A Matter of Size Triennial Review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (2006) / Chapter Skim
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From page 1... ...
, this report of the National Research Council's Committee to Review the National Nanotechnology Initiative is an evaluation of the NNI that also considers the current economic impact of nanotechnology and benchmarks the international standing of U.S. nanoscale research and development (R&D)
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The NSET Sub committee currently involves more than 20 federal agencies.In FY 2005,11 agencies reported investments in nanotechnology under the NNI umbrella that totaled about $1.1 billion.1 The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) , established in 2001, provides technical guidance and administrative support to the NSET Subcommittee, facilitates multiagency planning, conducts activities and workshops, and prepares information and reports.
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The committee's analysis and the supporting information gathered during this study are summarized here and provided in more detail in the main body of the report. NNI Coordination and Its Results Established to enhance dialog and coordination across nanoscale R&D pro grams at federal agencies, the NNI has facilitated the following developments,5 among others: · Establishment by the NSET Subcommittee of four interagency working groups -- Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI)
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In summary, considerable evidence indicates that the NNI is successfully coordinating nanoscale R&D efforts and interests across the federal government; catalyzing cooperative research and technology development across a spectrum of disciplines from engineering and the physical sciences to biosciences and bio medicine; and opening a host of new opportunities for scientific discoveries at the nanoscale with, for example, a suite of nanoscale national facilities, laboratories, and research support programs (see Box 1-3 in Chapter 1 for some examples of NNI-related centers)
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Benchmarking of U.S. International Standing and Economic Impact of Nanotechnology R&D As discussed in more detail in Chapter 2, benchmarking information gathered by the committee indicates that the United States is serving a leadership role within the nanotechnology R&D communities but that the U.S.
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A multi disciplinary collaborative approach has enabled the NNI to advance basic research for the creation of foundational knowledge, support targeted applied research for high-impact applications, and establish new infrastructure for continued growth of interdisciplinary programs. Federal investments under the NNI are develop ing the investigative R&D tools -- facilities and instruments that enable discovery and development -- particularly unique, expensive, or large-scale tools beyond the means of a single organization.
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Basic research and applied research are equally important, each with a different characteristic timescale within which benefits can be realized and goals reached. Two essential inputs to establishing balance in the NNI are the continued operation of the inter agency coordination mechanisms and access to effective advice from members of the R&D community who have specific expertise to address technical areas and cross-disciplinary issues in nanoscale science and technology.
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So that a source of independent expert advice on nanoscience and nanotechnology is readily available to the NSET Subcommittee, the NNCO, and PCAST, the committee recommends that the federal government establish an independent advisory panel with specific operational expertise in nanoscale science and engineering; management of research centers, facilities, and partnerships; and interdisciplinary collaboration to facilitate cutting-edge research on and effective and responsible development of nanotechnology. Satisfying the Need for More Data as a Basis for Prioritizing Investment and Measuring Impact As is emphasized in Chapter 3, the committee found that U.S.
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Developing new indicators of and methodologies for assessing economic impact will have to be studied if future assessments are to be more quantitative rather than qualitative. The NSET Subcommittee co-chairs should make a priority of determining how to establish a foundation of data to aid policy and decision makers in future analyses.
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Given that interest in nanotechnology presents a significant oppor tunity to stimulate renewed involvement in science and technology education and thereby strengthen the nation's workforce, the committee recommends that the NSET Subcommittee create a working group on education and the workforce that engages the Department of Education and the Department of Labor as active participants.
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Although there is some evidence that engineered nanomaterials can have adverse effects on the health of laboratory animals, a lack of well-defined controls in experiments attempting to characterize nanomaterials and their effects and a lack of in vitro and in vivo studies contribute to the ambiguity of available data on EHS impacts of nanotechnology development. Obtaining valid EHS data will require an expanded research effort to support the important continuing dialog on these issues.
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The engagement and participation of the public are also necessary components of a national effort to ensure responsible development of nanotechnology. Is Molecular Self-Assembly Feasible for Manufacturing?
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From page 13... ...
10. Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology Subcommittee, Committee on Technology, National Science and Technology Council.
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