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Science Forum Index » Nanotechnology Forum » SOCIAL: Nanotechnology's homeland security potential to be e
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| Joann Evans |
 Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2003 12:10 pm |
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John Bluck Dec. 10, 2003
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
Phone: 650/604-5026 or 604-9000
E-mail: jbluck@mail.arc.nasa.gov
Release: 03-103AR
NANOTECHNOLOGY'S HOMELAND SECURITY POTENTIAL TO BE EXPLORED
Nanotechnology's potential to help with homeland security is the
subject of a forum that hundreds of experts from industry, academia
and government will attend Monday, Dec. 15, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST
in Bldg. 3 at NASA Research Park at NASA Ames Research Center in
California's Silicon Valley.
Nanotechnology is the creation of materials, devices and systems
through the control of matter on the nanometer scale. A nanometer is
one-billionth of a meter, roughly 10,000 times smaller than the width
of a human hair. Scientists say nanotechnology could lead to changes
in almost everything from computers and medicine to automobiles and
spacecraft.
"NASA is using nanotechnology to reduce the weight and increase the
capability of spacecraft. One of the strongest of the nation's lines
of defense could include microscopic sensors and machines derived
from our NASA work," said G. Scott Hubbard, director of NASA Ames.
"This revolutionary, new technology could provide a vital component
of the nation's ongoing efforts to defend against terrorist threats,"
Hubbard stated.
NASA is co-hosting the Nanotechnology and Homeland Security Forum
with U.S. Reps. Anna G. Eshoo, Zoe Lofgren and Mike Honda. Honda is
co-sponsor of the Boehlert-Honda Nanotechnology Bill, H.R. 766. After
emerging from a bipartisan committee, the bill resulted in S 189 that
President Bush Dec. 3 signed into law. It authorizes $3.7 billion
for research over the next four years for the National Nanotechnology
Initiative.
"This will be a big shot in the arm for Silicon Valley and for the
country's economy," Honda said. "Nanotechnology has the potential to
create entirely new industries and radically transform the basis of
competition in other fields," Honda added. The National Science
Foundation has projected a $1 trillion global nanotechnology market
within the next decade.
The forum will include four panel discussions: Homeland Security
Technology Needs, Homeland Security Nanotechnology R&D, Venture
Capital and Government Funding, and Business Role and Market.
"I'm proud to welcome the Nanotechnology and Homeland Security Forum
to the heart of Silicon Valley," said Eshoo. "Our region has for
decades led the world in developing innovative solutions to our most
pressing technological challenges. As we address the critical
question of how to strengthen homeland security, I have no doubt that
many of the answers will be found right here," Eshoo added.
The meeting will include key participants from NASA Ames, other Bay
Area federal laboratories (including Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory, Livermore, Calif.), universities, and such companies as
Hewlett-Packard, Genencor, The Boeing Company and representatives
from the venture capital community and the federal government.
"It is essential that we bring leading thinkers and innovators
together to understand the tremendous potential of nanotechnology and
what needs to be done to further encourage its development," said
Lofgren. "I always look forward to learning more about the exciting
work that is being done at NASA Ames in the area of nanotechnology,"
Lofgren continued.
"This forum will provide participants with an excellent opportunity
to see and hear first hand much of the work and research that is
being done in the areas of homeland security and nanotechnology,
learn of funding opportunities and share ideas on the future of the
Bay Area economy," said Michael Marlaire, NASA Ames' assistant
director for development.
There also will be breakout sessions for: roundtable discussions on
the Northern California Nanotechnology and Convergence Roadmap,
presentations of early stage companies and technologies and various
funding opportunities in this field.
"Nanotechnology provides an enormous opportunity to increase the
sensitivity of sensors for detecting chemical, biological and nuclear
threats," said Meyya Meyyappan, director of the Center for
Nanotechnology at NASA Ames. "The bonus is that the product can come
in ultra-small size, requiring only low power levels," Meyyappan
added.
The forum is co-sponsored by: Technet, Bay Area Science and
Innovation Consortium (BASIC), Joint Venture Silicon Valley Network,
Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group, Bay Area Economic Forum, Northern
California Nanotechnology Initiative, NOVA (North Valley Workforce
Board) and the cities of Palo Alto, Mountain View and Sunnyvale,
Calif.
A 'Webcast' and additional information about the forum is on the
Internet at:
http://www.bayareananoforum.org
More information about NASA nanotechnology can be found on the World
Wide Web at:
http://www.ipt.arc.nasa.gov
-end-
Jacques :-)
Editor: www.spacepatches.info |
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