Examples of such sensors include 

the highly efficient energy transfer properties of photosynthesis in plants, bacteria, and algae; magnetic 

field sensing used by some birds for navigation; and the ability of some animals to detect odors at the 

single-molecule level. Attempts to emulate these sensors synthetically through structure or chemistry have 

not fully met expectations. Recent evidence suggests that some biological sensors exploit nontrivial 

quantum mechanical effects to produce macroscopic output signals. The DARPA physics in biology 

program is laying the foundation for novel sensor designs by challenging the long-held research 

community view that biological sensors utilize primarily classical physics. Examples of recent 

accomplishments under this multidisciplinary program include the first evidence for coherent quantum 

transport in photosynthetic systems and initial experimental observations of quantum effects in insect 

olfaction. 

 

22 www.nano.gov/DRL

23 www.techconnectworld.com/Nanotech2013/about
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 39

NASA: NASA supports work in the development of sensors for the detection of chemical and biological 

species for use in planetary exploration, vehicle performance monitoring, and astronaut health 

management. In 2013, NASA researchers utilized porous tin oxide nanorods fabricated from multiwall 

carbon nanotubes in sensors for the detection of methane over a temperature range of 20 °C to 500 °C. A 

carbon nanotube trace gas sensor developed by NASA Ames researchers was awarded the 2012 NASA 

Government Invention of the Year. Work on the development of autonomous chemical-biological sensor 

platforms based on carbon nanotube and nanofiber sensing elements will be initiated in 2014 with funding 

from the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Game Changing Development Program for potential use 

in closed-loop life support systems and planetary rovers.

NIH: NIH has been directly and intensively engaged in this NSI from its inception. NIH supports a significant 

amount of research in biosensor and nanopore sequencing device development, and in biomarker 

discovery and validation (NSI Thrust 1).24 NIH further supports research on nanomaterials toxicity and 

lifecycle issues through investigator-initiated grants as well as NCI’s Nanotechnology Characterization 

Laboratory, which provides protocols for physicochemical characterization of nanomaterials and assay 

techniques for elucidation of nanomaterial-host interactions (NSI Thrust 2). NCI is sponsoring a small 

(~$150,000) contract solicitation to support development of techniques and materials to facilitate earlystage development of nanotechnology-enabled sensors as a direct result of its involvement in this NSI.

NIOSH: In support of the sensors signature initiative, NIOSH has invested in the development and/or 

testing and evaluation of direct-reading instruments capable of detecting and measuring airborne 

nanoparticles. NIOSH will continue to support the development of guidelines and voluntary consensus 

standards for identification of sensor needs specific to the objective of realistic applications in complex 

workplace situations. [Funding for this activity is reported by NIOSH under PCA 5; also relevant to Objective 4.1.] 

NIST: NIST is developing a variety of measurement methods to characterize nanosensors and 

nanomaterials, and it is creating nanosensors and nanomaterials for measurement applications and 

standards, including low-power, portable semiconductor nanowire sensors for environmental and 

biomedical applications and advanced chemical and biochemical sensors enabled by nanostructured 

materials. Reference materials developed at NIST support the validation of new sensing platforms. NIST’s 

nanotechnology user facility, the CNST, provides access to the tools and processes needed to accelerate 

the commercialization of nanosensor systems, along with novel nanofabricated fluidic devices and 

advanced microscopy systems created and customized to control and measure nanoparticles and 

biomolecules. Research at NIST addressing information quality, integrity, and usability will contribute to the 

reliability and security of sensor networks and data analysis. NIST’s complementary nanotechnologyrelated environmental, health, and safety (nanoEHS) programs support the safe manufacture, use, and 

disposal of ENMs and nanotechnology-enabled products.

NSF: Through its Nano-Biosensing, Biophotonics, and other programs, NSF supports development of novel 

sensitive, discriminative, low-cost, and easy-to-operate biosensing systems; innovative ideas in the 

development of novel biorecognition strategies; multifunctional nanomaterials and interfaces with 

predefined physical, chemical, or biological characteristics for biosensing applications; and fundamental 

study of biomacromolecule confinement and orientation at the micro- and nanoscale interfaces for 

biosensing applications. NSF also supports the development of sensors to detect engineered nanoparticles 

in a variety of environmental matrices.

 

24 For additional information on the NSI topic on nanosensors, including its thrust areas, see 

www.nano.gov/NSISensors. 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

40 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

USDA/NIFA: The agency utilizes multiple funding authorities to support development of nanobiosensors 

for more sensitive, specific, and robust detection of pathogens, toxins, and contaminants in food to ensure 

food safety and biosecurity. NIFA also continues to support the development of sensors for monitoring the 

environmental stresses in crop and livestock production, and the distribution of agricultural chemicals in 

fields to provide critical information for precision agriculture. In the forefront of sensors for 

nanotechnology, NIFA grantees participated and contributed to the International Life Sciences Institute

NanoRelease project on detection, identification, and characterization of engineered nanomaterials in 

foods and packages. NIFA has been supporting and providing leadership to a multistate research 

committee (NC1194: Nanotechnology and Biosensors25). The committee has been effective in advancing

nanoscale science and engineering for nanosensor development and commercialization.

Coordinated activities with other agencies and other institutions contributing to this NSI 

DOD/Air Force, industry, and universities: The Materials and Manufacturing Directorate activities in 

nanotechnology for sensors are highly coordinated with AFRL Human Effectiveness and Sensors 

Directorates as well as the AFRL-sponsored Nano-Bio Manufacturing Consortium. Numerous universities 

including Northeastern University, University of Cincinnati, and others contribute to the work in addition to 

several companies, including MC10, General Electric, and Brewer Science. 

NASA and DHS: A carbon nanotube-based trace gas sensor developed by NASA researchers has been 

integrated into a smart phone platform with support from DHS. Successful field testing of this sensor as a 

portable system for the detection of toxic gases released during a fire and in a network of sensors to 

establish safer perimeters was performed with the Los Angeles Fire Department in late 2011. These sensors 

are currently being developed for detection of chemical contaminants in water for closed-loop life support 

systems.

NIH, FDA, and NIST: NIH is interacting with other participating agencies to advance the goals of this NSI.

NCI staff members are engaged in discussions with staff in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health 

within FDA about issues in identifying appropriate standards for use with nanotechnology-enabled sensors 

and devices and how best to evaluate the performance of these devices. NIST participants in the NSI have 

also weighed in on these discussions, and this topic will be included in a workshop planned for 2014.

NIOSH, NIH, FDA, NIST, DOD, NASA, NSF, and EPA: NIOSH is collaborating with other agencies on an 

initiative to develop nanotechnology-enabled sensors and sensors for nanomaterials for EHS research 

applications. The objective of the initiative will be to develop and commercialize sensors that will enable 

more specific tracking of engineered nanomaterials throughout their life cycles, thereby supporting the 

need for private-sector companies to demonstrate responsible development. NIOSH plans specific 

applications in the areas of detection of nanomaterials in biologic systems to evaluate and predict 

biological behavior and translocation between organ systems; more sensitive and specific detection of 

worker exposures to nanomaterials with an ultimate outcome of real-time detection; and sensing of 

biomarkers of nanomaterial exposure and early response to support worker surveillance. [Also relates to 

Objective 4.1.] 

NNI agencies: Agencies participating in the NSI collaboratively organized a symposium on Nanosensing at 

Nanotech 201326 (May 2013 in Washington DC) and participated in meetings of the NSI group to exchange 

information and coordinate nanotechnology efforts in this field. 

 

25 See nimss.umd.edu/lgu_v2/homepages/home.cfm?trackID=13116

26 www.techconnectworld.com/Nanotech2013/about
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 41

Agencies participating in this NSI reviewed responses to a Request for Information posted in the Federal 

Register27 to solicit community input regarding specific needs for the accelerated development and 

commercialization of nanosensors. Input received with respect to standards, testing, manufacturing, 

commercialization, and regulation will inform the design of a nanosensors workshop planned for 2014.

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

and public benefit.

The purpose of Goal 2 is to establish processes and resources to facilitate the responsible transfer of 

nanotechnology research into practical applications and capture its benefits for national security, quality of 

life, economic development, and job creation. Several factors are necessary to successfully commercialize 

any new technology. Scalable, repeatable, cost-effective, and high-precision manufacturing methods are 

required to move the technology from the laboratory into commercial products. Investments by both the 

public and private sectors are needed to shepherd technologies to maturity. Maximizing the benefits of 

nanotechnology developments to the U.S. economy requires efforts to remove barriers to global 

commercialization and an understanding of the potential markets for a given product. Goal 2 encompasses 

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

industry, and the international community to reach this goal. 

The NNI member agencies also have a number of activities uniquely targeting technology transfer and 

commercialization, for example, workshops to obtain input from industry and academia, SBIR and STTR 

programs to fund innovations in small businesses, and cutting-edge research infrastructure for use by all 

nanotechnology researchers, including those from industry. 

Objective 2.1 – Assist the nanotechnology-based business community in understanding the 

Federal Government’s R&D funding and regulatory environment. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 2.1

DOC/BIS: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) advances U.S. national security, foreign policy, and 

economic objectives by ensuring an effective export control and treaty compliance system, and by 

promoting continued U.S. leadership in strategic technologies, including nanotechnology. BIS 

accomplishes its mission by maintaining and strengthening adaptable, efficient, and effective export 

control and treaty compliance systems. BIS export control outreach and education constitute the first line 

in the bureau’s contact with U.S. exporters and provide guidance and transparency to new and 

experienced exporters regarding the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). BIS’s activities include 

seminars, webinars, teleconferences, and on-location panel sessions at various conferences. Additionally, 

one-on-one counseling assistance is provided on both the East and West Coasts for extended hours of daily 

operation. Over the past few years, BIS has developed capabilities to offer training online and via 

interactive webinars. Through these programs, BIS provides guidance on regulations, policies, and 

practices and helps to increase compliance with U.S. export control regulations. BIS has also developed an 

introductory series of easy-to-use training modules. This service offers exporters and re-exporters a costsaving mechanism to learn about U.S. dual-use export controls. BIS services are particularly useful for small 

and medium-sized businesses that operate with limited compliance resources. 

 

27 www.federalregister.gov/a/2013-23916
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

42 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

FDA: FDA routinely presents its scientific considerations and regulatory approach to nanotechnology to its 

stakeholders, including the nanotechnology-based business community, through participation in various 

public forums. For example, in 2014 FDA is participating in the Product Quality Research Institute 

Workshop on Nanomaterial Drug Products, which includes two sessions dedicated to regulatory issues 

related to nanotechnology applications in pharmaceutical products. FDA also encourages and provides for 

industry consultations such that the potential effects of use of nanomaterials on the safety, effectiveness, 

or regulatory status of a product can be identified and addressed on a case-by-case basis. These activities 

directly assist nanotechnology-based businesses in understanding the FDA regulatory environment while 

also ensuring the safety and, as applicable, effectiveness of nanotechnology products.

IC/DNI: The National Reconnaissance Office has made significant progress toward Objective 2.1 [progress 

also relevant to Objective 2.2], including the following examples: the first compression-molded carbon 

nanotube composite parts; an optical mirror using carbon nanotube material to prevent print-through; 

lithium ion carbon nanotube electrodes capable of 300 watt-hours per kilogram (a two-fold increase in 

energy capacity); transfer to production of carbon-nanotube-based heating elements; environmental 

testing of carbon nanotube materials by the U.S. Navy for maritime use; transfer of carbon nanotube sheets 

for enhanced ballistic protection for soldiers and high-value assets; transfer of carbon nanotube sheets for 

lightweight flooring for commercial aircraft.

NASA: In 2013, the NASA Office of Chief Technologist developed its TechPort website to manage NASA’s 

advanced technology investments and make information on them more accessible. The website contains 

information on NASA’s efforts in nanotechnology R&D, including work funded at NASA Centers as well as 

contracts with industry, and the products of these activities. TechPort is currently being beta-tested 

internally at NASA prior to public release.

NSF: The agency supports programs to promote university-industry interaction (Grant Opportunities for 

Academic Liaison with Industry or GOALI, Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers or I/UCRCs, 

and Partnerships for Innovation or PFI), translational research (Engineering Research Center or ERC and the 

Innovation Corps or I-Corps), and small business innovation (SBIR/STTR) in nanotechnology. 

USDA/NIFA: The USDA SBIR program has continued to support nanotechnology R&D aiming at 

commercialization. The awards have included nanotechnology-enabled sensor technologies for detection 

of microbial pathogens and insects and crop environmental stresses, nanoscale encapsulation to deliver 

anti-pathogenic agents, and nanocellulose composites to improve polymer product functional properties.

USPTO: The transfer of new nanotechnology-related technologies into products for commercial and public 

benefit depends on effective mechanisms that protect new ideas and investments in innovation and 

creativity. USPTO is at the cutting edge of the Nation's innovation system, providing intellectual property 

policy advice and guidance to the Executive Branch. The agency has put in place several initiatives to keep 

pace with the rapid advances being made in nanotechnology. The agency continues to provide in-depth 

nanotechnology-specific training events for patent examiners as well as to foster communication among 

examiners across multiple disciplines. The USPTO has a subset of patent examiners across all technology 

disciplines who serve as points-of-contact to assist other examiners with nanotechnology issues related to 

patent examining.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 2.1

NSF and NNI agencies: The agency will continue to co-sponsor nanotechnology regional alliances 

conferences together with other agencies by providing additional funding for academic participants and 

setting a long-term perspective. Among these are the annual National Nanomanufacturing Network 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 43

conference and the NNI-sponsored series of workshops on regional, state, and local nanotechnology 

initiatives.

Objective 2.2 – Increase focus on nanotechnology-based commercialization and related 

support for public-private partnerships. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 2.2 

DOD/Air Force: The Materials and Manufacturing Directorate supports nanotechnology-based 

commercialization through partnerships/collaborations with small businesses as well as through the 

public-private Nano-Bio Manufacturing Consortium, which is sponsored by several laboratory directorates. 

This consortium aims to develop shared platforms for commercializing nanotechnology and biotechnology 

related to human performance assessment. This three-year effort is based on government/industry

/university cost-sharing, with technical efforts selected by a team representing member institutions. The 

initial platform being developed is a wearable human performance assessment patch. 

DOD/Army: Commercialization of nanotechnologies must consider the potential liabilities associated with 

releases from the value chain and throughout the product life cycle. Starting in 2014, the Army is 

collaborating with military industry partners to develop environmental life cycle analysis approaches for 

nanotechnologies. These collaborations are used to identify areas of potential nanoparticle release during 

production and future product liabilities during use and end of the technology life. Cooperative 

partnerships between the Army and industry will result in more rapid transition of technology to 

production and environmentally sustainable practices. [Also applies to Objective 4.4.] 

DOD/DARPA: DARPA STARnet is already leading the way with a unique public-private partnership. DARPA 

and multiple member companies are working in a true partnership, sharing the costs and management to

fund breakthrough university research to better understand nanoscale physics and materials science, and 

to realize devices and circuits with unprecedented performance. The private companies and universities 

have all agreed to the same intellectual property (IP) rights (DARPA has usual and customary IP rights for 

DOD). The private companies and DOD lab experts are encouraged to collaborate and to work with 

university researchers under the program, sharing the research with all, and gaining knowledge and 

expertise along the way. 

DOD/Navy: Under two separate Navy programs to advance development and commercialization of 

nanomaterials with unprecedented properties, universities and industry are conducting cooperative 

research and development. In the first, Raytheon has been teamed with several universities to develop a 

new generation of infrared (IR) transparent ceramics for extreme environments such as those experienced 

by missile IR domes. This work has resulted in development of thermal shock-resistant domes with 

unprecedented optical properties, which have been accepted for transition to the AIM-9X Sidewinder 

missile. A pilot plant is being constructed, and further development is being funded by ONR, DOD

Manufacturing Technology, and the Air Force. Under the second program, Integran, Inc., has been paired 

with Rutgers University to develop hybrid structures consisting of graphene-reinforced polymers coated

with electrodeposited nanostructured alloys. The structures exhibit remarkable strength, toughness, and 

ballistic properties and are being tested by Pratt & Whitney for aircraft engine applications.

