8.1 Nanotechnology Research Funding

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology are initiating a new era of integrated, fundamental research at the nanoscale level. It is expected to lead to a more coherent science and engineering education, provide economic nanoscale manufacturing of products, and be an enabling foundation for improving human capabilities and societal outcomes in the long term. The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is a visionary program that coordinates 17 departments and independent agencies1 ^-8 and had a total budget of U.S. $961 million in fiscal year 2004. The 2006 NNI budget request for nanotechnology research and development across the Federal Government is $1.05 billion. Estimated spending for NNI in 2005 is nearly $1.1 billion, an increase of 9 percent over 2004 expenditures. The increase in spending for nanotechnology over the past five years (from an estimated $464 million in 2001) reflects the U.S. government s continuing support and commitment to the NNI program, based on its potential to expand knowledge, strengthen the U.S. economy, support national and homeland security, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.4 At least 35 countries have initiated national activities in this field, partially stimulated by the visions and plans of NNI.