U.Va.’s Nanotechnology Institute Represented at Statewide Event

Businesses, research laboratories, and universities converged in Richmond on February 6 for Nanotechnology Day at the Virginia General Assembly.  Representatives from U.Va.’s Institute for Nanoscale and Quantum Scientific and Technological Advanced Research (nanoSTAR), were on hand to present the future direction for nanotechnology research at U.Va.

This was the second Nanotechnology Day at the General Assembly organized by the Nanotechnology Advisory Committee of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS).  The event’s purpose is to educate legislators about nanotechnology research, its commercial applications, and their importance to the Commonwealth. 

“Once again, we’re thrilled with the response we received from our legislators and their staff and the interest generated by the displays,” says Lisa Friedersdorf, member of JCOTS Nanotechnology Advisory Committee and managing director of U.Va.’s nanoSTAR.  “This was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the cutting edge research and development and commercial activities in nanotechnology from around Virginia.”
 
Senators, delegates, and staffers reviewed poster presentations and discussed the implications of nanotechnology with researchers and company representatives.  Vibrant images of Virginia’s current nanotechnology activities were displayed in a slideshow on the wall in the lobby of the General Assembly building, generating attention from legislators and public alike.  In addition, the advisory committee’s whitepaper documents “Nanotechnology in Virginia” and “Nanotechnology in Energy, Electronics, and Medicine” were distributed.

Newly appointed nanoSTAR director Stuart Wolf and postdoctoral researcher Jiwei Lu also attended the event and presented a poster outlining the institute’s new directions, including a multidisciplinary focus on nanoscale and quantum research, education and business development projects in three broad theme areas: nanoelectronics, medicine, and energy and the environment.

Nanotechnology Day at the Virginia General Assembly poster participants:  Micron Technology, Luna Innovations, Qimonda, BAE Systems, 4Wave, nanoTitan, NASA, Army Engineer Research and Development Center, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, College of William and Mary, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Norfolk State University, and George Mason University.