DOD/OSD (Office of the Secretary of Defense): Since 2011 DOD and other U.S. Government agencies 

have partnered with industry in establishing the world’s first commercial-scale CNT yarn, sheet, and tape 

production capability. Through Defense Production Act, Title III authorities, pilot production will be 

established in 2014. In 2015, capacity expansion will continue in order to meet low-rate initial production 

requirements. In 2013 the development of “super fuels” increased production by an order of magnitude, 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

44 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

reducing costs. Commercially, CNT spacecraft data cables, utilizing yarns and tapes, have achieved 

technology readiness level (TRL) 6. Several national asset platforms have been identified for CNT product 

insertion in 2014–2015. CNT sheet-based armor products have achieved TRL 6, realizing weight savings of 

10–19% in hard armor and 30% in soft armor, while maintaining or even increasing protection and 

mobility. Potential benefits extend from ground troops to improving survivability and reducing operating 

costs of legacy aircraft, helicopter, sea, and ground transportation systems.

DOE: In order to transfer new technologies into the market, EERE-SETP supports the SunShot Incubator 

Program. The Incubator Program provides early-stage assistance to help startup companies cross 

technological barriers to commercialization while encouraging private sector investment. Projects that 

relate to nanotechnology include concepts such as silicon nanowires to increase power density and reduce 

costs. Additionally, SETP funds three manufacturing development centers through the Photovoltaic 

Manufacturing Initiative and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Process Development 

Integration Laboratory.

The EERE solid-state lighting program supports research and development of promising SSL technologies 

through annual competitive solicitations. Manufacturing R&D projects accelerate SSL technology adoption 

through manufacturing improvements that reduce costs and enhance quality of LEDs and OLEDs. Research 

includes the development of high-speed, high-resolution, nondestructive test equipment with 

standardized test procedures and appropriate metrics within each stage of the value chain for 

semiconductor wafers, epitaxial layers, LED dies, packaged LEDs, modules, luminaires, and optical 

components. Also included is the development of manufacturing equipment enabling high speed, low 

cost, and uniform deposition in state-of-the-art OLED structures and layers. 

NASA: NASA continues to support the development and commercialization of nanotechnology-related 

products through the SBIR and STTR programs. In 2012 NASA invested over $20 million in nanotechnologyrelated SBIR and STTR projects, including funding of R&D related to the development of advanced 

nanoscale materials, electronics, sensors, propulsion systems, and propellants.

NIH: In 2012, NCI initiated the TONIC consortium to accelerate the translation and development of 

nanotechnology solutions for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. This partnership 

model has several goals, including providing NCI-supported researchers insight into industry needs in 

technology platforms and drug targets, promoting collaborations between academic investigators and 

industry partners on precompetitive and late-stage programs, providing TONIC members the opportunity 

to interact with regulatory authorities and NCI’s Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, and serving 

as a sustained forum for exchange of ideas on nanotechnology. TONIC’s membership continued to grow in 

2013 with the addition of several small companies. 

TONIC activities include sponsoring symposia at national meetings and hosting stand-alone workshops, 

including one devoted to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, an important feature of 

nanomedicine delivery that strongly influences patient response. This workshop has resulted in the 

formation of a nanodrug working group with members from academia and large pharmaceutical 

companies to work on clinical proposals/work ideas for effective imaging approaches to study EPR activity 

in patients. The working group has also recognized and is addressing the fundamental limitations and gaps 

in preclinical tumor models in recapitulating characteristics of solid tumors in patients. 

The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer remains focused on promoting clinical translation and 

commercialization of research results. Eight Alliance-affiliated therapeutics are being tested in 17 cancerrelated clinical trials, and five devices and instruments have started clinical trials or Institutional Review 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 45

Board (IRB) approved studies in humans. Alliance researchers are partnering with more than 70 companies 

to translate their discoveries to the clinic or marketplace. Commercially available products include: 

• The GENISYS4 small animal PET (positron emission tomography) scanner for research use, a novel 

PET probe, and the ELIXYS radiosynthesizer for laboratory production of PET probes. 

• MagVigenTM, MaxVigenTM, AuVigenTM, and MyQuVigenTM multifunctional and biocompatible 

nanoparticles for sample separation, molecular imaging, in vitro diagnostic or therapeutic 

applications. 

• More than 360 distinct gold nanoparticle-based SmartFlareTM detection probes for research use. 

NIST: NIST senior management, in coordination with NIST’s Technology Partnership Office, is working to 

promote commercialization, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship in nanotechnology broadly across 

NIST’s laboratory programs through a revised patent policy, training, additional in-house patent and 

technology transfer resources, and leadership of the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology 

Transfer.

NSF: NSF sponsors public-private partnerships (e.g., the Nanoelectronics Research Initiative and I-Corps) 

and centers that advance collaboration with industry (e.g., the Nanosystems ERCs and NSECs). NSF 

sponsored the Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education project "NUE: NanoTRA–Texas Regional Alliance 

to foster 'Nanotechnology Environment, Health, and Safety Awareness' in tomorrow's Engineering and 

Technology Leaders." NSF also has supported a survey on nanomanufacturing through sponsorship of a 

study entitled “Nanotechnology and Commercialization—Achieving Sustainable Nanoproducts.” This 

study, conducted by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, is a follow-up to previous similar 

studies sponsored by NSF. It is a 30-question online survey and includes interviews.28 

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 2.2

DOD/Air Force and industry: The Nano-Bio Manufacturing Consortium is a collaboration between 10 

industrial and academic members, in addition to the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing, Sensors, and 

Human Effectiveness Directorates, and the FlexTech Alliance, which manages efforts on behalf of AFRL.

DOD/Army and universities: In a joint venture, the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies and the Army

Research Laboratory collaborate on research in novel applications of chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This 

technology is enabling the deposition of thin (nanometer to micrometer) conformal coatings of heat- and 

chemically sensitive polymers on diverse substrates. Additionally, ISN collaboration with the Natick Soldier 

Research, Development and Engineering Center has resulted in the use of gentle CVD to strongly increase 

the electrical conductivity of functionalized coated surfaces for the detection of pathogens in food.

DOE and NSF: NSF (Directorate for Engineering) and DOE (EERE-SETP) co-sponsor the Quantum Energy 

and Sustainable Solar Technologies (QESST) Engineering Research Center, which works with companies to 

advance technologies toward commercialization.

IC/DNI, DOD, and industry: Nanomanufacturing of bulk carbon nanotube sheets, yarns, and tapes 

continues to attract commercial industry attention, specifically from the aerospace industry (Boeing, 

Airbus, Bombardier, and Embraer).

The Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Defense Production Act Title III has added an additional 

$14.6 million appropriated in 2013. These funds will assist in building out the world’s first bulk carbon 

nanotube pilot plant in Merrimack, NH. A manufacturing process for compression-molded carbon 

 

28 www.usnanosurvey.org
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

46 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

nanotube composite parts has been developed and demonstrated. Scale-up to commercial scale is 

scheduled to begin in 2014.

NIH, FDA, NIST, and industry: The Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory is a formal interagency 

collaboration of NCI’s Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer with FDA and NIST. NCL’s efforts have helped 

to drive private-sector investment in nanomedicines. This past year, major pharmaceutical firms, such as 

AstraZeneca, invested in nanomaterials evaluated by NCL. Companies with NCL-tested nanomedicines 

now have over $1 billion in licensing agreements with the pharmaceutical industry. 

The NCL has standardized more than 40 in vitro assays for nanomaterial characterization. These assays have 

been validated for a variety of nanomaterial types and undergo continual revision to ensure they meet FDA 

regulatory requirements. New assays are added every year and are made freely available to the public via 

the NCL website (ncl.cancer.gov/working_assay-cascade.asp). In collaboration with NCL, NIST led the 

development of 11 physicochemical characterization protocols listed on this website. Many of these assays 

have also been compiled into a recent methods book, Characterization of Nanoparticles Intended for Drug 

Delivery.29 The NCL’s three-tiered assay cascade includes physicochemical, in vitro, and in vivo 

characterization. The NCL’s physicochemical characterization of nanomaterials goes well beyond basic 

measurements of size and surface charge. NCL’s routine characterization also includes batch-to-batch 

consistency evaluation, measurement of drug loading, confirmation of targeting ligand conjugation, 

quantitation of surface ligands, and nanoformulation stability assessment. In vitro analysis includes sterility 

and endotoxin quantification, something many researchers often overlook, and analysis of hematological 

compatibility and immune cell functions using human whole blood. NCL’s in vivo capabilities include 

toxicology, immunotoxicology, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and imaging studies.

NIST, NSF, industry, and universities: NSF and NIST continue their support of the Nanoelectronics 

Research Initiative, which announced a second major phase and annual funding for three multi-university 

research centers in 2013. NRI is a public-private partnership supporting the development of future 

computing devices and includes collaborative research among NIST and NRI researchers from industry and 

universities.

USDA/FS and industry: In 2013, the Forest Service formed a public-private partnership with the U.S. 

Endowment for Forestry and Communities to advance cellulose nanomaterials research. This new 

partnership, announced in December 2013, will provide funding for collaborative CN R&D and develop 

new stakeholders in support of commercializing cellulose nanomaterials. The Forest Service, in 

collaboration with NNCO, plans to hold a workshop to identify gaps in commercializing CN in 2014. FS and 

NNCO organizers plan to invite CN users to the workshop. Forest Service will use the outcomes of the 

workshop to inform nanotechnology R&D planning. 

Objective 2.3 – Promote broader accessibility and utilization of user facilities, cooperative 

research centers, and regional initiatives to accelerate the transfer of nanoscale science from 

lab to market. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 2.3

DOE: The Office of Science continues to operate five Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRCs), national 

user facilities for interdisciplinary research at the nanoscale, serving as the basis for a national program that 

encompasses new science, new tools, and new computing capabilities. Each center has particular expertise 

and capabilities in selected theme areas, such as synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials; catalysis; 

 

29 Scott E. McNeil (Ed.), Characterization of nanoparticles intended for drug delivery. Springer/Humana Press, 2011.
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 47

theory, modeling and simulation; electronic materials; nanoscale photonics; soft and biological materials; 

imaging and spectroscopy; and nanoscale integration.

EERE-SETP supports solar energy activities at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory though an annual 

operating plan that contains a collection of efforts related to nanotechnology. One example is research 

utilizing nanomaterials to enhance transparent conducting materials and efforts to increase the resolution 

of measurement techniques to electrically and optically probe grain boundaries, interfaces, and structures. 

The BRIDGE program supports the development of advanced characterization and process development 

tools at a number of DOE-SC-funded user facilities.

NIH: The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology, the NHLBI Programs of Excellence in Nanotechnology, and the 

NIH Roadmap for Nanomedicine Centers all follow a cooperative research model. [See Objectives 1.1 and 

2.2.]

NIST: CNST has released a major update to its NanoFab website and deployed a new laboratory equipment 

management system developed from the ground up to enhance the accessibility and utilization of the 

facility. The updated website includes significant new content describing how to apply to and work in the 

NanoFab, status information and news, an FAQ, and a complete redesign of the site’s navigation. The 

concurrently launched web-based laboratory equipment management program allows onsite NanoFab 

users to make tool reservations, controls access to tools in the NanoFab, and streamlines logistics and 

communication. The CNST is also working to develop capabilities for remote access to the NanoFab in 

order to promote the use of nanofabrication and measurement by researchers who do not have ready 

access to such facilities.

NSF: NSF supports and has re-competed the Network for Computational Nanotechnology in 2013 and the 

National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network in 2014. Both are user facilities with nationwide scope 

and availability.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 2.3

NSF, DOD, NIST, and industry: NSF supports the National Nanomanufacturing Network (NNN), which 

includes the NSF NSECs and non-NSF centers in collaboration with the Department of Defense, the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology, and industry partners in an alliance to advance U.S. 

strength in nanomanufacturing. NSF plans to create a database of all federally supported user facilities. 

Objective 2.4 – Actively engage in international activities integral to the development and 

responsible commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled products and processes. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 2.4

DOC/BIS: BIS has developed and published two comprehensive documents on its Export Management and 

Compliance Programs (EMCPs), which are programs that can be established to manage export-related 

decisions and transactions to ensure compliance with the Export Administration Regulations and license 

conditions. Specifically, BIS has published “Compliance Guidelines: How to Develop an Effective Export 

Management and Compliance Program and Manual” and “EMCP Audit Module: Self-Assessment Tool.” 

Additionally, BIS conducts regularly scheduled outreach seminars dedicated to the topic “How to Develop 

an Export Management and Compliance Program” and has added the webinar “Elements of an Effective 

Export Compliance Program” to its menu of online training offerings.

DOD/Navy: In June of 2012, the Chief of Naval Research (CNR) made the first-ever trip by a CNR to Israel. 

During the trip, in a meeting with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Directorate of Defense Research and 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

48 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

Development—the Israeli defense R&D organization also referred to as MAFAT—it was agreed that annual 

executive level meetings would be held and two initial working groups would be created, on advanced 

materials and on robotics and autonomous systems. On 20 May 2013, a working group meeting on 

advanced materials was held in Arlington, VA, co-chaired by representatives of ONR and MAFAT. The 

participants identified several topics in nanotechnology and advanced nanomaterials for potential 

cooperative development. Further partnership meetings have been held since June 2012, and the CNR is 

expected to make a return trip to Israel in July 2014. A follow-on workshop with a nanomaterials focus is 

being planned for March 2014. 

DOD/Air Force: To seed innovation in areas that are relevant to Air Force capabilities and that can 

potentially benefit from research and technology development in nanomaterials and devices, Air Force 

researchers have engaged the international community to encourage work in specific areas and 

characterization against metrics that indicate technology potential. In areas such as graphene nanodevices, 

nanomagnetic materials, and optical nanoantennas, the Materials Directorate has established recognized 

metrics that can facilitate wide technical evaluation on the part of researchers and both guide and identify 

research with technological potential in these areas. This process can also identify classes of materials that

may provide unique advantages over a technology area, such as nanopatterned self-assembled metallic 

structures, and allow for focused nanomanufacturing capability development to support broad-based 

commercialization. 

DOS: The agency actively engages in international activities integral to the development and responsible 

commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled products and processes. 

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 2.4

DOD/Army, EPA, NIST, and international organizations: The Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation 

with EPA and NIST, is exploring methods and approaches to assess the environmental safety of 

nanotechnologies that are needed to support scientifically based management and regulatory decisions. 

Starting in 2014, in response to the 2013 National Academies review and the NNI 2013 stakeholder 

workshop on the potential risks of nanotechnology, the Army is collaborating with EPA, NIST, Germany, 

Austria, Canada, the United Kingdom, and industry to develop standardized testing decision trees and 

screening methodologies to assess release, fate and transport, and toxicity of nanoparticles. Methods for 

assessing release of nanoparticles are being developed through the International Life Sciences Institute 

and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). [Also applies to Goal 4.] 

DOD and NNI agencies: DOD international activities are coordinated within the department through the 

military department and DOD agency international programs offices and the Pentagon. When appropriate, 

international efforts are coordinated with other Federal agencies, primarily through NSET and its global 

issues interest group. 

