Nanoscience & Technology
Main Issues
Research
Thrusts
.... .Nanostructures
.... .Biomimetics
..... Bio-Nano
To achieve these objectives there are three main issues that will need to be addressed:
- Facilities for the research must be available.
- Physical space to house faculty and students from departments all over campus.
- Support and sustain these activities in the long run.
Presently, there is insufficient experimental space on campus to be competitive for major research initiatives in nanoscience and sufficient, quality space for experimental programs For over a decade, cleanroom space for processing materials and manufacturing prototypes at the nanoscale has been made out of retrofitting building that were never designed for the task. This is inefficient and potentially dangerous. Most other major research I universities addressed these concerns with new space more than a decade ago. UF lacks adequate experimental facilities, and can not become a major participant in nanoscience without addressing the space shortage.
UF needs space to house nanoscientists and technologists. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this institute and associated research, faculty and technicians are currently spread all over campus in may different departments. Bringing these people into a common facility will foster unforeseen interactions that will lead to new and exciting proposals. We will encourage these interactions both with physical proximity and programs designed to increase interaction across discipline boundaries, thereby energizing the full potential of the diverse set of scholars on campus.
Finally, a fee structure will be formulated that will support the experimental facilities. An operating budget will be developed that supports technicians, common equipment maintenance and support, and lab supplies. Many of these items will be supported as direct bill items on contracts and industrial partner fees. The fee structure will be determined up front upon approval of the institute.