Since its inception, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) has emphasized the importance of responsible development, and social scientists have played important roles in the interdisciplinary research that supports fundamental and applied research in nanotechnology. Following this tradition, the NNI and the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) convened a workshop to bring together federal experts in nanotechnology with social scientists with expertise on specific tools and frameworks relevant to the responsible development of emerging technologies. The agenda included a presentation about the recently released “Blueprint for the Use of Social and Behavioral Science to Advance Evidence-Based Policymaking,” introductions to key nanotechnology case studies by federal experts, and flash talks by social scientists. The meeting promoted brainstorming new intersections between social science and nanotechnology R&D with the goals of i) integrating social science into future visions of interdisciplinary research, development, and training, and ii) reinvigorating networks that connect the NNI to the social science community.

Recording from the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Public Webinar

This webinar will discuss recent advances and current challenges in metrology related to the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanoparticles in electronics.

Scientists and engineers across many fields and disciplines are united by their work at the nanoscale. Their diverse efforts have helped produce everything from faster microchips to powerful mRNA vaccines. The transformative impact of this work has been spurred by the coordination and focus on U.S. nanotechnology established by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act in 2003. Celebrating the NNI’s broad impact and envisioning the future, this symposium brought together voices from across the emerging technology landscape. Experts spoke on the importance of nanotechnology in quantum engineering, optics, environmental health and safety (EHS), plastics, DEIA, microelectronics, medicine, education, manufacturing, and more. Attendees included hundreds of researchers, policymakers, members of industry, educators, students, and the public – both online and in person, and conversations centered on the strategic vision for the next twenty years of the NNI.

This webinar will address measurement challenges in medicine and pharmaceuticals regarding the manufacture, characterization, and targeting of nano-enabled drug products.