DOS, NNI agencies, and OECD: OECD’s Working Party on Nanotechnology (WPN) provides advice on

emerging policy issues of science, technology, and innovation related to the responsible development of 

nanotechnology. The Department of State serves as Vice-Chair on the WPN bureau and coordinates NNI 

agency participation in ongoing projects, including “Key Statistics and Indicators for Nanotechnology,”

“Commercialization of Nanotechnology Research,” and “Skills and Education for Nanotechnology.” For its 

2013–2014 program of work and budget, the WPN is considering policies to understand and monitor the 

societal and economic impacts of nanotechnology; linking nanotechnology to broader policies for 

sustainable and green growth; and policy issues raised by the convergence of nanotechnology with other 

technologies. 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 49

NIOSH and international standards organizations: In 2015, NIOSH will continue to play an active role in 

the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) technical committee (TC) 229 – Nanotechnology 

and ASTM International technical committee E56 – Nanotechnology, both of which focus on development 

of consensus standards for industry and commerce. A critical focus in 2015 will be the execution of an 

international interlaboratory study to develop methods for determination of nanomaterial size for high 

production volume nanomaterials including titania and carbon black. Results will be disseminated as an 

ISO Technical Report. Additionally, through ASTM International, NIOSH is working to develop a standard 

guide on sample preparation for particle sizing and a standard guide on detection and characterization of 

silver nanomaterials in commercial products.

NIOSH, NIST, and international organizations: NIOSH is collaborating with NIST and the National 

Research Council of Canada (NRC-Canada) to develop and qualify nanoscale reference materials to support 

measurement quality. In 2014, NIOSH collaborated with NIST on surface area measurements for NIST 

Standard Reference Material 1898: Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterial, which is now commercially available. In 

2015, collaborations with NRC-Canada will continue on qualification of two cellulose nanocrystal reference 

materials and one single-wall carbon nanotube reference material. NIOSH and other agencies will use these 

reference materials to improve measurement quality, which enables new areas of research and strongly 

supports the critical and necessary intersection of materials measurement scientists with toxicology and 

occupational health professionals.

NIOSH and other NNI agencies: NIOSH, in collaboration with other NNI agencies, contributes in the areas 

of human health, exposure assessment, risk assessment, and risk management and controls by 

participating in multiple communities of research (CoR) as part of the U.S.-European Union (EU) effort to 

bridge EHS research. In addition to active participation in the CoRs, NIOSH has actively engaged research 

institutes in Canada, Brazil, Japan, China, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Russia in several areas of 

nanotechnology EHS research collaboration.

NIST and standards developing organizations: NIST staff members are significant contributors to the 

development of international consensus standards that are integral to the development and responsible 

commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled products and processes. NIST provides measurement and 

characterization expertise and leadership in the development of standards in organizations such as ASTM 

International, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the ISO, and also supports U.S. 

Government agency participation in organizations such as the OECD Working Party on Manufactured 

Nanomaterials (WPMN). Through engagement in organizations that develop international standards, NIST 

has been instrumental in the development of nanotechnology standards in the form of terminology 

specifications and standards, technical reports and guidance documents for measurement methods, and 

validated test methods to quantitatively determine physicochemical and toxicological properties of ENMs 

with consistent, verifiable results.

NIST continues to raise awareness of standards development activities and their impact through 

engagement with other agencies and in interagency groups such as the NEHI Working Group and the 

nanotechnology subgroup of the White House Emerging Technologies Interagency Policy Committee, in 

collaboration with the NNI’s global issues and standards coordinators. 

NSF and international organizations: NSF continues to participate in OECD, ISO, and other international 

forum activities.

USDA/FS and international standards organizations: To remove barriers for commercialization, the 

Forest Service continues to lead international standards development in cellulose nanomaterials. In 2013, 

CN standards development reached several milestones. In 2014, Forest Service and TAPPI plan to submit 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

50 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

the CN terminology standard to ANSI to become an ANSI standard and prepare an ISO standardsdevelopment proposal based on the TAPPI standard. In ISO TC 229, as a result of an effort led by Forest 

Service experts working in collaboration with international collaborators, ISO standards in terminology, 

characterization, and material specification for CN were included in the resolution of the 2013 TC meeting. 

The CN Task Group in ISO TC 6 (Pulp, Paper and Board) has continued to explore characterization standards 

needs in 2013 and 2014. Working in coordination with the United States, the Canadian Standards 

Association is in the final steps of preparing a draft for a CN characterization standard.

USPTO and other nations’ patent offices: USPTO is moving to a new patent classification system, the 

Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC), which is jointly managed by USPTO and the European Patent 

Office (EPO). This new classification system is based on an internationally used patent classification system 

(IPC), which contains most of the world’s patent documents. As USPTO moves to this new classification 

system, there will be a more harmonized, internationally consistent classification of nanotechnologyrelated patent documents. 

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

dynamic infrastructure and toolset to advance nanotechnology.

Fundamental to the successful development of nanotechnology is the continued development of the 

infrastructure necessary to support this effort. A substantial investment, strengthened by interagency 

cooperation and collaboration through the NNI, is needed to develop the talent and facilities necessary to 

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

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

development of nanotechnology (Goal 4). 

This goal encompasses three objectives30 that detail how the NNI will responsibly engage and educate the 

public and the workforce regarding the opportunities that nanotechnology offers and the skills it requires, 

along with providing the needed access to advanced facilities and tools. Education is among the chief 

objectives of NNI-funded university research. In addition, specific programs target K–16 education, improve 

nanotechnology curricula in U.S. schools and universities, and educate the public about nanotechnology. 

The NNI continues to sustain, maintain, and upgrade its extensive network of research centers, user 

facilities, and other infrastructure for nanotechnology research, a key element of the original NNI strategy.31

Objective 3.1 – Sustain outreach and informal education programs in order to inform the 

public about the opportunities and impacts of nanotechnology. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 3.1

DOD/DARPA: There are numerous formal and informal efforts within the DARPA STARnet program and its

six multi-university centers for education and outreach. The program establishes a vibrant academic 

environment with frequent technical exchanges through seminars and webcasts that are open to the 

public. Research results are frequently published in technical and nontechnical journals, magazines, and 

books. Center directors and researchers have outreach to companies, government labs, and present their 

work in public meetings.

 

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

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

31 For more information on NNI-supported research infrastructure see www.nano.gov/centers-networks. 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 51

IC/DNI: The National Reconnaissance Office has competitively selected a 2013 Intelligence Community (IC) 

postdoctoral researcher to work on nanotechnology challenges in carbon nanotube chirality control and 

separation by chirality. The 2014 IC postdoctoral proposals include three nanotechnology topics: 

(1) thermoelectric devices based on carbon nanotubes to harvest heat from data centers and spacecraft 

electronics, (2) use of gallium antimonide compounds to produce quantum dot solar cells with 41 to 47% 

efficiencies, and (3) boron nitride nanotube development. An academic institution has been selected 

competitively to research boron nitride nanotube materials in 2014 under an innovation seedling contract.

NSF: Two Centers for Nanotechnology in Society with significant educational components are funded at 

Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). The CNS-UCSB

supports interdisciplinary education across its research activities in various ways. Graduate students and 

postdoctoral researchers associated with one or more of the center's research thrusts are being mentored 

by their CNS advisors. Previous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers received jobs in academia 

and in the private sector in areas related to societal implications of nanotechnology. CNS outreach 

activities include engaging with the Centers for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology at UCSB

and with policy groups and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs); these activities promote increased 

awareness of societal issues within the nanoscale science and engineering community. Public engagement 

efforts include media interviews, speaker series, NanoDays,32 web-based materials, and public 

presentations. CNS-ASU has been offering an immersive training session for nanoscale science and 

engineering graduate students in Washington DC called Science Outside the Lab. The CNS has established 

an annual, two-week “Winter School” at ASU for doctoral students and postdocs. Looking ahead, the CNS 

plans to focus on recruiting, funding, and other resources for the Winter School on students from 

underrepresented groups. It also plans to develop and implement targeted recruiting efforts for a new 

Graduate Certificate in Responsible Innovation and a minor in Science & Technology Policy, and it will 

organize and host recruiting events with the Hearing Research Center, the ASU American Indian Studies

Program, and the American Indian Policy Institute, among others. 

The NSF-supported Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) and the Nanoscale 

Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) are two national networks serving the nanotechnology 

technological community and informal science community.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 3.1

NIH, NSF, and universities: Community and public outreach about cancer nanotechnology is a systemic 

function of the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer. Alliance research and training centers have 

dedicated funds for outreach to the general, patient, and medical communities. Alliance members 

participate in the National Science Foundation’s Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) 

“Nano Days” either by developing their own outreach activities or by participating in activities organized in 

their areas. Other efforts include “Nanotechnology Town Halls” hosted by Northwestern University for a lay 

audience, a free one-day mini-symposium, "Nanobiomotors: Structures, Mechanisms and Clinical 

Implications,” hosted by the University of Kentucky, which was open to the public, and “The Art of Systems 

Biology and Nanoscience Days for Kids and Evenings for Grownups” events hosted by the University of 

New Mexico. Alliance members have also developed courses and symposia on nanotechnology that are 

eligible for continuing medical education credits.

NIST and universities: Scientists from NIST and the University of Maryland have developed and 

implemented a program to introduce blind students to nanoscale science. As part of a weeklong event 

 

32 See www.nisenet.org/nanodays. 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

52 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind to expose blind and visually impaired high school 

students from around the country to science careers, the students learned the basics of size, scale, and the 

metric system, and received an introduction to nanoscale concepts. Students learned through hands-on 

activities such as probing canes against floor models of different shapes and sizes to experience how an 

atomic force microscope probe senses topographic changes on a surface.

Objective 3.2 – Establish and sustain programs that assist in developing and maintaining a

skilled nanotechnology workforce. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 3.2

DOD/Air Force: Through the Research Collaboration Program, AFRL is reaching out to students nationwide 

and sponsoring summer internships and research at laboratories and home institutions. The focus of this 

work in nanomaterials and devices allows for greater exposure of these students to topics in both 

nanoscience and nanosafety. This initial contact with AFRL leads to ongoing relationships between 

students and AFRL researchers. Return interns, fellowship candidates, co-op employees, and new hires 

have resulted from this program, which bolsters both the overall workforce familiarity with 

nanotechnology issues and renews the AFRL workforce. Projects in nano-optical coatings for improved 

performance in imaging systems, nanomaterial biosensing systems, tunable nano-optical devices, and 

nano-modified fabrics for wearable electronics are among the projects that have shown promising results 

based on the efforts of student researchers. The experience gained by these students, both in the technical 

content of their work and in exposure to nanoscience laboratory practices, will augment their skills 

throughout their careers. [This is also relevant to Objective 4.4.]

DOE: By supporting fundamental and applied R&D, DOE supports students at both the graduate and 

undergraduate levels, as well as postdoctoral researchers, to gain expertise in nanotechnology. 

Additionally, the businesses supported by programs such as the SunShot Incubator and SBIR/STTR help 

create a skilled nanotechnology workforce. Furthermore, the Minority University Research Associates 

(MURA) program directly supports students working on concepts such as novel nanomaterials with 

optoelectronic properties tailored for PV cells, and promotes understanding of the impact of nanoparticles 

on thermal energy storage.

FDA: FDA training focuses on course work, including lectures by experts in science and regulatory issues 

concerning nanotechnology, and workshops to provide review, research, and enforcement staff laboratory 

training with analytical equipment used to characterize the physical and chemical properties of engineered 

nanomaterials relevant to FDA-regulated products. In 2015, FDA will continue to provide training for 

review, research, and enforcement staff, including laboratory training with analytical equipment. This type 

of training is especially valuable when reviewing product submissions that include data derived from such 

analytical equipment.

NASA: NASA continues to support the training of the next generation of scientists and engineers, including 

those working in nanotechnology. NASA funds graduate student research through research grants and 

fellowships, such as the Space Technology Research Fellows, student internships, and postdoctoral 

fellowships. In 2012, NASA awarded 5 new grants in nanotechnology research for a total of $3.6 million

under the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program. In late 2012, the 

Space Technology Research Grants Program initiated the Space Technology Early Career Faculty Awards. Of 

the ten grants awarded in 2013, four were in areas related nanotechnology, including the development of 

hierarchically ordered structures, nanocomposite membranes for water purification, and propulsion 

systems based on optical metamaterials. 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 53

NIH: The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer supports Cancer Nanotechnology Training Centers 

that are establishing innovative research education programs supporting the development of a cadre of 

investigators capable of pursuing cancer nanotechnology research. The training programs are focused on 

mentored laboratory-based training in multidisciplinary research projects, but each training center also 

develops seminars, workshops, and short courses to teach the cross-cutting skills and knowledge necessary 

for successful research in cancer nanotechnology. The training centers also support career development 

activities for their participants. The training centers have trained 125 graduate students and postdoctoral 

researchers in multidisciplinary research, with a focus on cross-training in medical and physical sciences 

and engineering. More than 800 people, ranging from undergraduates to mid-career researchers, have 

participated in symposia, workshops, and conferences organized or hosted by the training centers. 

NIOSH: Direct training of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists in NIOSH research 

laboratories has been offered in the areas of toxicology, aerosol characterization, and analytical 

measurements. Additionally, over the past five years, NIOSH has developed and delivered several levels of 

training for professional industrial hygiene and EHS practitioners in support of responsible development of 

the technology. Finally, through the PtD initiative, NIOSH has worked with ABET-accredited schools of 

engineering to introduce safety-by-design principles into engineering curricula as an additional means to 

develop EHS skills in the material and process designers of the future. 

NSF: NSF supports education-related activities such as development of educational materials for schools, 

curriculum development for nanoscience and engineering, development of new teaching tools, 

undergraduate programs, technical training, and public outreach. Two networks for formal and informal

nanotechnology education (led by Pennsylvania State University and the Museum of Science, Boston) with 

national outreach will continue to be supported.

USDA/NIFA: NIFA’s Higher Education programs have awarded competitive grants to universities to 

develop nanotechnology curricula for undergraduate and graduate students in agriculture and food 

science and technology including food engineering, food security, food safety, bioenergy, and 

sustainability. For example, one project has developed courses and taught more than 600 Hispanic 

students in laboratory skills for plant-pathogen interaction and food safety.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 3.2

DOE and NSF: EERE-SETP and NSF co-sponsor the QESST Engineering Research Center, which has a 

primary goal of creating educational resources and a skilled workforce in solar technology. 

NIST and NSF: NIST (CNST) and NSF (Advanced Technological Education program) are conducting a joint 

program that provides extended internships at NIST for community college students being trained in 

semiconductor manufacturing technology. The program is providing students with hands-on, practical 

experience in nanofabrication, processing, characterization, and tool maintenance in areas specifically 

targeted to meet the needs of U.S. manufacturers for skilled technicians.

The NIST/NSF jointly-funded Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program provides 

nanotechnology research opportunities throughout NIST’s laboratories and user facilities at both the 

Gaithersburg, MD, and Boulder, CO, campuses; in 2013 over 30 SURF students participated in 

nanotechnology-related projects.

NIST and industry: NIST and prominent nanotechnology companies jointly sponsored and developed an 

educational workshop, “Microscopy for STEM Educators,” at the Scanning Microscopies 2013: Advanced 

Microscopy Technologies for Defense, Homeland Security, Forensic, Life, Environmental, and Industrial 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

54 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

Sciences Conference. This workshop included a hands-on session with a commercial tabletop scanning 

electron microscope and an atomic force microscope.

