Joint Institute for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientists have created nanoporous silica by binding part of an enzyme to the walls of a 30-nanometer pore using a covalent linker molecule. The binding stabilizes the enzyme. This type of material, if added as a light film to clothing of soldiers, for example, has the potential for sensitive detection of biological agents. Enlarged View
PNNL and the University of Washington (UW) collaborate on a variety of breakthrough projects in nanoscience and nanotechnology. A significant effort, led by the two organizations, was the Joint Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (JIN), fostering cutting-edge collaborative research in nanoscience. Created in 2001 and operating through 2005, the institute was instrumental in developing nanoscience and nanotechnology to
- Increase PNNL/UW collaboration on R&D
- Coordinate education and training opportunities
- Establish faculty and staff development programs
- Develop multi-disciplinary programs
- Offer short-courses and conferences
- Promote multi-institutional research efforts, with special emphasis on partnerships among university, government and other laboratories
- Host visiting scientists
- Secure private and public sector funding for Joint Institute activities.
Jointly funded competitive student and postdoc awards provided a significant method of UW and PNNL interaction on a wide variety of topics.
Through the JIN, and in cooperation with Washington State University, an unprecedented series of intensive courses in nanoscience and nanotechnology were offered to enhance nanotechnology education and to speed undergraduate and graduate entry into this exciting field. The courses were held at UW and at PNNL, through the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL).
The Northwest Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Network extends the multi-institution vision of the JIN to other institutions around the Northwest.
For more information contact Dr. Donald Baer, (509) 376-1609.