Oct 26 2010
From innovations that enable improved health care and clean energy technologies, to the advent of exciting video games and new crime-solving techniques, the growing impact of nanotechnology on society will take center stage when the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany holds its third annual celebration of "NANOvember," a unique community and educational outreach initiative that showcases the global leadership of the UAlbany NanoCollege and New York State in nanoscale education, research and development, and economic outreach and growth.
The month-long series of events and activities gives both children and adults an inside look at nanotechnology, which is described by the National Nanotechnology Initiative as "leading to the next Industrial Revolution," and at CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex, a $6.5 billion megaplex that is the most advanced research enterprise in the academic world.
CNSE's popular Community Day Open House, set for Saturday, November 6, and Community Lecture Series, held on four consecutive Mondays beginning November 1, are joined by several new events this year: "Nano at the Y" on Saturday, November 13, in which CNSE faculty will visit seven Capital District YMCA branches to demonstrate innovative nanotechnology research; "NanoCSI" on Wednesday, November 18, an interactive presentation that highlights the use of nanotechnology in crime scene investigations; and "Nanotechnology and the Video Game Revolution" on Saturday, November 20, which outlines the impact of nanotechnology on the evolution of video games and features interactive computer gaming terminals.
NANOvember is presented through a partnership between CNSE and KeyBank called "NEXSTEP," or "Nanotechnology Explorations for Science, Training and Education Promotion," which features educational initiatives that promote greater understanding of the changing economic and business environment being driven by nanotechnology.
"The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to invite the community to participate in its unique celebration of NANOvember," said Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of CNSE. "This pioneering community and educational outreach initiative supports the growing interest in nanotechnology, and provides a firsthand look at the multitude of opportunities this emerging science offers for world-class education, groundbreaking research and exciting high-tech careers."
"NANOvember is an exciting extension of the NEXSTEP initiative and its effort to help people understand the importance of nanotechnology and how and why nanotechnology is changing the Capital Region," said Jeffrey Stone, president, Capital Region, KeyBank N.A. "In the current economic landscape, this is a bright spot, as nanotech throughout Tech Valley is playing a large role in attracting high-tech jobs, companies and investment to our region and state."