Media Advisory - March 4, 2002

PA/M 02-14

Nanotechnology Symposium to Showcase Vast Potential of "Small Wonders"

NSF to record progress, explore future directions in world of ultra-small

The National Science Foundation (NSF) will host a symposium and exhibition of nanoscale science and engineering on Tuesday, March 19 in Washington, D.C. The event will highlight academic and industry research, education initiatives, new and future products, and implications for society. NSF Director Rita Colwell will review NSF investments in this expanding field of research.  NSF plans to webcast portions of the event.  (More details to follow).

The ability to assemble materials and devices at the level of atoms and molecules—the nanoscale—is expected to profoundly change the way we live.  Speakers and exhibitors will demonstrate accomplishments in materials, medicine, electronics and other fields.

Who:	Rita Colwell - NSF Director Richard Smalley - Nobel laureate, Rice University Horst Stormer - Nobel laureate, Columbia University Other leading researchers (see agenda at URL below)
What:	Symposium and Exhibit - "Small Wonders: Exploring the Vast Potential of Nanoscience"
When:	8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. EST Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Where:	Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center Amphitheater 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, DC

For agenda and exhibitors, see: http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/nano/agenda.htm

For more information contact:
Amber Jones or Bill Noxon (703) 292-8070/aljones@nsf.gov or wnoxon@nsf.gov

Associated events (advance registration required):

American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Institute for Chemical Engineers and Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers
-    Reception and exhibition
-    Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 p.m.
-    Register to:  Patti Jo Snyder, snyderp@asme.org, 202-785-3756