Science Article - Multidisciplinary Research: NIH Plans Bioengineering Initiative

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
Bioengineering Consortium

The following definition of the National Nanotechnology Initiative was included in the agency cross-cuts portion of the Office of Management and Budget Report for FY2001. Although it doesn't specifically address applications of interest to NIH (biomedical research), the definition is intended to encompass nanotechnology activities at all Federal agencies.

National Nanotechnology Initiative

Research and technology development at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular levels, in the length scale of approximately 1-100 nanometers range, to provide a fundamental understanding of phenomena and materials properties at the nanoscale and to model, create, characterize, manipulate, and use structures, devices, and systems that have novel properties and functions because of their small to intermediate size. The novel and differentiating properties and functions are developed at a critical length of scale of matter typically under 100 nanometers. Nanotechnology research and development includes integration of nanoscale structures into larger material components, systems, and architectures. Within these larger scale assemblies, the control and construction of their structures and component devices remains at the nanometer scale.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892

Department of Health
and Human Services

[NIBIB Home | Becon Home]

^Page Top

Web Posting:
11/16/2001
Webmaster