Objective 3.3 – Provide, facilitate the sharing of, and sustain the physical R&D infrastructure,

notably user facilities and cooperative research centers. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 3.3

DOD/Navy: Understanding the mechanical response of nanostructured materials is key to the 

development of a new generation of structural materials with unprecedented properties. With the advent 

of new tools for characterizing mechanical response at the nanoscale level, investigations into the 

relationships between properties and multiple microstructural scales ranging from the nanoscale to 

continuum are now possible. Through Defense University Research Instrumentation Program investments, 

e.g., in situ nanoindentation in transmission electron microscopy, and cooperative agreements with the 

Brookhaven National Synchrotron Light Source (for time-resolved energy dispersive x-ray diffraction), 

university researchers are carrying out direct measurements on the evolution of microstructures and 

properties of nanostructured metals and ceramics during processing and deformation. This has led to the 

development of nanostructured metals with simultaneous high strength and high ductility, such as 

aluminum alloy 7075 with greater than 1 gigapascal tensile strength and 5% uniform elongation and fully 

dense nanostructured non-oxide ceramics, including boron carbide (B4C) for armor. 

DOE: The Office of Science’s five Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRCs) are housed in customdesigned laboratory buildings near one or more other major DOE facilities for x-ray, neutron, or electron 

scattering, which complement and leverage the capabilities of the NSRCs. These laboratories contain 

cleanrooms, nanofabrication resources, one-of-a-kind signature instruments, and other instruments not 

generally available except at major user facilities. These facilities are routinely made available to the 

academic, industrial, and nonprofit research communities during normal working hours. The NSRCs 

provide training for graduate students and postdoctoral associates in interdisciplinary nanoscale science, 

engineering, and technology research.

FDA: In 2009, FDA established two state-of-the-art nanomaterial characterization facilities, with one 

located on the White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland, and the other located at the National Center 

for Toxicological Research (NCTR) in Jefferson, Arkansas. These facilities are designed to support FDA 

research scientists by providing the equipment and knowledge to characterize nanomaterials. These 

facilities also serve to provide laboratory training for FDA review and enforcement staff. In 2015, FDA will 

continue to maintain these facilities and has plans to add additional equipment.

NIH: The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer, the NHLBI Programs of Excellence in Nanotechnology, 

and the NIH Roadmap for Nanomedicine Centers all follow a cooperative research model. [See 

Objective 1.1.] 

NIST: NIST continues to sustain and update the capabilities and capacity in the CNST, providing industry, 

academia, NIST, and other Government agencies with rapid access to world-class nanoscale measurement 

and fabrication methods and technology. Access is provided in two ways. First, in the NanoFab, users 

access a commercial state-of-the-art tool set at economical hourly rates, supported by a dedicated, fulltime technical support staff. Second, in the NanoLab, users access the next generation of tools and 

processes through collaboration with the multidisciplinary research staff. The NanoFab continues to 

enhance its capabilities and capacity, with notable upcoming additions, including increased capacity for 

electron beam lithography; multichamber, load-locked, cassette-to-cassette sputter deposition; and deep 

silicon etching. New capabilities in the NanoLab include methods and instrumentation for in situ
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 55

characterization of interfaces and of nanodevices functioning in realistic operating environments, and 

innovative measurement methods that combine infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy to 

determine chemical composition with nanoscale resolution.

The NIST Center for Neutron Research provides users with access to a broad range of world-class neutron 

scattering tools for characterizing the atomic and nanometer-scale structure and dynamics of materials.

Coordinated Activities with Other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 3.3

NIST, industry, and universities: CNST is collaborating with industry and universities to develop and 

make available to users new nanoscale measurement and fabrication methods. Highlights include the

following new capabilities:

• In collaboration with a nanotechnology startup company, NIST has developed a new microscopy 

technique that uses quantum dots to allow viewing of surface and subsurface features potentially 

as small as 10 nanometers in size. The technique, which combines attributes of both optical and 

electron microscopy, has broad applications for studying a wide range of materials and systems.

• In collaboration with the University of Maryland–College Park, Syracuse University, and the 

University of British Columbia, NIST scientists have created an innovative, easy-to-fabricate flat lens 

based on negative refractive index of metamaterials, with applications in improved 

photolithography, nanoscale manipulation and manufacturing, and high-resolution threedimensional imaging. 

Goal 4: Support responsible development of nanotechnology.

Realizing the potential benefits of nanotechnology for human, social, and economic well-being, and for the 

environment, requires that responsible development of nanotechnology—assessment and management 

of potential risks—be integrated into all aspects of the field, from world-class R&D (Goal 1) to 

commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled products (Goal 2). Responsible development is a 

fundamental component of all three objectives in Goal 3. Research in support of Goal 4 addresses the 

recognized issues and opportunities surrounding the protection of humans and the environment, which 

are shared by many stakeholder groups.

In 2011, the NNI developed, with input from stakeholders, a nanotechnology-related environmental, 

health, and safety (nanoEHS) research strategy with a broad, multi-agency perspective.33 That document 

fully supports the Goal 4 objectives and details specific research needs in six interrelated and synergistic 

nanoEHS areas: (1) a nanomaterial measurement infrastructure coupled with (2) predictive modeling and 

informatics that provides accurate and reproducible data on (3) human exposure, (4) human health, and 

(5) the environment essential for science-based (6) risk assessment and management of engineered 

nanomaterials and nanotechnology-enabled products. The NNI agencies, individually and collaboratively,

will continue to provide information on progress toward addressing these research needs. 

Consideration of lifecycle issues is a key component of all four objectives described below. Advances in 

these objectives require coordinated efforts involving multidisciplinary, multistakeholder national and 

international teams. 

 

33 www.nano.gov/you/environmental-health-safety
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

56 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

Objective 4.1 – Support the creation of a comprehensive knowledge base for evaluation of the 

potential risks and benefits of nanotechnology to the environment and to human health and 

safety. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 4.1

DOD/Air Force: Using core funding, AFRL scientists are accomplishing a multitude of nanotechnology 

research projects geared towards investigating the biological interaction of engineered nanomaterials 

(ENMs), including potential toxicity arising from resultant physicochemical and structural properties. This 

research will facilitate a better understanding of the nano–bio interaction mechanisms and provide indepth analysis of its corresponding effects and aid researchers in devising appropriate ways to monitor 

exposure levels and develop control strategies to enhance Air Force force-protection efforts. While the Air 

Force is working to minimize issues concerning the production, handling, and disposal of nanomaterials as 

they relate to future mission requirements, a significant knowledge gap remains with respect to the human 

and ecological health implications of increasing nanomaterial usage. It is critical to understand the 

transport and transformation of nanomaterials channeled through the environment and the human body, 

including their significant avenues of access and potentially adverse effects. Two key areas of immediate 

military relevance include propulsion and munitions systems, which employ nanomaterials not only in 

reducing sensitivity to accidental initiation during storage and delivery, but in generating more energetic 

propulsion/explosions and ensuring long-term storage stability. Research in the Human Effectiveness

Directorate focuses on understanding the toxicological properties of ENMs based on size, charge, shape, 

and functionalization.

DOD/Army: Understanding of potential nanoparticle release, fate, transport, and toxicity is required to 

understand and proactively manage risks to the environment and human health. The Army is developing 

tools, methods, and approaches to provide accurate and reliable information and data supporting risk 

assessment and management. These studies focus on the life cycle of nanotechnologies developed within 

the Army Research Laboratory, the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, academic partners, and industry. 

For example, the Army, through its Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and Armament 

Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), has begun a comprehensive program to 

understand the environmental consequences of nanomaterials. ARDEC will be providing ERDC with the 

necessary nanomaterials to support environmental testing and will help develop the database for materials 

that might impact DOD. Through partnerships with EPA, CPSC, NIST, and NIOSH, results of these studies will 

be used to support safe development of the technologies, enable more rapid fielding and 

commercialization, and meet regulatory requirements. 

EPA: EPA is evaluating the chemical and physical properties of ENMs that influence their potential for 

release into the environment, fate, transport, transformation, potential for exposure to humans or sensitive 

ecological species, and potential for adverse effects on human health or the environment. Potential for 

nanomaterial releases will be evaluated across the product life cycle including manufacturing, product use, 

and end-of-life disposal. Identification and characterization of the role that key chemical and physical 

factors play in the behavior of ENMs will enable the development and parameterization of predictive 

models that can be used to differentiate materials and applications that may pose a higher probability of 

risk from those that are expected to have little impact. The predictive models can be used to direct testing 

and evaluation resources where there is likely to be greatest risk. In addition, this information can be used 

to inform the design and development of safer material applications and products.

FDA: In 2010, FDA launched its Advancing Regulatory Science Initiative, which is dedicated to the science 

of developing new tools, standards, and approaches to assess the safety, efficacy, quality, and performance 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 57

of FDA-regulated products. One of the FDA’s priority areas in this Initiative was to ensure FDA readiness to 

evaluate innovative emerging technologies. In 2013, FDA published its Nanotechnology Regulatory 

Science Research Plan, which established research categories that are linked to regulatory needs in 

assessing nanotechnology-enabled products. These categories include methods for physicochemical 

characterization, developing and evaluating in vitro and in vivo assays and models, developing and 

synthesizing risk characterization information, developing class-based approaches to risk assessment, and 

improving risk communication. Research in these categories is being coordinated through the 

Collaborative Opportunities for Research Excellence in Sciences (CORES) program, which is an intramural 

effort where projects are selected by internal and external peer review. FDA will continue the CORES 

program in 2015. 

NIH/NIEHS: The major focus of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences nanotechnology 

research effort is broadly associated with this goal. Gaining knowledge on fundamental interaction of 

ENMs with biological matrices as dictated by their physicochemical properties is critical in assessing 

potential health risks associated with accidental or incidental exposure to nanomaterials or 

nanotechnology-enabled products [see also Objectives 1.4 and 2.2]. NIEHS investments address all of the six 

research needs identified in the NNI nanoEHS research strategy released in October 2011. Current NIEHS 

nanoEHS investments specifically focus on research needs 2, 3, 4, and 5 through the efforts of a consortium 

of research centers, the NIEHS Centers for Nanotechnology Health Implications Research (NCNHIR), 

established in 2010. These centers are evaluating the toxicity of dozens of ENMs with diverse physical and 

chemical properties. The ENMs being characterized by these centers represent a majority of the ENMs 

commercially produced in large quantities. The toxicology data from these investigations are utilized in 

developing computational predictive models. 

NIEHS is currently developing plans to support research efforts in two areas: development of a 

comprehensive understanding of toxic effects of ENMs and the development of tools to assess exposure in 

diverse media. These efforts will focus on expanding efforts to assess the toxicity of ENMs from multiple 

routes of exposure. This research will also assess the potential contributions of susceptibility factors in 

human health effects assessment; such factors include underlying disease, genetics, age, and gender. Other 

new NIEHS initiatives will support research efforts to develop tools to assess human exposure to 

nanomaterials in different media (air and water). 

NIOSH: NIOSH continues its efforts to develop more complete hazard and safety assessments using key 

classes of ENMs: carbon nanotubes; metal oxides; silver; the nanowire forms of silver, silica, and titania; 

graphene and graphene oxide; and cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers. New research results 

demonstrate the effectiveness of a “safer by design” strategy by establishing decreases in adverse biologic 

activity resulting from modifying surface functionality. In 2015, NIOSH will move forward with development 

and dissemination of principles outlined in the 2012 NIOSH-sponsored Safe Nano Design workshop.

34 Key 

areas to continue to develop include: (1) demonstrating change in nanomaterial toxicology through 

material design changes and (2) partnering with private companies to develop case studies on effective 

facility and process design. Impact in this key program area has already been realized through NIOSH 

partnering with private sector companies to conduct on-site research that will result in the development 

and implementation of effective risk management practices that will ultimately result in safer, more 

efficient nanomanufacturing processes. 

NIST: NIST is developing measurement tools to determine the physicochemical and human- and ecotoxicological properties of key ENMs in relevant media (e.g., air, water, and biological matrices); to 

 

34 www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/PtD/nanoworkshop/default.html
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

58 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

characterize transformations, transport, and fate of ENMs in such media; and to evaluate exposures to 

airborne ENMs. NIST is also developing transferable methods to detect the presence of ENMs in 

nanotechnology-enabled products and to assess life-cycle releases of ENMs from such products. Key 

highlights of work to be conducted in 2014 and planned for 2015 include the following: 

• Make available the world’s first silver nanoparticle (75 nanometer and 10 nanometer diameter) and 

fluorescent silicon nanoparticle (3 nanometer diameter) reference materials. 

• Complete comparative studies of various methods to detect the presence of silver nanoparticles in 

textiles and carbon nanotubes in polymer composites, including detection limits for each method. 

• Design in vitro toxicology assays to enable evaluation of nine quality metrics that describe assay 

performance; identify sources of assay variability and demonstrate robustness through pilot 

interlaboratory testing. 

• Develop methods that utilize 14C-labeled CNTs to track the location and fate of CNTs in biological 

and environmental systems. 

NRC: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency created by Congress. The 

mission of the NRC is to license and regulate the Nation’s civilian use of byproduct, source, and special 

nuclear materials to ensure adequate protection of the public health and safety, promote the common 

defense and security, and to protect the environment. As a regulatory agency, the NRC does not typically 

sponsor fundamental research or product development. Rather the NRC is focused, in part, on confirmatory 

research to verify the safe application of new technologies in the civilian nuclear industry. Currently the 

agency’s focus with nanotechnology is to monitor developments that might be applied within the nuclear 

industry in order that the NRC can carry out its oversight role.

USDA/NIFA: The NIFA nanotechnology programs have been and will continue supporting the EHS 

research targets that are most relevant to agricultural production and food applications. For example, the 

NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative 2014 RFA guidance states: “To ensure responsible 

development and deployment of nanotechnology and reap the benefits, applications should consider 

incorporating proper risk assessment studies as appropriate. These may include characterization of hazards 

and exposure levels, transport and fate of nanoparticles or nanomaterials in crops, soils (and soil biota), and 

livestock. This may also include animal feed formulations and processes that utilize novel materials or 

develop new nanostructured materials or nanoparticles that are bio-persistent in digestive pathways.” In 

addition, research projects are sought under the AFRI Foundational Program’s Improving Food Safety topic 

area, with objectives to identify and characterize engineered nanoparticles and to elucidate the physical 

and/or molecular mechanisms that allow engineered nanoparticles to attach onto and/or internalize into 

fresh and fresh-cut produce, including nuts, and/or food contact surfaces associated with produce 

production and/or processing.

Coordinated Activities with other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 4.1 

DOD/Army and Air Force: AFRL coordinates with the Army Corps of Engineers, which provides its 

expertise in life cycle analysis to help determine the risk of exposure to nanomaterials during different 

stages of development. The organizations will use predictive/computational modeling approaches to 

identify potential release of nanoscale particles from nanostructured materials and technologies.

DOS, NNI Agencies, and the European Union: The Transatlantic Economic Council has identified 

nanotechnology as a priority area for increased cooperation between the European Union and the United 

States. In 2011, the European Commission and the NNI organized the first U.S.-EU Workshop on Bridging 

nanoEHS Research Efforts. At this meeting, communities of research were proposed as a platform for 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 59

scientists to develop a shared repertoire of protocols and methods, to overcome research gaps and 

barriers, and to enhance their professional relationships. Progress towards CoR objectives was reviewed at 

the third US-EU workshop on Bridging nanoEHS Research Efforts, held in Arlington, VA, on December 2–3, 

2013 (us-eu.org).

CPSC, DOD/Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, FDA, NIOSH, and NIST: The CPSC staff has developed several 

research projects through interagency agreements in 2013 and previous fiscal years that will continue 

through 2014. The objective of this work is to develop robust methods to characterize nanomaterials in 

products and understand releases and exposure potential. The results of these studies are disseminated to 

the public through reports, presentations at technical meetings, and publications in peer-reviewed 

journals. 

EPA and international organizations: EPA researchers coordinate and collaborate with other nations in 

the international testing program being conducted under the auspices of the OECD’s Working Party on 

Manufactured Nanomaterials. 

EPA, NSF, USDA/NIFA, CPSC, United Kingdom, and OECD: EPA’s Science to Achieve Results (STAR) 

Program has issued joint solicitations with NSF and USDA. In addition, EPA, CPSC, and the United Kingdom 

awarded 6 grants in 2010 under a joint international solicitation. 

