Subcommittee Discusses Nanotechnology Investments and Opportunities
(Washington, DC) – Today, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Research and Technology held a hearing to examine the current state of U.S. nanotechnology and the potential for further growth in this important field.
Ranking Member Dan Lipinski (D-IL) of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology said in his opening statement, “Federal investments in nanotechnology research have already led to job creation in my state and across the nation, and I believe the potential for return on our relative modest federal investment is many times what we’ve already witnessed.”
He continued, “In nanotechnology there is now a branch of engineering that simply did not exist 26 years ago when I was getting my degree in mechanical engineering. By controlling individual atoms we can create new materials, products, companies, and jobs. And it’s not just materials science or semiconductors. Nanotechnology is helping us understand biology at the cellular level. We are now seeing applications that were not even imagined 13 years ago when the National Nanotechnology Initiative was first created. The range of potential applications is broad and will have enormous consequences for electronics, energy transformation and storage, materials, and medicine and health, to name just a few examples.”
Dr. Mark Hersam, a Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at Northwestern University and the Democratic witness said in his testimony, “Nanoscience remains an extremely fertile ground for discovery and therefore a diversified federal funding portfolio that includes sustained support for fundamental research is critical to realize the full potential of nanotechnology.”
Members and witnesses discussed international competition, nanomanufacturing, workforce development, and how to improve technology transfer. Democratic members also emphasized the need to include environmental, health, and safety research as part of any nanotechnology research and development program.
Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said in her opening statement, “The investment in the National Nanotechnology Initiative is one of the reasons that the United States is the global leader in nanotechnology research and development. Unfortunately, like too many other research areas, our leadership position is now being challenged.”
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) has not been reauthorized since 2003. The Democratic version of the America Competes Reauthorization Act of 2014 introduced by Ranking Member Johnson includes a reauthorization of NNI. The bill would make changes and updates to program management and coordination, as well as updating the outside reviews and strengthening the technology transfer components of the program.
Ranking Member Johnson continued later in her opening statement, “If we are going to remain competitive, then the U.S. needs to make strong and sustained investments in nanotechnology; enact federal policies that help technology and manufacturing development; and play a central role in international standards development.”
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