About Nano@NC STATE
NANO@NC STATE is a gateway to the dynamic world of nanotechnology at the university. It is a point of entry for researchers, students, K-12 educators, industry leaders, and other community members who want to learn more about NC State University's nanotechnology efforts.
NC State is an emerging leader in the field of nanotechnology. Dozens of faculty members in departments across campus actively engage in cutting-edge nanotechnology research. Inter-disciplinary efforts among faculty in the fields of chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, textiles, and veterinary medicine are producing new and exciting discoveries at the nanometer level.
The university has many research centers and labs dedicated to nanotechnology, including the Analytical Instrumentation Facility, Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center, and Center for High Performance Simulation.
NC State's recent accomplishments in nanotechnology rival those of the top universities in the country:
- In 2007, Small Times ranked NC State in the top 10 U.S. academic institutions in two nanotechnology categories: Commercialization (#3) and Education (#7).
- In 2006, NC State researchers received 8 microtechnology and 26 nanotechnology patents, as well as 81 intellectual property licenses.
- In the past few years, more than a dozen nanotechnology companies have formed with technology originating from NC State researchers.
Many of NC State's nanotechnology research initiatives are based at the university's Centennial Campus, one of the premier research and technology parks in the nation. The 1,334-acre site, next to NC State's north campus, houses an interactive community of more than 100 companies, government agencies, and NC State units.
A New Vision: NC State Nanotechnology Institute
To coordinate the university's expanding nanotechnology efforts, NC State is developing a Nanotechnology Institute with goals to (1) foster inter-disciplinary research and infrastructure, (2) expand nanotechnology academic programs and educational outreach, and (3) support nanotechnology-focused collaborations with industry.
The mission of the Institute will be to address a fundamental understanding of nanomaterials and nanoscale processing to solve problems and produce products of value to the people of North Carolina.
To learn more about NC State's efforts to promote nanotechnology research, education, and outreach, listen to RTRP Radio Show's recent interview with Dr. Greg Parsons, the Director of NC State's Nanotechnology Initiative.