Berkeley Nanosciences and Nanoengineering Institute
The long-term plan for BNNI is to bring together faculty from across campus who are already active in Nanoscale Science and Engineering (NSE) research under a common umbrella, together with the new BNNI faculty that are being hired, to form interdisciplinary teams that can explore opportunities for large research initiatives and innovative educational programs. The goals of the BNNI are to:
- Create the best possible environment for faculty and students interested in nanoscale science and engineering with 21st century lab space and shared facilities for nanoscale imaging, characterization, synthesis, and fabrication;
- Serve as a catalyst for greater interdisciplinary collaboration among Berkeley faculty and students in disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering;
- Educate the next generation of leaders in nanoscale science and engineering by creating new courses and programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level;
- Deepen and expand our collaborations with industry, national labs, and government agencies;
- Contribute to an informed public discussion about the ethical, environmental, economic and societal implications of nanotechnology;
- Contribute to the improvement of our quality of life and the creation of the industries of the 21st century by commercializing cutting-edge nanotechnologies.
The Graduate Group in Nanoscale Science and Engineering (NSE) offers a Designated Emphasis available to graduate students in 11 affiliated PhD programs. The group's annual Summer High School Apprenticeship in Research Program (SHARP) provides hands-on research experience to selected high school juniors over the course of a four-week program in which NSE graduate students serve as mentors.