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National Nanotechnology Initiative

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The President’s 2025 Budget requests an all-time record of $2.2 billion for the NNI, with a sustained investment in foundational research that will fuel new discoveries and increasing investments in application-driven R&D to advance technologies of the future and address national priorities. Cumulative NNI funding since its inception in 2001 totals over $45 billion (including the 2025 request). The President’s 2025 Budget supports nanoscale science, engineering, and technology R&D at 12 agencies.

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is a research and development initiative which provides a framework to coordinate nanoscale research and resources among United States federal government agencies and departments.

History

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In the late 1990's, nanotechnology was emerging as a particularly high potential field and President Bill Clinton advocated for federal nanotechnology development.[1] In addition to Clinton himself, many credit Presidential Science Advisor Neal Lane and Mihail C. Roco of the NSF with championing an initiative in a 1999 presentation to the White House.[2][3][4][5][6][7]

In a 21 January 2000 speech [1] at the California Institute of Technology, Clinton stated that "Some of our research goals may take twenty or more years to achieve, but that is precisely why there is an important role for the federal government." The NNI was officially launched in 2000 and received funding for the first time in FY2001.[8]

President George W. Bush further increased funding for nanotechnology. On 3 December 2003 Bush signed into law the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (Pub. L. 108–153 (text) (PDF)), which authorizes expenditures for five of the participating agencies totaling $3.63 billion over four years.[2]. This law is an authorization, not an appropriation, and subsequent appropriations for these five agencies have not met the goals set out in the 2003 Act. However, there are many agencies involved in the Initiative that are not covered by the Act, and cumulative NNI funding since its inception in 2001 totals over $45 billion through the 2025 request.[9]

The National Nanotechnology Initiative has released Strategic Plans in 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2021 that outline goals and "program component areas," as required under the terms of the Act.[10]

The NNI annually prepares a Supplement to the President's Budget that summarize federal programmatic activities and address plans for the upcoming fiscal year. The Federal agencies with the largest investments are the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.[11]

The NNI received increased support for emerging technologies during the Trump administration and a special focus on clean energy and mitigating climate change during the Biden administration. Nanotechnology has become pervasive in material, energy and biosystem related discoveries and applications.[7][12]

Goals

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The five goals of NNI are:[13]

  1. Ensure that the United States remains a world leader in nanotechnology research and development.
  2. Promote commercialization of nanotechnology R&D.
  3. Provide the infrastructure to sustainably support nanotechnology research, development, and deployment.
  4. Engage the public and expand the nanotechnology workforce.
  5. Ensure the responsible development of nanotechnology.

Initiatives

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Throughout the history of the National Nanotechnology Initiative, there have been a variety of programs and challenges aimed at aligning the field with the highest priorities of the nation.

National Nanotechnology Challenges

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With the development of the most recent NNI Strategic Plan in 2021, the NNI created National Nanotechnology Challenges (NNC).[14] The first NNC, Nano4EARTH, was announced by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) on National Nanotechnology Day in 2022.[15] Nano4EARTH was designed to mobilize the nanotechnology community to work across disciplines and stakeholder groups to accelerate the development, scale-up, and adoption of technologies to address challenges faced by the earth and its environment. The breadth and versatility of nanotechnology enable a unique opportunity to protect the earth and its environment, while increasing domestic energy efficiency.[16] A two-day workshop identified four strategic areas of near-term opportunity: batteries and energy storage; catalysis; coatings, lubricants, membranes, and other interface technology; and capture of greenhouse gases.[17] These topics have created a framework that has stimulated international discussion focused on the role nanotechnology and other emerging technologies can play in addressing climate and sustainability issues.[18][19]

Examples of Previous Signature Initiatives and Grand Challenge Topics

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  • Water Sustainability through Nanotechnology – Nanoscale Solutions for a Global-Scale Challenge
  • Nanotechnology for Sensors and Sensors for Nanotechnology – Improving and Protecting Health, Safety, and the Environment
  • Sustainable Nanomanufacturing - Creating the Industries of the Future
  • Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond
  • Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion - Contributing to Energy Solutions for the Future
  • Nanotechnology Knowledge Infrastructure - Enabling National Leadership in Sustainable Design
  • Future Computing: Create a new type of computer that can proactively interpret and learn from data, solve unfamiliar problems using what it has learned, and operate with the energy efficiency of the human brain

Participating Federal Agencies and Departments

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Departments and agencies with nanotechnology R&D budgets:

  • Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
  • Department of Commerce (DOC)
    • Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
    • Economic Development Administration (EDA)
    • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
    • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
  • Department of Defense (DOD)
  • Department of Energy (DOE)
  • Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
    • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
    • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
    • National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • 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 Services (ARS)
    • Forest Service (FS)
    • National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Other participating departments and agencies:

  • Department of Education (DOEd)
  • Department of the Interior
    • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
  • Department of Justice (DOJ)
    • National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
  • Department of Labor (DOL)
    • Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Department of State (DOS)
  • Department of the Treasury (DOTreas)
  • Intelligence Community (IC)
  • Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
  • U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)

Governance

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Established by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (Pub. L. 108–153 (text) (PDF)), the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) conducts public engagement on behalf of the NNI and provides technical and administrative support to the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and the interagency nanotechnology community. NNCO activities include efforts to convene the nanotechnology community, share information on available resources and opportunities, engage with the public, excite students about nanotechnology, and share highlights and information about nanotechnology and the NNI. The NNCO Director also serves in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).[20]