FDA, NNI agencies, industry, and international organizations: As needed and appropriate, FDA 

continues to foster and develop collaborative relationships with other Federal agencies through the NNI, as 

well as with regulatory agencies, international organizations, healthcare professionals, industry, consumers, 

and other stakeholders.

NIH/NIEHS, EPA, NSF, FDA, and NIOSH: NIEHS has been collaborating with other Federal agencies such as 

EPA, NSF, FDA, and NIOSH by sharing materials and expertise. As in the past, NIH/NIEHS will invite these 

and other interested agencies to participate in future research initiatives, including those focused on the 

areas identified above in the NIH/NIEHS entry for Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 4.1. 

NIOSH, CPSC, and NIH/NIEHS/NTP: NIOSH continued formal collaborations with CPSC and the National 

Toxicology Program (NTP) to deliver research results that provide basic knowledge in two fronts. Work 

done with CPSC continues to characterize the exposure potential and biological responses to inhalation of 

select nanomaterials from consumer products in support of human exposure risk assessments. NIOSH 

continues its collaboration with NTP to investigate the actual worker exposure potential during 

manufacture and use of ENMs. NTP also collaborates with NIOSH to investigate potential hazards 

associated with exposure to cellulose nanomaterials. [Also relevant to the Nanomanufacturing NSI in 

Objective 1.4.] 

NIST and CPSC: NIST is developing measurement protocols and data for the release of various ENMs from 

consumer products during incineration, mechanical degradation, and photo-induced and hydrolytic 

degradation; and developing electron microscopy-based measurement protocols and data for detecting 

multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) released from commercial MWCNT-polymer composite 

products during mechanical abrasion. 

NIST, EPA, NIOSH, CPSC, OSHA, NRC-Canada, and industry: U.S. and Canadian federal agencies are 

working with industry on the NanoRelease Project, coordinated by the Research Foundation of the 

International Life Science Institute, to identify existing methods for evaluating the release of CNTs from 

polymer-based composites and to develop protocols based on existing methods for use in interlaboratory 

testing.
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60 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

NIST, FDA, and NIOSH: NIST is leading the development of measurement methods and reference 

materials for EHS assessments of ENMs and nanotechnology-enabled products.

NSF and EPA: NSF and EPA have renewed the large interdisciplinary Centers for the Environmental 

Implications of Nanotechnology (CEINs) for a second five-year period. EPA and NSF issued a joint 

solicitation in 2012 in the area of green chemistry, and one of the four applications awarded involves 

nanomaterials. The awards are approximately $5 million each. 

USGS, universities, and international organizations: USGS is conducting research on the influence of 

physicochemical parameters and processes, such as particle aggregation and dissolution, on the 

bioavailability of metal nanoparticles. The research includes silver, gold, and copper nanoparticles at 

environmentally relevant concentrations. Stable isotopic tracers are being employed in novel ways to 

quantify biological uptake. For example, use of isotopically modified silver nanoparticles has proven to be 

an effective means of assessing bioavailability at environmentally relevant exposures (from 6 nanograms 

per liter to 4 micrograms per liter) and characterizing the effects of dissolution. Collaborating organizations 

include the University of South Carolina, The Natural History Museum of the United Kingdom, the 

University of Birmingham, and the University of California, Davis. These research activities are planned to 

continue through 2015.

Objective 4.2 – Create and employ means for timely dissemination, evaluation, and 

incorporation of relevant EHS knowledge and best practices. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 4.2

DOD: The Emerging Contaminants Program looks “over-the-horizon” to identify and assess chemicals and 

materials of emerging risk. The evaluation includes the assessment of nanomaterial and involves proactive 

risk management actions that reduce risks to human health, the environment, and business functions, 

often in advance of regulatory requirements. As such, the program has issued policies on Environment, 

Safety, and Occupational Health (ESOH) Risks from Engineered Nanomaterials that reinforce responsibilities 

and provide information for managing ESOH risks of ENMs in DOD research, acquisition, operations, and 

support.

DOD/Air Force: AFRL is evaluating potential health risks of ENMs and identifying appropriate exposure 

limits, contributing to timely dissemination, evaluation, and incorporation of relevant EHS knowledge and 

best practices.

EPA: EPA is researching how nanomaterials affect ecosystem and human health; evaluating methods for 

detecting, quantifying, and characterizing nanomaterials; as well as assessing, ranking and predicting 

nanomaterial health effects using rapid, automated chemical screening called high-throughput testing 

methods. EPA is also evaluating exposure to nanomaterials at multiple levels and will provide qualified and 

credible alternative testing methods that can be used to predict toxicity. It also is developing a database for 

hazard identification or structure-activity relationships and identifying unique nanomaterials properties 

that can be used to design or engineer safer nanomaterials. EPA will evaluate the critical features of 

nanomaterials that determine their behavior in the environment including fate, transport, transformation, 

and potential effects on human health or the ecosystem.

FDA: FDA has made significant progress in preparing to make regulatory assessments for nanotechnologyenabled products since formally joining the NNI budget crosscut in 2011. In 2015, FDA will continue the

agency-wide regulatory science program in nanotechnology to support the responsible development of 
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 61

FDA-regulated products containing nanomaterials or otherwise involving the application of 

nanotechnology. The program does the following: 

• Develops the tools, methods, and data to assist in reaching regulatory decisions. 

• Coordinates agency staff science and research related activities. 

• Enhances in-house scientific expertise and capacity. 

• Enables cooperation with other regulatory agencies.

• Facilitates regulatory science research opportunities with both domestic and international 

partners. 

The Office of the Commissioner, in partnership with the FDA Nanotechnology Task Force, facilitates 

communication and cooperation on nanotechnology regulatory science, both within FDA and with 

national and international stakeholders. The FDA Nanotechnology Task Force also provides the overall 

coordination of FDA’s nanotechnology regulatory science efforts in the following programmatic 

investment areas: 

• Scientific staff development and professional training. 

• Laboratory and product testing capacity. 

• Collaborative and interdisciplinary research related to product characterization, manufacturing, 

and safety and risk assessments. 

Together these program investments enable FDA to address key gaps in scientific knowledge, test 

methods, and predictive tools needed to make regulatory assessments for products containing 

nanomaterials or otherwise involving the application of nanotechnology.

NIOSH: NIOSH regularly disseminates the results of research from its nanotechnology research program in 

the form of publication of biannual progress reports of all NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center 

projects, e-newsletters, the NIOSH Science Blog, technical meeting and symposia presentations, formal 

peer-reviewed journal publications, and NIOSH publications. The NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health 

Nanotechnology Topic webpage is one of the top pages visited on the agency website.

35 In 2015, NIOSH 

will continue a multifaceted initiative focused on delivering knowledge and training to industrial hygiene 

and EHS practitioners, private sector nanomanufacturing companies, engineering students, and 

international research partners. NIOSH will refine delivery of a higher-level exposure measurements and 

assessment strategy training course for EHS professionals. To date this has been presented to the State of 

California; the International Occupational Hygiene Association (Kuala Lumpur); EHS professionals in Brazil 

in collaboration with Fundacentro; Workplace Safety and Protection Services, Canada; at three universities; 

and at four U.S. professional conferences. Plans for 2015 include follow-up on the effectiveness of a 

planned 2014 publication on Health and Safety Prevention through Design Small Business Guide for 

Nanomaterial Producers and Users. In 2015 NIOSH will disseminate process-based control strategies that 

draw from the broader 2013 NIOSH guidance document on Current Strategies for Engineering Controls in 

Nanomaterial Production and Downstream Handling Processes.

36 

NSF: Research on the safety of manufacturing nanoparticles is already included in four NSECs and the 

NNIN. Environmental implications of nanotechnology, including development of new measurement 

methods for nanoparticle characterization and toxicity of nanomaterials, will continue to be investigated in 

two dedicated multidisciplinary centers (the Centers for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology at 

 

35 www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/

36 www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2014-102/pdfs/2014-102.pdf
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62 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

UCLA and Duke University). An essential element of this will be research on methods and instrumentation 

for nanoparticle detection, characterization, and monitoring, including interactions of nanomaterials with 

cellular constituents, metabolic networks, and living tissues; bioaccumulation and its effects on living 

systems; and the impacts of nanostructures dispersed in the environment.

Coordinated Activities with other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 4.2 

CPSC and NLM: CPSC and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) signed an interagency agreement in 

2012 with work continuing through 2014, the objectives of which are to develop web content that allows 

consumers and businesses to access nanotechnology information and to identify areas of data 

enhancement for existing NLM databases. Specific outcomes include the development of a series of reports 

written for the typical consumer that summarize health-related information. The reports will be posted on 

the NLM website. 

DOD, NNI agencies, and nongovernmental organizations: The Emerging Contaminants Program 

maintains a Nanomaterials Working Group that serves as the coordinating body for nanomaterials‐related 

environmental, safety, and health technical, policy, and legal information. The focus of the working group 

includes identification and recommendation of studies and research priorities in order to avoid duplication 

of effort, promote leveraging of resources, issuance of consistent DOD policy and guidance, advocacy of 

best management practices, and coordination of risk management measures. The working group and its 

leadership provide means to coordinate and connect with all the military departments and DOD agencies 

and with other agencies and stakeholders broadly, including the Sustainable Chemicals and Materials for 

Defense Forum, a partnership between DOD and the American Institute for Chemical Engineers. [Also 

relevant to Objective 4.4.]

EPA, FDA, NIOSH, NIST, and OECD: OECD’s Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials is aimed at 

assisting countries in their efforts to assess the safety of nanomaterials and has the active participation of 

U.S. bodies including EPA, FDA, NIOSH, and NIST. The OECD program has focused on methods to ensure 

the safety of nanomaterials, including the testing of 14 commercial nanomaterials for 59 endpoints in 

accordance with current OECD test guidelines (the Sponsorship Programme); the development of new 

guidance, test guideline modifications, and alternative methods; exposure measurement and mitigation; 

environmental sustainability; and risk assessment and management. By sometime in 2014, several dossiers 

that address testing on key nanomaterials are expected to be completed, including those for carbon 

nanotubes and cerium oxide; these dossiers will illustrate data trends across nanomaterials, applicability of 

OECD protocols, and areas for new protocol and guidance development. These areas are being explored in 

a series of parallel workshops beginning in 2013 and continuing through 2014, including ones on 

environmental fate and ecotoxicity, physicochemical properties, genotoxicity, and the grouping of 

nanomaterials. At least four OECD guidelines are under consideration for modification in the 2013–2014 

timeframe.

EPA, NSF, USDA, CPSC, and international organizations: EPA’s STAR Program has issued joint 

solicitations with NSF and USDA. In addition, EPA, CPSC, and the United Kingdom awarded six grants in 

2010 under a joint international solicitation. EPA researchers also coordinate and collaborate with other 

nations in the international testing program being conducted under the auspices of the OECD’s Working 

Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials [see above for details]. 

NSF, EPA, USDA, and the European Union: NSF will support research primarily directed at EHS 

implications and methods for reducing the prospective risks of nanotechnology development. NSF, EPA, 

USDA, and the EU will continue collaboration on development of a joint solicitation for nanotechnology 

EHS. A focus will be on implications of the next generation of nanotechnology products and productive 
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 63

processes, as well as public participation in nanotechnology-related activities. Research on both 

implications and applications of nanotechnology will address the sources of nanoparticles and 

nanostructured materials in the environment (in air, water, soil, biosystems, and working environments), as 

well as the nonclinical biological implications. 

Objective 4.3 – Develop the national capacity to identify, define, and responsibly address

concepts and challenges specific to the ethical, legal, and societal implications (ELSI) of

nanotechnology. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 4.3

NIOSH: NIOSH is working to foster the responsible development of nanotechnology and the realization of 

its societal and commercial benefits. Workers are among the first in society to have potential exposures to 

any new material, including nanomaterials, and thus the protection of the worker can be seen as the core 

of responsible development. Occupational safety and health criteria for responsible development of 

nanotechnology should be developed at the societal level (by government agencies, trade and 

professional associations, unions, NGOs, and insurers) first, and then promoted for use at the business 

enterprise level (employers, suppliers, and business customers).

NSF: NSF supports research directed at identifying and quantifying the broad implications of 

nanotechnology for society, including social, economic, workforce, educational, ethical, and legal 

implications. The application of nanoscale technologies will stimulate far-reaching changes in the design, 

production, and use of many goods and services. NSF also supports a project to embed humanists and 

social scientists in laboratories for greater collaboration in nanoscience around the world, providing a 

model for future integration of ethicists and social scientists into nanotechnology R&D laboratories

broadly. 

The Centers for Nanotechnology in Society at UCSB and ASU are among the very few social science centers

in the world looking at nanotechnology ELSI issues and operating on a large scale to involve multiple 

institutions and multiple disciplines. The overarching goal of both centers is to foster the integration of 

social scientific research with nanoscale science and engineering to promote socially responsible 

innovations. CNS-UCSB does so by focusing on perceptions of risks and benefits. The full sense of 

perception is considered including beliefs, values, and ideologies. Risk perception is not regarded as a 

problem to be handled; rather, it needs to be understood ecologically, constituted by multiple stakeholder 

groups having multifaceted, complex, and evolving relationships. CNS-ASU does so by focusing on the 

unifying framework of anticipatory governance, which involves promoting multiple stakeholders in 

deliberation about plausible future technological developments. 

The two centers promote increased awareness of societal issues within the nanoscale science and 

engineering community. They continue to inform policy via presentations to key state, national, and 

international regulators and policymakers. They also continue to engage in various public outreach 

engagements via media interviews, speaker series, NanoDays, web-based materials, and public 

presentations. CNS-ASU also studies the ways in which nanoscale science and engineering (NSE) 

contributes to increasing or decreasing social and economic inequalities in different national contexts, and 

it explores ways to ensure that NSE can contribute to equity, equality, and responsibility as public values. 

Over the last year, it has shifted its work to analyzing the unequal conditions and consequences of 

emerging nanotechnology applications in developed and developing countries. Because of limited funds, 

the decision was made to focus these efforts on two country case studies: the United States and South 

Africa. Asking these questions in the United States is an obvious responsibility of the center.
4. Progress Towards Achieving NNI Goals, Objectives, and Priorities

64 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

USDA/NIFA: NIFA’s AFRI nanotechnology program solicits research proposals on assessment and analysis 

of the perceptions and social acceptance of nanotechnology and nanotechnology-based food or non-food 

products by the public and agriculture and food stakeholders, using appropriate social science approaches.

Coordinated Activities with other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 4.3 

DOD/Air Force and EPA: AFRL has contributed substantial comments and assessments to EPA on rule 

development for nanomaterial reporting and information-gathering in relation to health effects, 

technology research environment, and impact on manufacturing development.

Objective 4.4 – Incorporate sustainability in the responsible development of nanotechnology. 

Individual Agency Contributions to Objective 4.4 

DOD/Air Force: AFRL is providing important leadership in efforts to address this issue. AFRL scientists are 

conducting focused research to establish the possible effects of nanoparticle exposure on biological 

systems. 

DOD/Army: ARL is conducting a multiscale research program to investigate low-cost, high-performance 

reinforcement of transparent composites using bio-derived cellulose-based nanomaterials. Target 

applications include lightweight films and composites for use in ballistic protection and structural 

applications. In particular, ARL is addressing interlayer failure in laminates that may occur through 

mechanical stress or by environmental factors such as heating or moisture. These improvements to the 

interlayer, as well as reinforcement to bulk polymers, will enable elimination of a second complementary 

polymer layer and more importantly elimination of the interlayer, which is often the weakest link. Target 

polymers representing different reinforcement needs include poly(methyl methacrylate), a high-modulus 

but brittle thermoplastic in need of toughening; polycarbonate, an impact-resistant thermoplastic in need 

of improved modulus; and a range of epoxy-based thermosetting resins. ARL is also examining a new 

method of transforming plastic waste materials into value-added nano-fibrous products with specific focus 

on water filtration membranes. Significant accomplishments include fabricated nanofibers from expanded 

polystyrene packaging and polyethylene terephthalate water bottles using solvent-based electrospinning. 

