D. Farrell
National Cancer Institute,
United States
Keywords: nanotechnology signature initiative
Summary:
The Nanotechnology for Sensors and Sensors for Nanotechnology: Improving and Protecting Health, Safety, and the Environment (www.nano.gov/NSISensors) Signature Initiative was launched in 2012 to facilitate joint efforts across ten participating federal agencies to accelerate development of technologies to detect, identify, and quantify biological and chemical substances and nanomaterials. Supported by the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, the Initiative enables agencies to share information, identify opportunities for collaboration, promote cross-adoption of new sensor technologies, and discuss strategies and standards for effective regulation and sensible deployment of nanosensors. The Signature Initiative team also seeks to promote engagement between agencies and members of the nanosensor development community, to increase agency understanding of community needs and raise community awareness of federal resources available across the nanosensor development lifecycle. This presentation will provide an outline of the Initiative’s goals and summarize findings and outcomes from Initiative meetings and community engagement to date. The presentation will also provide examples of existing Federal resources, including descriptions of relevant programs and funding opportunity announcements, agency contacts, advice on accessing available user facilities for device prototyping, fabrication, and testing, and information about working with federally supported research facilities. Particular attention will be given to resources and activities related to nanosensor manufacturing, including efforts to define challenges and opportunities in this area.