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Summary:
The Administration has requested $498 million for nanotechnology research, a $228 million increase over FY2000. Nanotechnology is a newly emerging field of science where scientists and engineers are beginning to manipulate matters at the molecular and atomic level in order to obtain materials and systems with significantly improved properties. Ten nanometers is equal to one-thousandths the diameter of human hair. Taking a cue from biology, researchers across all disciplines of science are beginning to create nanostructures smaller than human hair. Proponents of this technology argue that nanotechnology will lead to a new industrial revolution in the 21st century. Scientists note that nanotechnology is still in its infancy, with large scale practical applications 10 to 20 years away. Congressional concerns center around why the Administration requested such a large increase for the NNI, the extent to which NSF has adequate personnel resources to be designated the lead agency for the initiative, and what role the federal government should play in ensuring that nanotechnology fulfill its long-term potential broad-based commercial applications. While the Administration requested an 84% increase for nanotechnology, current House appropriations actions could result in a 56% increase ($427 million), while Senate appropriations actions could result in a 39% increase ($371 million).