EPA: EPA is developing predictive models pertaining to the product life cycle, environmental transport, 

transformation, fate, and exposure to humans or ecological populations. Current efforts are focused on 

evaluating existing models for applicability to nanomaterials and on identifying critical parameters that 

need to be specified for application to ENMs. In addition, EPA is developing approaches to evaluate effects 

of nanomaterials on human health or the environment based on tiered evaluations, fit-for-purpose 

predictive models, and structure-activity relationships among major categories of engineered materials 

such as metals, metal oxides, or multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

NIOSH: NIOSH is working with industry to implement effective controls and handling practices to 

significantly reduce worker exposure. NIOSH is also collaborating with nanomaterial manufacturers to 

evaluate the bioactivity of nanoparticles produced by these companies and to evaluate the effectiveness of 

surface modification in reducing this bioactivity.

NSF: NSF supports several programs under this objective, including the NSF-wide initiative for Science, 

Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (SEES), and the establishment and development of the 

Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (SNO) since 2012.
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 65

Coordinated Activities with other Agencies and Institutions Contributing to Objective 4.4 

DOD/Air Force, NNI agencies, universities, and industry: To examine potential toxicity, health, and 

environmental issues in the DOD community, Air Force personnel organized and led the first Air Force 

Workshop on Biological Interactions of Engineered Nanomaterials: Environmental, Safety and Health Issues 

of Military Concern (www.denix.osd.mil/cmrmd/upload/Nano-Flyer-Issue-1.pdf). This workshop brought 

together participants from industry, academia, and Government agencies, including EPA and NIOSH, to 

communicate and discuss current controls associated with the use of nanomaterials. AFRL scientists 

participate in the DOD Nanomaterials Environment Safety and Occupational Health (ESOH) Working Group. 

In coordination with the DOD Emerging Contaminants Governance Board, this working group provides 

technical, policy, and legal information relating to the safety and health issues associated with ENMs.

DOD/Army, NNI agencies, and universities: In research on the generation of bio-derived, easily 

processed, potentially low-cost and scalable transparent laminates using widely available cellulosic 

feedstock for increased sustainability, ARL has coordinated its activities with leaders in nanocellulose 

preparation and processing, especially focusing on critical challenges in developing optimized 

nanocellulose-based composites. ARL collaborates with the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, which 

supplies material and aids in further understanding the effects of nanocellulose surface chemistry and 

microstructure. ARL also partners with applied Army engineering laboratories to test and evaluate new 

materials. Coordinated activities also include NIST, Purdue University, the University of Maine, and the 

University of Wisconsin–Madison. 

EPA and CPSC: The EPA and CPSC have completed a joint case study that evaluated nanoscale silver used 

as a disinfectant spray product. They are also collaborating in a nationwide effort to conduct innovative 

research to assess the effects of copper nanomaterials used to preserve wood for building decks and 

fences.
66 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

5. EXTERNAL REVIEWS OF THE NNI

The 21st Century Nanotechnology R&D Act (Public Law 108-153) calls for periodic external reviews of the 

NNI by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies and by the National 

Nanotechnology Advisory Panel (NNAP). The NNAP released its last report in 2012, which was addressed in 

the NNI Supplement to the President’s 2014 Budget.

37 The National Research Council issued two reports in 

2013. 

The first NRC report, one of those specifically required by P.L. 108-153 and entitled Triennial Review of the 

National Nanotechnology Initiative, was published in April 2013.38 In this report, the National Research 

Council commends the NSET Subcommittee, the NNI agencies, and the NNCO “for their work and progress 

in coordinating such a diverse multiagency program” (page 14). The report also recognizes that the NNI has 

been “a leader among interagency initiatives in many ways” (page 14). For the NNI to continue to serve the 

nanotechnology community and the Nation, the National Research Council offered 20 specific 

recommendations in this report, organized under five crosscutting themes: (1) improve information 

gathering and communication at the project level; (2) develop and implement interagency plans for 

focused sub-areas of the NNI, particularly signature initiatives and working groups; (3) improve the NNI 

website, providing information specifically targeted at different stakeholders; (4) exploit advances in data 

collection and analysis technologies to track progress; and (5) identify, share, and implement best practices, 

particularly with respect to technology transfer and commercialization. The NNI agencies are assessing 

these recommendations and how they may be applied towards the implementation of the goals and 

objectives identified in the 2014 NNI Strategic Plan.

The second NRC report, Research Progress on Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Engineered 

Nanomaterials, was published in September 2013.39 It describes a set of indicators that were developed to 

track progress in four high-priority research areas (previously described in the 2012 National Research 

Council EHS Strategy40) and reviews the progress made through interagency coordination, stakeholder 

engagement, public–private partnerships, and managing potential conflict of interest. Indicators were 

classified "green" for new activities or expected sustained progress, "yellow" for moderate or mixed 

progress, or "red" for minimal activity and few anticipated changes. The report classified just one indicator 

as green in the “development of methods for detecting, characterizing, tracking, and monitoring nanomaterial 

transformations in simple, well-characterized media.” All other indicators for both research and 

implementation progress were yellow or red. However, the report notes that the interval between the

NRC’s 2012 EHS Strategy and its 2013 report on EHS progress was too short for substantial new research 

programs to be put in place and produce results. While the report suggests a change in the management 

structure of the NNI, the NNI member agencies and NNCO personnel view the current federated system as 

offering an optimal level of integration and coordination among participating agencies by connecting their 

mission-specific activities. Further, they view the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the 

Emerging Technologies Interagency Policy Coordination Committee (ETIPC) as providing useful guidance 

and expert leadership to the NNI member agencies and the NNCO. 

 

37 www.nano.gov/2014BudgetSupplement

38 National Research Council. Triennial review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative. Washington DC: The National 

Academies Press, 2013 (www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18271).

39 National Research Council. Research progress on environmental, health, and safety aspects of engineered 

nanomaterials. Washington DC: The National Academies Press, 2013(www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18475).

40 National Research Council. A research strategy for environmental, health, and safety aspects of engineered nanomaterials. 

Washington DC: The National Academies Press, 2012.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 67

APPENDIX A. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION ON 

NANOTECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS BY THE 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE41

Supplementary Information on DOD Research Activities 

Air Force: Nanomaterials and nanodevices continue to offer new application potential by improving 

response, efficiency, and maintainability in materials systems. By identifying novel materials with 

properties that have specific Air Force relevance, AFRL has targeted research programs to investigate 

potentially revolutionary advances in performance such as through 2-D electronic materials, novel active 

ceramic materials for laser sources, and high-performance nanotube fibers. Notable advances combining 

self-assembled nanosystems and optical nanocomposites through collaborative industrial-governmentacademic research teams have received significant attention at national and international conferences. 

International partnerships in nanomagnetics have led to significant progress toward nanoparticle magnetic 

inks that will enable additive magnetic patterning on structural components for electromagnetic 

applications including conformal antennas.

Army: The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center has a multidisciplinary nanotechnology 

research program with emphasis on the development of computational materials modeling, simulation, 

and design capabilities to support the production of new classes of novel, high-performance materials for 

use in military engineering applications. This program has focused on developing a better understanding 

of the formation and influence of a materials nanostructure on its nano-, micro-, and mesoscale 

performance through the development of unique diagnostic capabilities, computational tools, and 

advanced synthesis methods that will be crucial in the development of advanced, multiscale, reinforced 

cementitious composites for facility protection. 

The Army Research Laboratory is furthering the fundamental understanding and application of 

nanotechnology to enhancing weapons, protective systems, and warfighter capabilities. The challenges 

that impede the rapid transition of nanotechnology to applications and fielding are synthesis by design 

and processes suitable for application-pull. Whether the product is nanostructured materials for armor or 

nanoparticles for protective coatings, the pervasive technical challenge in processing and manufacturing 

of nanomaterials is the ability to control disbursement, distribution, stability, morphology, and 

microstructural design throughout the synthesis and consolidation phases. The goal of this program is to 

resolve the fundamental barriers to achieving the unique properties and transition paths to bring 

nanotechnology-enabled capabilities to the soldier. The major challenges are nucleation, grain growth, 

and particle agglomeration. Some research highlights include the production of bulk nanostructured 

tungsten for replacing depleted uranium in kinetic energy penetrator applications, development of 

technologies to stabilize interfaces and grain boundaries to improve the thermal stability of nanomaterials, 

and severe plastic deformation processing as a cost-effective means to produce nanostructured metals for 

armor and penetrator applications. ARL has also developed methodologies to utilize biomolecules (i.e., 

proteins, DNA, etc.) to achieve atomic-level control of nanoparticle synthesis. ARL has demonstrated these 

new bio-nanomaterials applicable in biosensing and pressure sensing for mild traumatic brain injury.

 

41 Details for Department of Defense investments are provided per the statutory requirement for DOD reporting on its 

nanotechnology investments (10 USC §2358). 
Appendix A. Supplementary Information on Changes by PCA for the DOD

68 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

The Army-sponsored Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies at MIT is conducting research to dramatically

improve the survivability of the soldier by extending the frontiers of nanotechnology through fundamental 

research and transitioning promising outcomes of that work in collaboration with the Army and industry 

partners. This includes lightweight nanocrystalline alloys with increased strength and energy dissipation 

characteristics for blast and ballistic protection and fabricated nanoparticle metal alloys that combine the 

high strength of steel with the low weight and high ductility of aluminum.

CBDP: The Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) has made investments in new and ongoing 

single- and multi-investigator projects in the areas of (a) advanced drug delivery platforms, including those 

that have improved targeting of non-host pathogens and delivery of antibiotic and nerve agent 

countermeasure payloads to improve drug efficiency; (b) advanced nanotechnology-enabled sensing and 

diagnostics platforms, including those that enlist new understanding of common biological mechanisms of 

threat action as well as novel fluidics and plasmonics approaches; (c) nanostructured materials for 

protection, hazard mitigation, and hazard elimination capabilities; (d) nanostructured materials for control 

of micro- and nanoscale separation and transport; and (e) understanding and modulation of biotic/abiotic 

interfaces. These areas are viewed as strategically relevant to development of future nanotechnologyenabled chemical and biological defense needs such as threat sensing, point-of-care diagnostics, and 

threat countermeasures.

DARPA: DARPA is funding leading U.S. universities to advance nanotechnologies for creating useful 

material systems, devices, and architectures for future microsystems. DARPA, in collaboration with 

companies from the semiconductor and defense industries, including Applied Materials, Global Foundries, 

IBM, Intel, Micron, Raytheon, Texas Instruments, and United Technologies, established the Semiconductor 

Technology Advanced Research Network (STARnet). This effort builds a large multi-university research 

community to explore beyond current evolutionary directions to make discoveries that drive technology 

innovation beyond what can be imagined for electronics today. The universities are organized into six 

multi-university centers, each focused in a specific challenge area. Researchers in these centers are 

advancing R&D in physics/theory, materials, processes, circuits, and related issues (design, off-chip 

communications, etc.) for new devices that operate using unique information tokens due to physical 

phenomena that occur at the nanoscale. Technologies satisfying future demands of military and civilian 

systems require harnessing the quantum nature and nonlinearities of nanoscale devices to transition from 

classical to quantum engineering. Advances in several scientific disciplines accelerate this transition. Under 

DARPA sponsorship, a new state of matter was discovered—topological insulators with insulating bulk and 

topologically ordered metallic surfaces—resulting in remarkable properties that are promising for 

electronics beyond the current state of the art. Other developments include new approaches to sensing 

and information transduction, techniques to control quantum states, and progress in nanoscale 

manufacturing. DARPA's MesoDynamic Architectures (Meso) program works at the intersection of these 

disciplines, exploiting mesoscale and nonlinear dynamics to create technologies with exotic functionality 

and unprecedented performance in sensing, computation, communication, and navigation, and that are 

amenable to harsh environments. Accomplishments include very high-performance microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) oscillators, the first piezoelectronic transistor, an electronic biomolecular 

sensor detecting minimum injury concentrations of neurotoxins, and the first-ever topological insulator 

thermoelectric device. 

DTRA: The Defense Threat Reduction Agency Basic and Applied Sciences program supports investigations 

of nanoscience that may lead to the development of nanotechnologies applicable to a number of mission 

needs for countering weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Areas of interest include tamper-evident 

nanostructures to help with securing and monitoring WMDs, nanoelectronics for radiation-hardening and 
Appendix A. Supplementary Information on Changes by PCA for the DOD

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 69

life extension of counter-WMD systems, conventional weapons-effect testing with novel diagnostics, 

radiation sensing systems with novel interfacial materials, and alternative methods for photon or electron 

multiplication. Programmatic interests are supported through current investment in exploratory research 

efforts in areas such as (1) engineered nanomaterials for unattended sensing of WMDs; (2) nanomaterials as 

fast-responding diagnostics to measure temperature, pressure, or mechanical strain within reacting 

energetic materials; (3) 2-D nanomaterials for development of microelectronic components with low 

radiation cross section; (4) radiation effects in nanophotonic resonators and waveguides; and 

(5) nanoparticle scintillators for radiation detection. Examples of significant research include the work at 

Washington State University demonstrating that novel europium (Eu)-doped yttrium oxide (Y2O3) and

erbium (Er)/ytterbium (Yb)-doped zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) can evaluate the thermal history of a 

detonation to within 50 °C and 10 second accuracy, and at Arizona State University where polypeptidebased nanomatrices were explored for their use in sensor materials and further shown to have potential 

spin-off medical applications for laser tissue healing. 

Navy: Significant advances are being made in the understanding and manipulation of nanomaterials in a 

wide variety of program areas, including quantum computing, nanoelectronics, power generation, and 

“Lighten the Load” technologies for warfighters and combat vehicles. Researchers at the Naval Research 

Laboratory recently achieved a breakthrough in photonic crystal structures, which are of interest for

controlling light on a microscopic scale. They can route light through photonic circuits and concentrate 

light into very small volumes, and can provide an interface between light and a single quantum emitter. 

Ultimately, such a system can be used for nanoscale lasers, low-power optical switching, and for quantum 

information applications. For quantum information, a photonic crystal cavity coupled to control of longlived quantum bits (qubits) provides the essential building block of a quantum network, which can be used 

for quantum communication or quantum computing, including secure communications and rapid 

processing of large data sets. NRL has made this crucial step by developing a quantum dot spin qubit that 

is both long-lived and optically active, and incorporating it into an optical cavity in a photonic crystal. A 

universal single-qubit logic gate has been demonstrated, as well as efficient and highly frequency-tunable 

photon emission. 

