Posted: October 13, 2009

UAlbany programs will highlight growing impact of nanotechnology

(Nanowerk News) With educational and community outreach initiatives ranging from "Nano in the Mall" and a "NanoExplorations" program that will gather Girl Scouts from across the region, to a pair of unique theatrical and musical performances linking nanotechnology to arts and culture, the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany today announced an extensive schedule of events and activities to be held during its month-long celebration of "NANOvember".
Designed to showcase the growing impact of nanotechnology on society and the global leadership of the UAlbany NanoCollege in the science that is "leading to the next Industrial Revolution," NANOvember kicks off on Friday, October 30 with the 2009 Biotech Performance Festival - presented in partnership with UAlbany's Department of Theatre - which offers a theatrical perspective on a world driven by ever-evolving technologies.
Highlights of NANOvember include CNSE's Community Day Open House on Saturday, November 7; a musical performance demonstrating the parallels between jazz and nanotechnology on Monday, November 9; a "Nano in the Mall" program showcasing nanotechnology and clean energy on Saturday, November 14 at Crossgates Mall; a daylong "NanoExplorations" program attended by the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York on Saturday, November 21; and a Community Lecture Series that highlights CNSE's pioneering education, cutting-edge research and significant economic impact.
NANOvember is presented as part of "NEXSTEP," or "Nanotechnology Explorations for Science, Training and Education Promotion," a partnership between CNSE, through its NanoEconomics Constellation, and KeyBank featuring educational initiatives that promote greater understanding of the changing economic and business environment in the Capital Region and New York State being driven by nanotechnology.
"As nanotechnology increasingly shapes the educational and economic landscapes of the Capital Region, NANOvember offers a platform through which the community can better understand the impact and opportunities driven by this emerging science," said Jeffrey Stone, president, Capital Region, KeyBank N.A. "In this way, the NEXSTEP program serves as an important vehicle to showcase the far-reaching impact of the UAlbany NanoCollege, which continues to attract high-tech jobs, companies and investment to our region and state."
Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of CNSE, said, "The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to have the steadfast support of our community-minded partners at KeyBank to present this truly unique educational and community outreach effort. This initiative provides an inside look at the exciting world of nanoscale science and engineering while also highlighting the global leadership of CNSE and New York State in nanotechnology, made possible through the vision and investment of Governor Paterson and Assembly Speaker Silver, which is providing high-paying, high-tech career opportunities to people across New York."
NANOvember events and activities will highlight the increasing role of nanotechnology innovations in addressing the most critical issues facing society - from energy and the environment to health care and security - while also showcasing CNSE's pioneering educational and research paradigm, and its $5 billion Albany NanoTech Complex, the most advanced in the academic world with more than 250 global corporate partners.
About CNSE
The UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to education, research, development, and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience, and nanoeconomics. CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex is the most advanced research enterprise of its kind at any university in the world. With over $5 billion in high-tech investments, the 800,000-square-foot complex attracts corporate partners from around the world and offers students a one-of-a-kind academic experience. The UAlbany NanoCollege houses the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 80,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 2,500 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and faculty work on site at CNSE's Albany NanoTech, from companies including IBM, AMD, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML, Novellus Systems, Vistec Lithography and Atotech.
Source: CNSE