May 22 2008
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering of the University at Albany signed an agreement today to create a new research partnership that is designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled sensors and electronic devices that will play a critical role in the U.S. Army's transition into a 21st-century fighting force.
The Center for National Nanotechnology Innovation & Commercialization, to be headquartered at CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex, will combine the capabilities and resources of ARL, through its Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate, and CNSE to develop and demonstrate nanotechnology-driven products and applications that will provide the Army with technological and manufacturing advantages to support combat operations and enhance protection of its troops.
Through NNICC, scientists from ARL and CNSE will conduct joint research targeting development of a variety of next-generation devices, structures and systems enabled by nanotechnology: "sensor-on-a-chip" systems for anti-terrorism and "soldier-in-the-field" remote sensing; lighter but stronger nanomaterial coatings that offer protection against chemical, thermal and environmental conditions; and, sensor networks and power electronic devices that provide multi-functionality while operating at low power.
John Miller, Director of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, said, "The agreement establishes a partnership between two outstanding organizations that will make significant contributions towards enabling disruptive technologies for the next generation Soldier. Given the tremendous impact of electronics across the commercial and defense sectors, this collaboration will help ensure the research, development, and applicability of critical, cutting-edge nanoelectronics technology for emerging Army applications and platforms in diverse areas including sensors; Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR); and energy. We look forward to the beginning of a strong productive relationship."
Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of CNSE, said, "The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to enter into this new partnership with the world-renowned U.S. Army Research Laboratory, which will lead to the development and deployment of cutting-edge nanoscale technologies to ensure that the United States has the best-equipped, best-protected military personnel in the world. This groundbreaking collaboration provides further evidence of the impact, importance and integration of nanotechnology-enabled applications in all areas of society, and demonstrates the recognized global leadership of the NanoCollege and New York State in high-tech education, innovation and economic outreach."
The agreement was signed during the second annual Convergence of International Research and Commercialization in Albany, or CIRCA '08, presented by the UAlbany NanoCollege and AeA, the nation's largest high-tech trade association, and attended by 150 top executives from the world's leading nanoelectronics companies and organizations.