The International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) has identified the electron’s spin angular 

momentum as an alternate state variable for information processing to enable minimization beyond the 

traditional size scaling of Moore’s Law. Electrical injection and detection of spin in a semiconductor using a 

ferromagnetic metal contact requires an intervening tunnel barrier to accommodate the large mismatch in 

conductivity. This results in unacceptably high contact resistances, which prevent further technological 

development. Scientists at NRL have demonstrated that graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms in a 

honeycomb lattice, can serve as a low-resistance spin-polarized tunnel barrier contact that successfully 

enables efficient spin injection/detection in silicon. They have demonstrated electrical generation and 

detection of spin accumulation in silicon above room temperature and showed that the contact 

resistance–area products are two to three orders of magnitude lower than those achieved with 

conventional oxide tunnel barriers. This approach utilizes a defect resistant, chemically inert and stable 

material with well-controlled thickness to achieve a low-resistance spin contact compatible with both the 

ferromagnetic metal and semiconductor of choice, and it introduces a new paradigm for tunnel barrier 

technology and significantly advances technological applications of silicon-based spintronics. These 

contacts were also utilized for spin injection/detection in silicon nanowires and enabled the first 

observation of Hanle spin precession and the first direct measurement of spin lifetimes in silicon nanowires 

up to room temperature. 
Appendix A. Supplementary Information on Changes by PCA for the DOD

70 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

Changes in Balance of Investments across PCAs by Military Departments and 

DOD Agencies

Air Force: The President’s 2015 Budget request for the Air Force will continue to support research in 

nanotechnology. Classification of 2013 and 2014 investments highlight a focus on PCA 1 (Nanotechnology 

Signature Initiatives), PCA 2 (Foundational Research), PCA 3 (Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, 

Devices, and Systems), and PCA 4 (Research Infrastructure and Instrumentation). An approximate 

comparison to 2013 levels indicates that the requests for 2015 will decrease the budget for PCAs 1 and 2 by 

7% each and decrease the Air Force’s investments in PCA 3 by 7%. The changes in overall funding between 

2014 and 2015 have occurred largely due to the expiration of Congressional Interest Items and because of 

better classification of current and planned research under the revised PCAs. Requests for the 2015 

programs are mainly continuations of 2014 efforts, with limited new-start proof-of-concept efforts 

beginning in 2015 in the areas yet to be determined. The relative balance across PCAs from 2013 to 2015 is 

associated with regular program turnover and transition activities and is quite stable, except in 

nanoelectronics, due to project completions.

Army: The President’s 2015 Budget request for the Army will continue to support research in 

nanotechnology primarily in the areas of PCA 2 (Foundational Research), PCA 3 (Nanotechnology-Enabled 

Applications, Devices, and Systems), and PCA 5 (Environment, Health, and Safety). For the Army, the 2015 

estimate shows an 11% overall decrease and some shifts between PCAs, especially an increase in PCA 2 and 

commensurate decrease in PCA 3 due to better classification of current and planned research under the 

new PCAs.

CBDP: The Chemical and Biological Defense Program current nanotechnology investments are aligned 

according to the budget activity of funding. Efforts in PCA 2 (Foundational Research) are funded by Budget 

Activity 1 (basic research), which is concerned with advancing scientific knowledge relevant to the CBDP 

mission, but without specific applications or immediate commercial objectives. Efforts in PCA 3 

(Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems) are funded by Budget Activity 2 (applied 

research), which is intended for gaining the knowledge necessary to determine the means to meet a 

recognized or specific need. The current balance of investment shows a greater focus on PCA 2, which 

reflects the program’s historical and current emphasis on understanding and predicting phenomena at the 

nanoscale in order to enable improved capabilities for chemical and biological defense. The program saw 

an overall increase in 2013 and 2014 nanotechnology funding, reflecting the start of several projects in 

both PCA 2 and PCA 3. The 50% decrease in the 2015 estimate compared to 2014 reflects the exploratory 

nature of these new programs, as well as normal programmatic fluctuation, and should not be viewed as a 

cut in overall nanotechnology investment. Increased follow-on funding in 2015 is possible depending on 

the technical success of these new and ongoing programs, the availability of funds, and prioritization of 

potential new 2015 topic areas in nanotechnology according to CBDP strategy.

DARPA: The President's 2015 Budget request for DARPA will continue to support research in 

nanotechnology across three key PCAs: Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (PCA 1); Foundational 

Research (PCA 2); and Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems (PCA 3). Compared 

with 2013 levels, the estimates in 2014 increase the total budget for PCA 1 by 26%. This 26% increase 

reflects the following redistribution of funds within the PCA 1 Signature Initiatives: (1) a reduction of 

$0.1 million in PCA 1 Signature Initiative "Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond" associated with the 

planned completion of the Atomic Scale Materials and Devices program; and (2) an increase of $4.5 million

in PCA 1 Signature Initiative "Nanotechnology for Sensors and Sensors for Nanotechnology" associated 

with planned program funding increases in the Basic Photon Science and Enabling Quantum Technologies 
Appendix A. Supplementary Information on Changes by PCA for the DOD

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 71

programs. Compared with 2013 levels, the 2014 and 2015 reduction in funding requests for PCA 2 reflect 

the planned completion of the Physics in Biology program. Specifically, the funding for Physics in Biology is 

reduced by 33% to $0.2 million in 2014, and no funding is requested in the 2015 Budget. Also, the funding 

for STARnet remains balanced at $2.0 million/year across 2013 to 2015. Compared with 2013 levels, the 

2014 and 2015 reductions in funding requests for PCA 3 reflect the planned completion of the Meso

program. 

DTRA: The DTRA Basic and Applied Sciences program continues to support the NNI through targeted 

research programs geared toward the exploration of novel materials and processes relevant to the 

counter-weapons of mass destruction (C-WMD) mission space. Classification of 2013 and 2014 investments 

highlight a focus on PCA 2 (Foundational Research). The estimated 15% decrease in overall investment for 

2014 is related to shifts in programmatic priorities for the C-WMD mission. Changes are not indicative of 

planned decreases in nanotechnology investments but reflect technical successes for projects, availability 

of R&D funding, and prioritization of thrust areas in accordance with the DTRA research strategy. 

Navy: The President's 2015 Budget request for the Navy (Office of Naval Research and Naval Research 

Laboratory—ONR/NRL) will continue to support research in nanotechnology. Classification of 2013 and 

2014 investments highlight a focus on PCA 1, especially in nanoelectronics and knowledge infrastructure

NSIs, and PCA 2 (Foundational Research) with continuing investments in PCA 3 (Devices and Systems). 

Redistribution of investments across the PCAs has occurred due to the refinement of PCAs from 2013 to 

2015. The overall investment is estimated to remain stable from 2013 to 2014 with a 26% estimated 

decrease in the 2015 request. This reduction is consistent with overall Department of the Navy budget 

realignments. The 2015 Budget request will maintain focus on the Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives; 

Foundational Research; and Nanotechnology-Enabled Applications, Devices, and Systems in support of 

defense applications. 
72 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

APPENDIX B.ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AFOSR Air Force Office of Scientific Research

AFRI Agriculture and Food Research Initiative 

(USDA/NIFA)

AFRL Air Force Research Laboratory

ARL Army Research Laboratory

ARO Army Research Office (DOD)

ARS Agricultural Research Service (USDA)

BIS Bureau of Industry and Security (DOC) 

BRIDGE The Bridging Research Interactions through 

collaborative Development Grants in 

Energy (DOE FOA)

CBDP Chemical and Biological Defense Program

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

(DHHS)

CMOS complementary metal-oxide semiconductor

CN cellulose nanomaterial(s)

CNS Centers for Nanotechnology in Society at 

Arizona State University and University of 

California, Santa Barbara (CNS-ASU and 

CNS-UCSB) (NSF)

CNST Center for Nanoscale Science and 

Technology (DOC/NIST)

CNT carbon nanotube

CoR Communities of Research

CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission

DARPA Defense Advanced Research Projects 

Agency

DHHS Department of Health and Human Services

DHS Department of Homeland Security

DNI Director of National Intelligence

DOC Department of Commerce

DOD Department of Defense

DOE Department of Energy

DOEd Department of Education

DOE-SC DOE Office of Science

DOJ Department of Justice

DOL Department of Labor

DOS Department of State

DOT Department of Transportation

DOTreas Department of the Treasury

DTRA Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DOD)

EERE (Office of) Energy Efficiency and Renewable 

Energy (DOE)

EHS environment(al), health, and safety

ELSI ethical, legal, and societal implications

ENG Engineering Directorate of NSF

ENM engineered nanomaterial

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

ERC Engineering Research Centers (NSF)

ERDC Engineer Research and Development 

Center

EU European Union

FDA Food and Drug Administration (DHHS)

FHWA Federal Highway Administration (DOT)

FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement

FS Forest Service (USDA)

hBN hexagonal boron nitride

HFCT Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology 

program (DOE)

IC Intelligence Community

ISN Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies at 

MIT (DOD/Army)

ISO International Organization for 

Standardization

LED light-emitting diode

Meso Mesodynamic Architectures (program) 

(DOD/DARPA)

MPS Mathematical and Physical Sciences 

Directorate of NSF

nanoEHS nanotechnology environment, health, and 

safety (research, etc.) 

NASA National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration

NCI National Cancer Institute (DHHS/NIH)

NCL Nanotechnology Characterization 

Laboratory (DHHS/NIH/NCI)

NEHI Nanotechnology Environmental and Health 

Implications Working Group of the NSET 

Subcommittee

NGO nongovernmental organization

NHLBI National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 

(DHHS/NIH)

NIEHS National Institute of Environmental Health 

Sciences (DHHS/NIH)

NIFA National Institute of Food and Agriculture 

(USDA)

NIH National Institutes of Health (DHHS)

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health (DHHS/CDC)
Appendix B. Glossary 

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 73

NIST National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (DOC)

NITRD Networking and Information Technology 

Research and Development Program

NKI Nanotechnology Knowledge Infrastructure 

(Nanotechnology Signature Initiative)

nm nanometer(s)

NNCO National Nanotechnology Coordination 

Office

NNI National Nanotechnology Initiative

NNIN National Nanotechnology Infrastructure 

Network

NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

NRC-Canada National Research Council of Canada

NRI Nanoelectronics Research Initiative

NRO National Reconnaissance Office (IC/DNI)

NSE nanoscale science and engineering

NSEC Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers 

(NSF)

NSET Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and 

Technology Subcommittee of the NSTC

NSF National Science Foundation

NSI Nanotechnology Signature Initiative

NSRC Nanoscale Science Research Centers (DOE)

NSTC National Science and Technology Council

NTP National Toxicology Program

(DHHS/multiagency)

OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation 

and Development 

OLED organic light-emitting diode

OMB Office of Management and Budget 

(Executive Office of the President)

ONR Office of Naval Research

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (DOL)

OSTP Office of Science and Technology Policy 

(Executive Office of the President) 

PCA Program Component Area of the National 

Nanotechnology Initiative

PtD Prevention through Design

PV photovoltaic

QESST Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar 

Technologies (NSF/DOE Engineering 

Research Center)

RFA request for applications

RFI request for information

SBIR Small Business Innovation Research 

Program

SETP Solar Energy Technology Program 

(DOE/EERE)

SI International System of Units

SSL solid-state lighting

STAR Science to Achieve Results (EPA)

STARnet Semiconductor Technology Advanced 

Research Network (DARPA, NSF, NIST, 

industry)

STEM science, technology, engineering, and 

mathematics

STTR Small Business Technology Transfer 

Research Program

TAPPI Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper 

Industry 

TONIC Translation of Nanotechnology in Cancer

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USGS U.S. Geological Survey 

USITC U.S. International Trade Commission

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

WMD(s) weapon(s) of mass destruction
74 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

APPENDIX C. CONTACT LIST

OSTP

Dr. Altaf H. Carim

Assistant Director for Nanotechnology

Office of Science and Technology Policy

Executive Office of the President

Washington, DC 20502

T: 202-456-7825

acarim@ostp.eop.gov

OMB

Dr. Danielle Jones 

Office of Management and Budget

Executive Office of the President

725 17th St., N.W.

Washington, DC 20503

T: 202-395-1741

Danielle_Y_Jones@omb.eop.gov

Dr. James Kim

Office of Management and Budget

Executive Office of the President

725 17th St., N.W.

Washington, DC 20503

T: 202-395-3085

James_H_kim@omb.eop.gov

Ms. Celinda Marsh

Office of Management and Budget

Executive Office of the President

725 17th St., N.W.

Washington, DC 20503

T: 202-395-5835

Celinda_A._Marsh@omb.eop.gov

NNCO42

Dr. Lloyd J. Whitman

Interim Director

National Nanotechnology 

Coordination Office 

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8626; F: 703-292-9312

lwhitman@nnco.nano.gov

CPSC

Dr. Mary Ann Danello

Associate Executive Director

Directorate for Health Sciences

Consumer Product Safety Commission

4330 East-West Highway, Suite 600

Bethesda, MD 20814

T: 301-504-7237; F: 301-504-0079

mdanello@cpsc.gov

 

42 Additional NNCO staff contact 

information is provided on p. 78.

Dr. Treye Thomas

Leader, Chemical Hazards Program

Office of Hazard Identification & Reduction

Consumer Product Safety Commission

4330 East-West Highway, 

Suite 600

Bethesda, MD 20814

F: 301-987-2560; F: 301-504-0079

tthomas@cpsc.gov

DHS

Dr. Richard T. Lareau

Science and Technology Directorate

Department of Homeland Security

William J. Hughes Technical Center, Bldg. 315

Atlantic City International Airport

NJ 08405

T: 609-813-2760; F: 609-383-1973

Richard.Lareau@dhs.gov

Mr. Ron McNeal

Department of Homeland Security

Office of Research and Development

Science and Technology Directorate

1120 Vermont Ave., N.W.

Washington, DC 20005

T: 202-254-6772

ron.mcneal@hq.dhs.gov

DNI

Mr. Richard D. Ridgley

Chief Scientist, Advanced Systems and 

Technology Directorate

National Reconnaissance Office

14675 Lee Road

Chantilly, VA 20151

T: 703 808-3115; F: 703 808-2646

ridgleyr@nro.mil

Mr. Matthew J. Cobert

Nanotechnologies Branch Chief

National Reconnaissance Office

14675 Lee Road

Chantilly, VA 20151

T: 703 808-3115; F: 703 808-2646

cobertma@nro.mil

DOC/BIS

Ms. Kelly Gardner

Export Policy Advisor

U.S. Department of Commerce

Bureau of Industry and Security

Office of National Security and Technology 

Transfer Controls, Rm. 2600

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

Washington, DC 20230

T: 202-482-0102; F: 202-482-3345

Kelly.Gardner@bis.doc.gov

DOD

Dr. Jeffrey DePriest

New Technologies Program Manager

Counterforce Systems Division

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

8725 John J. Kingman Road, MSC 6201

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201

T: 703-767-4199; F: 703-767-5535

Jeffrey.DePriest@dtra.mil

Dr. Mostafiz Chowdhury

The Warrior Injury Assessment Manikin 

(WIAMan) Project Management Office 

(PMO) 

U.S. Army Research Laboratory

RDRL-DW

2800 Powder Mill Road 

Adelphi, Maryland 20783-1145

T: 301-394-2917

Mostafiz.R.Chowdhury.civ@mail.mil

Dr. Anthony Esposito

Science & Technology Manager

Chemical & Biological Technologies 

Department

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

8725 John J. Kingman Road, Stop 6201

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201

T: 703-767-3366; F: 703-767-1893

anthony.esposito@dtra.mil

Dr. Akbar S. Khan

Senior Microbiologist & S&T Manager

Basic & Supporting Research Div.

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201

T: 703-767-3391; F: 703-767-1893

Akbar.Khan@dtra.mil

Dr. Heather Meeks

Physical Scientist

Basic & Supporting Research Div.

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201

T: 703-767-3059; F: 703-767-1893

Heather.Meeks@dtra.mil

Dr. Brian Pate

Physical Scientist

Basic & Supporting Research Div.

