Nanoscale Science & Engineering Center for Integrated Nanopatterning and Detection Technologies

该奖项在西北大学建立了一个纳米科学与工程中心（NSEC），用于集成纳米图案化和检测技术。 该中心将开发与软材料兼容的最先进的纳米图案化能力，并可用于开发功能强大的新检测系统。 一些新兴的图案化工具和合成方法将被开发来制造纳米结构材料和器件。 该中心的研究战略集中在（1）依赖于化学和生物化学识别事件的表面模板驱动组装的科学和技术，以及（B）软物质纳米结构中信号转导的实验和理论研究。 该研究计划分为三个主题：（1）化学和生物识别;（2）纳米结构组装;（3）通过表面定向组装形成的纳米结构中的运输和转导。 随着研究的进展，重点将放在生物（核酸和蛋白质）和化学（小分子）传感器的开发上。 研究推广将包括芝加哥大学、伊利诺伊大学厄巴纳-香槟分校、哈罗德华盛顿大学和阿贡国家实验室。 该中心将与国际公司、大学和实验室在纳米研究领域建立正式的项目。 该中心将率先建立纳米科学和工程领域的第一个全球中心和研究所网络。 在本科教育领域，该中心将建立本科生研究经验（REU）和纳米技术少数民族实习（MIN）计划。 将通过该地区的少数民族机构促进MIN方案。 初中和高中教师将通过教师研究经验（RET）计划提供研究经验。 将开发和分发一个基于网络的高度灵活的“功能纳米结构”模块。 将为本科生和研究生开设纳米技术新课程。 工业界通过提供公司人员作为学生导师和提供软件开发源代码来参与中心的活动。 该中心有一个项目，为创业公司的成立提供建议。

This award establishes a Nanoscience and Engineering Center (NSEC) for Integrated Nanopatterning and Detection Technologiesat the Northwestern University. The Center will develop state-of-the-art nanopattering capabilities that are compatible with soft materials and can be used for the development of powerful new detection systems. Several emerging patterning tools and synthetic methods will be developed to fabricate nanostructured materials and devices. The Center's research strategy focuses on (1) the science and technology of surface template-driven assemblies that rely on chemical and biochemical recognition events, and (b) the experimental and theoretical study of signal transduction in soft matter nanostructures. The research program is organized under three themes: (1) Chemical and Biological recognition; (2) Nanostructured Assembly; (3) Transport and Transduction in Nanostructures Formed via Surface-Directed Assembly. As the research progresses, focus will be placed upon the development of biological (nuicleic acids and proteins) and chemical (small molecule) sensors. The research outreach will include University of Chicago, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Harold Washington University, and Argonne National Laboratory. The Center will establish formal programs with international comp[anies, universities, and laboratories in the area of nanoscale research. The Center will take a lead to establish the first global network of centers and institutes in the area of nanoscience and engineering. In the area of undergraduate education, the Center will establish Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and the Minority Internships in Nanotechnology (MIN) programs. The MIN program will be promoted through the minority institutions in the area. Middle and high school teachers will be provided research experience through Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program. A web-based highly flexible "Functional Nanostructure" module will be developed and distributed. New courses in nanotechnology will be developed for undergraduate and graduate levels. Industry participates in the Center activities by providing company personnel as student mentors, and by supplying source codes for software development. The Center has a program to advice on formation of startup companies.