Congress clears the way for national nanotechology research program

Congress clears the way for national nanotechology research program

Congress gave final approval to a bill establishing a national program to support long-term nanoscale research and development and sent it Nov. 20 to the President for signature. The Nanotechnology Research and Development Act authorizes almost $4 billion for nanotech research and development activities at various federal agencies and outlines an overall National Nanotechnology Research Program to increase U.S. competitivess in nanoscale technology and promote effective education and training. Also contained in the bill is provision for a National Nanotechnology Coordinating Office and a American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center.