Directors of the NNCO:

  • Jim Murday, 2001-2003[21]
  • Clayton Teague, 2003-2011[22]
  • Robert Pohanka, 2012-2014[23]
  • Mark Meador, 2014-2016[24]
  • Lisa Friederdorf, 2016-2022[25]
  • Branden Brough, 2022-2025[26]
  • Quinn Spadola, 2025-current[20]

Results and Effects

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Only a very small number of studies attempted to evaluate the effects of the NNI objectively. A study of Corporate and University Nanotechnology patenting published in 2023, looked at patent grants since the launch of the NNI in 2000 through 2009 and maintenance events on those patents through 2021. US-invented nanopatents with US assignees, were somewhat more apt to renew at least once (14.5% vs. 11.7%) compared to the US -assignees on average, but somewhat less inclined to pay for full maintenance of 20 years from filing (40.5% vs. 52.5%). The lower propensity to renew could be attributed to a quickly changing technology-landscape.[27]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Nanotechnology Research Directions: IWGN Workshop Report. Vision for Nanotechnology R&D in the Next Decade" (PDF). September 1999.
  2. ^ Dr. Mihail C. Roco: Senior Advisor for Nanotechnology, National Science Foundation Archived 11 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine at NSF Directorate of Engineering website
  3. ^ M.C. Roco, R.S. Williams, and P. Alivisatos. Nanotechnology Research Directions: Vision for Nanotechnology R&D in the Next Decade. National Science and Technology Council, White House 1999, reprinted Springer 2000, http://www.nano.gov/sites/default/files/pub_resource/research_directions_1999.pdf
  4. ^ Roco, Mihail C. (2011-02-01). "The long view of nanotechnology development: the National Nanotechnology Initiative at 10 years". Journal of Nanoparticle Research. 13 (2): 427–445. doi:10.1007/s11051-010-0192-z. ISSN 1572-896X.
  5. ^ M.C. Roco, C.A. Mirkin, and M.C. Hersam. Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020: Retrospective and Outlook, Springer 2011, https://www.nano.gov/node/948
  6. ^ M.C. Roco, W.S. Bainbridge, B. Tonn, and G. Whitesides. Convergence of Knowledge, Technology, and Society: Beyond Convergence of NANO-BIO-INFO-COGNITIVE Technologies, Springer, 2013, http://www.wtec.org/NBIC2-Report/
  7. ^ a b Roco, Mihail C. (2023-09-18). "National Nanotechnology Initiative at 20 years: enabling new horizons". Journal of Nanoparticle Research. 25 (10): 197. doi:10.1007/s11051-023-05829-9. ISSN 1572-896X.
  8. ^ "Nanotechnology Timeline | nano.gov". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-05.
  9. ^ "NNI Supplement to the President's 2025 Budget | National Nanotechnology Initiative". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  10. ^ "National Nanotechnology Initiative's Strategic Plans | National Nanotechnology Initiative". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  11. ^ "NNI Budget Supplements | National Nanotechnology Initiative". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  12. ^ "NNI Retrospective Video: Creating a National Initiative (Trailer 3 min.)". www.tvworldwide.net. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  13. ^ "NNI Vision, Goals, and PCAs | nano.gov". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-05.
  14. ^ "2021 National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan | National Nanotechnology Initiative". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  15. ^ "White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Marks National Nanotechnology Day 2022 | OSTP". The White House. 2022-10-07. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  16. ^ "National Nanotechnology Challenges | National Nanotechnology Initiative". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  17. ^ "Readout of Nano4EARTH Kick-off Workshop | OSTP". The White House. 2023-01-26. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  18. ^ "The climate crisis is a call for action for nanotechnology". Nature Nanotechnology. 19 (10): 1421–1421. October 2024. doi:10.1038/s41565-024-01818-8. ISSN 1748-3395.
  19. ^ Campa, Maria Fernanda; Brown, Craig M.; Byrley, Peter; Delborne, Jason; Glavin, Nicholas; Green, Craig; Griep, Mark; Kaarsberg, Tina; Linkov, Igor; Miller, Jeffrey B.; Porterfield, Joshua E.; Schwenzer, Birgit; Spadola, Quinn; Brough, Branden; Warren, James A. (October 2024). "Nanotechnology solutions for the climate crisis". Nature Nanotechnology. 19 (10): 1422–1426. doi:10.1038/s41565-024-01772-5. ISSN 1748-3395.
  20. ^ a b "National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) | National Nanotechnology Initiative". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  21. ^ ""NNI Retrospective Video: Creating a national initiative" (25 minutes - March 2022)". www.tvworldwide.net. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  22. ^ "Big Thanks to Leader of Small Science". whitehouse.gov. 2011-04-14. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  23. ^ "National Nanotechnology Coordination Office welcomes new director". www.nanowerk.com. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  24. ^ "Director Named for National Nanotechnology Coordination Office | National Nanotechnology Initiative". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  25. ^ "National Nanotechnology Coordination Office Announces Reappointment of Its Director, Appointment of New Deputy Director | National Nanotechnology Initiative". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  26. ^ "White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Marks National Nanotechnology Day 2022 | OSTP". The White House. 2022-10-07. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
  27. ^ Twenty years of US nanopatenting: Maintenance renewal scoring as an indicator of patent value. 2023. World Pat Inf. 73/13. A.L. Porter, M. Markley, R. Snead, N.C. Newman. doi: 10.1016/j.wpi.2023.102178
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