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201

T: 703-767-3388; F: 703-767-1893

Brian.Pate@dtra.mil
Appendix C. Contact List

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 75

Dr. Gernot S. Pomrenke

Program Manager - Optoelectronics, THz 

and Nanotechnology

AFOSR/NE

Directorate of Physics and Electronics

Air Force Office of Scientific Research

875 North Randolph Street

Suite 325, Rm. 3112

Arlington, VA 22203-1768

T: 703-696-8426; F: 703-696-8481

gernot.pomrenke@afosr.af.mil

Dr. Lewis Sloter

Associate Director, Materials & Structures

Office of the Assistant Secretary of 

Defense for Research and Engineering

AT&L (ASDR&E)

4800 Mark Center Dr. 

Alexandria VA 22350-3600

T: 571-372-6511; F: 571-372-6500

Lewis.E.Sloter.civ@mail.mil

Dr. David M. Stepp

Chief, Materials Science Division

Army Research Office

AMSRD-ROE-M (Materials Science Division)

P.O. Box 12211

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

T: 919-549-4329; F: 919-549-4399

david.m.stepp.civ@mail.mil

DOE

Dr. Harriet Kung

Director, Office of Basic Energy Sciences

Office of Science

U.S. Department of Energy

SC-22/GTN

1000 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20585

T: 301-903-3081; F: 301-903-6594

Harriet.Kung@science.doe.gov

Dr. George Maracas

Division of Scientific User Facilities

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

U.S. Department of Energy

SC-22.3/GTN 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585

T: 301-903-0064; F: 301-903-1690

george.maracas@science.doe.gov

Dr. John C. Miller

Division of Chemical Sciences, 

Geosciences, and Biosciences

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

U.S. Department of Energy

SC-22.1/GTN

1000 Independence Ave., S.W. 

Washington, DC 20585

T: 301-903-5806; F: 301-903-4110

John.Miller@science.doe.gov

Dr. Andrew R. Schwartz

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

U.S. Department of Energy

SC-22/GTN

1000 Independence Avenue SW

Washington, DC 20585-1290

T: (301) 903-3535; F: (301) 903-9513

andrew.schwartz@science.doe.gov

Dr. Brian Valentine

Advanced Manufacturing Office

U.S. Department of Energy

Headquarters Bldg., EE-2F

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20585-0121

T: 202-586-9741; F: 202-586-9234

Brian.Valentine@ee.doe.gov

DOEd

Mr. Peirce Hammond

Senior Advisor for Special Initiatives

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Vocational and Adult Education

Room 11-106 Potomac Center Plaza

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-7100

T: 202-245-6056 

Peirce.Hammond@ed.gov

DOJ

Mr. Joseph Heaps

Policy Advisor, Communications and Radio 

Frequency Spectrum Issues 

National Institute of Justice

Office of Science and Technology

810 7th Street, NW, Rm. 7206

Washington, DC 20531

T: 202-305-1554; F: 202-305-9091

Joseph.Heaps@usdoj.gov

DOL/OSHA

Dr. Janet Carter

Senior Health Scientist

Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration

Room N3718

200 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20210

T: 513-684-6030; F: 513-684-2630

Carter.Janet@dol.gov 

DOS

Mr. Kenneth Hodgkins

Director

Office of Space & Advanced Technology

U.S. Department of State

OES/SAT, SA-23

1990 K Street, NW, Suite 410

Washington, DC 20006

T: 202-663-2398; F: 202-663-2402

HodgkinsKD@state.gov

Dr. Chris Cannizzaro

Physical Science Officer

Office of Space & Advanced Technology

U.S. Department of State

OES/SAT, SA-23

1990 K Street, NW, Suite 410

Washington, DC 20006

T: 202-663-2390; F: 202-663-2402

CannizzaroCM@state.gov 

DOT

Mr. Peter Chipman

Office of the Assistant Secretary for 

Research and Technology

Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

T: 202-366-0934

Peter.Chipman@dot.gov

Dr. Jonathan Porter

Chief Scientist

Office of Research, Development, and 

Technology

Federal Highway Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

6300 Georgetown Pike

McLean, VA 22101-2200

T: 202-493-3038; F: 202-493-3417

jonathan.porter@dot.gov

DOTreas

Dr. John F. Bobalek

Program Manager

Office of Research and Technical Support

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Rm. 201-29A

14th and C Streets, SW

Washington, DC 20228-0001

T: 202-874-2109; F: 202-927-7415

John.Bobalek@bep.treas.gov

DOC/EDA

Mr. Thomas Guevara

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional 

Affairs

U.S. Department of Commerce

1401 Constitution Avenue, NW

Suite 71014

Washington, DC 20230

T: 202-482-5891, F: 202-273-4781

tguevara@eda.doc.gov

EPA

Dr. Tina Bahadori

National Program Director

Chemical Safety for Sustainability

Office of Research and Development

Mail Code 8101R

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20460

T: 202-564-0428

Bahadori.Tina@epa.gov
Appendix C. Contact List

76 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

Dr. William Boyes

Interim Associate National Program 

Director

Chemical Safety and Sustainability

Office of Research and Development

Mail Code B105-05 

Environmental Protection Agency

109 T.W. Alexander Drive

Research Triangle Park, NC 27711

T: 919-541-7538; F: 919-541-4849

boyes.william@epa.gov

Dr. Nora F. Savage

National Center for Environmental 

Research

Office of Research and Development

Mail Code 8722F

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20460

T: 202-347-8104; F: 202-347-8142

Savage.Nora@epamail.epa.gov

Dr. Philip Sayre

Associate Director

Risk Assessment Division

Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Mail Code 7403M

Washington, DC 20460

T: 202-564-7673; F: 202-564-7450

sayre.phil@epa.gov

FDA

Dr. Jed Costanza

Microbiologist

Office of the Chief Scientist

Food and Drug Administration

10903 New Hampshire Avenue

WO Bldg 32 Room 4153

Silver Spring, MD 20993

T: 240-402-4120; F: 301-847-8614

jed.costanza@fda.hhs.gov

NASA 

Dr. Michael A. Meador

Nanotechnology Project Manager, Game 

Changing Technologies

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration

Glenn Research Center

21000 Brookpark Road

Cleveland, OH 44135

T: 216-433-9518; F: 216-977-7132

Michael.A.Meador@nasa.gov

Dr. Meyya Meyyappan

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration

Ames Research Center

MS 229-3 

Moffett Field, CA 94035

T: 650-604-2616; F: 650-604-5244

m.meyyappan@nasa.gov

NIH

Dr. Lori Henderson

Program Director

Clinical Trials Branch/Cancer Imaging 

Program

Division of Cancer Treatment and 

Diagnosis

National Cancer Institute

6130 Executive Blvd.

Rockville, MD 20892

T: 240- 276-5930; F: 240-276-7890

hendersonlori@mail.nih.gov

NIH/OD

Dr. Nancy E. Miller

Senior Science Policy Analyst

Office of Science Policy & Planning

Office of the Director

National Institutes of Health

1 Center Drive

Bldg 1, Rm. 218

Bethesda, MD 20892

T: 301-594-7742; F: 301-402-0280

Nancy.Miller1@nih.gov

NIH/FIC

Mr. George Herrfurth

Multilateral Affairs Coordinator

Division of International Relations

Fogarty International Center

National Institutes of Health

Building 31, Rm. B2C11

Bethesda, MD 20892-2220

T: 301-402-1615; F: 301-480-3414

herrfurg@mail.nih.gov

NIH/NCI

Dr. Piotr Grodzinski

Program Director, Nanotechnology in Cancer

Office of Technology & Industrial Relations

Office of the Director

National Cancer Institute

National Institutes of Health

31 Center Drive, 10A52

Bethesda, MD. 20892

T: 301-496-1550; F: 301-496-7807

grodzinp@mail.nih.gov

Dr. Scott McNeil

Director, Nanotechnology 

Characterization Laboratory

National Cancer Institute at Frederick

National Institutes of Health

P.O. Box B, Building 469

1050 Boyles Street

Frederick, MD 21702-1201

T: 301-846-6939; F: 301-846-6399

mcneils@ncifcrf.gov

NIH/NHLBI 

Dr. Denis Buxton

Basic and Early Translational Research 

Program, DCVS

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

National Institutes of Health

6701 Rockledge Drive, Rm. 8216

Bethesda, MD 20817 

T: 301-435-0513; F: 301-480-1454

BuxtonD@nhlbi.nih.gov

NIH/NIBIB

Dr. Steven Zullo

Scientific Review Officer

Office of Scientific Review

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging 

and Bioengineering

Building Democracy II-952

6707 Democracy Blvd

Bethesda, MD 20892

T: 240-271-9007; F: 301-480-1675

Steven.Zullo@nih.hhs.gov

NIH/NIEHS

Dr. John R. Bucher

Associate Director

National Toxicology Program

NIEHS

National Institutes of Health

P.O. Box 12233

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

T: 919-541-4532; F: 919-541-4225

bucher@niehs.nih.gov

Dr. Christopher P. Weis

Toxicology Liaison/Senior Advisor

Office of the Director

NIEHS

National Institutes of Health

31 Center Drive, Room B1C02

Bethesda, MD 20892-2256

T: 301-496-3511

christopher.weis@nih.gov

NIH/NIGMS

Dr. Catherine Lewis

Director, Division of Cell Biology and 

Biophysics

National Institute of General Medical Sciences

National Institutes of Health

45 Center Drive, Rm. MSC 6200

Bethesda, MD 20892-6200

T: 301-594-0828; F: 301-480-2004

catherine.lewis@nih.hhs.gov

NIOSH

Dr. Charles L. Geraci, Jr.

Coordinator, Nanotechnology Research 

Center

National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health

4676 Columbia Parkway

Cincinnati, OH 45226

T: 513-533-8339

CGeraci@cdc.gov
Appendix C. Contact List

The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 77

Dr. Vladimir V. Murashov

Special Assistant to the Director

National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health

OD/NIOSH M/S-P12

395 E Street, S.W.

Suite 9200

Washington, DC 20201

T: 202-245-0668; F: 202-245-0628

vladimir.murashov@cdc.hhs.gov

NIST 

Dr. Heather M. Evans

Senior Program Analyst

Program Coordination Office

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1060 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1060 

T: 301-975-4525; F: 301-216-0529

Heather.evans@nist.gov

Dr. Ajit Jillavenkatesa

Senior Standards Policy Adviser

Standards Coordination Office

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1060

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1060

T: 301-975-8519; F: 301-975-4715

ajit.jilla@nist.gov

Dr. Debra L. Kaiser

Technical Program Director 

Materials Measurement Science Division

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8520

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8520

T: 301-975-6759; F: 301-975-5334

debra.kaiser@nist.gov

NRC

Mr. Brian Thomas

Deputy Director

Division of Engineering

Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Washington, DC 20555-0001

T: 301-251-7448; F:301-251-7425

brian.thomas@nrc.gov

NSF

Dr. Parag R. Chitnis

Deputy Director, Directorate for Biological 

Sciences

National Science Foundation

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 605N

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8440; F: 703-292-9061

pchitnis@nsf.gov

Dr. Khershed Cooper

Program Director, Nanomanufacturing

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Engineering

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 505

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8301; F: 703-292-9013

khcooper@nsf.gov 

Dr. Barbara Karn

Program Director, Division of Chemical, 

Bioengineering, Environmental, and 

Transport Systems

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Engineering

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 565 S

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-7949, F: 703-292-9054

bkarn@nsf.gov

Dr. Fred Kronz

Program Director, Division of Science, 

Technology, and Society

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and

Economic Sciences

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 995 N

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-7283

fkronz@nsf.gov

Dr. Thomas Rieker

Program Director, Division of Materials 

Research

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Mathematical and Physical 

Sciences

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1065

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4914, F: 703-292-9035

trieker@nsf.gov

Dr. Mihail C. Roco 

Senior Advisor for Nanotechnology

National Science Foundation

Directorate for Engineering

4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 505

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8301; F: 703-292-9013

mroco@nsf.gov 

Dr. Grace J. Wang

Division Director, SBIR/STTR

Division of Industrial Innovation and 

Partnerships

National Science Foundation

4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 590

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-2214; F: 703-292-9057 

jiwang@nsf.gov

USDA/ARS 

Dr. Robert Fireovid 

National Program Leader, Biobased 

Products and Biorefining

USDA Agricultural Research Service

5601 Sunnyside Avenue

GWCC 4-2264

Beltsville, MD 20705-5140

T: 301-504-4774; F: 301-504-6231

Robert.Fireovid@ars.usda.gov

USDA/NIFA 

Dr. Hongda Chen

National Program Leader, Bioprocess

Engineering/Nanotechnology 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture 

U.S. Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Ave., SW 

Mail Stop 2220 

Washington, DC 20250-2220 

T: 202-401-6497; F: 202-401-4888

HCHEN@nifa.usda.gov

USDA/FS 

Dr. World Nieh

National Program Leader, Forest Products 

and Utilization

USDA Forest Service 

1400 Independence Ave., SW 

Mailstop Code: 1114 

Washington, DC 20250-1114

T: 703-605-4197; F: 703-605-5137

wnieh@fs.fed.us

Dr. Theodore H. Wegner

Assistant Director

Forest Products Laboratory

USDA Forest Service

One Gifford Pinchot Drive

Madison, WI 53726-2398

T: 608-231-9434; F: 608-231-9567

twegner@fs.fed.us

USGS

Dr. Sarah Gerould

Staff Scientist

Ecosystems Mission Area

U.S. Geological Survey 

Mail Stop 301 National Center

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive

Reston, VA 20192

T: 703-648-6895; F: 703-648-4238

sgerould@usgs.gov

Dr. Herbert Buxton

Coordinator, Toxic Substances Hydrology 

Program

Environmental Health Mission Area

U.S. Geological Survey 

3450 Princeton Pike

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 

T: 609-771-3944; F: 609-203-5853

hbuxton@usgs.gov
Appendix C. Contact List

78 The National Nanotechnology Initiative—Supplement to the President’s 2015 Budget 

USITC

Ms. Elizabeth R. Nesbitt

International Trade Analyst for Biotechnology and Nanotechnology 

Chemicals and Textiles Division

Office of Industries

U.S. International Trade Commission

500 E Street, S.W.

Washington, DC 20436

T: 202-205-3355; F: 202-205-3161

elizabeth.nesbitt@usitc.gov

USPTO 

Mr. David R. Gerk

Patent Attorney

Office of Policy and External Affairs

Patent and Trademark Office

P.O. Box 1450

Alexandria, VA 22313

T: 571-272-9300; F: 571-273-0085

david.gerk@uspto.gov

Mr. Bruce Kisliuk

Deputy Commissioner for Patent 

Administration

Patent and Trademark Office

P.O. Box 1450

Alexandria, VA 22313

T: 571-272-8800

Bruce.Kisliuk@uspto.gov

Ms. Gladys Corcoran

Technology Center Group Director

Patent and Trademark Office

P.O. Box 1450

Alexandria, VA 22313

T: 571-272-1300

Gladys.Corcoran@uspto.gov

Additional Staff Contacts, 

National Nanotechnology Coordination 

Office (NNCO) 

Dr. Tarek R. Fadel

Staff Scientist 

NSET and NEHI Executive Secretary

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-7926; F: 703-292-9312

tfadel@nnco.nano.gov 

Dr. Lisa E. Friedersdorf

Sr. Scientist, NSI Program Manager

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4533; F: 703-292-9312

lfriedersdorf@nnco.nano.gov

Mr. Geoffrey M. Holdridge

Policy Analyst and Contract Staff Director

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4532; F: 703-292-9312

gholdrid@nnco.nano.gov

Dr. Mike Kiley

Industry and State Liaison

NILI Executive Secretary

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-4399; F: 703-292-9312

mkiley@nnco.nano.gov

Ms. Marlowe Newman

Communications Director

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-7128; F: 703-292-9312

mnewman@nnco.nano.gov

Dr. Stacey Standridge

Policy Analyst

NNCO

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Suite 405

Arlington, VA 22230

T: 703-292-8103; F: 703-292-9312

sstrandridge@nnco.nano.gov

National Science and Technology Council, Committee on Technology

Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology

National Nanotechnology 

Coordination Office

4201 Wilson Blvd.

Stafford II, Rm. 405

Arlington, VA 22230

703-292-8626

info@nnco.nano.gov

www.nano.gov