Progress in Nanotechnology

The Conference is a combination of keynotes, panels, posters, program information sessions, discussions of research trends, and principal investigator meetings with NSF program directors.

  • Day 1: Progress in foundational nanotechnology and infrastructure
    AI for nanosystems, Nanoscale neural systems, Quantum phenomena in nanoscale biosystems, Cell nanocomponents and synthetic cells, Nano-research centers: NNCI & nanoHUB
  • Day 2: Grand opportunities and convergence
    Atomically precise manufacturing, Metamaterials, Nano-biosensors, Nanotechnology for Sustainability, Nanoscale geosciences, Convergence with emerging technologies, Education and outreach, Societal and environmental aspects.

updated December 13, 2019 9:30am

Day 1: Monday, December 9, 2019

Progress in foundational nanotechnology and infrastructure

Edison Room
7:30Coffee and Continental Breakfast
8:30Conference welcome and purpose of the meeting
Dan Herr, abstract/bio, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Academic conference chair
8:40Welcome at NSF
Dawn Tilbury, bio, NSF AD/ENG
8:50Nanoscale Science and Engineering at NSF
Mike Roco, abstract/bio, NSF
9:10Keynotes 1. Artificial Intelligence and nanoscale simulations and design
Moderators: Keynotes:
  1. Subhasish Mitra, abstract/bio, Stanford University
    “Creating Novel NanoSystems to Enable Artificial Intelligence”
  2. Marin Soljačić, abstract/bio, MIT
    “Photonics: a great testing-ground to develop new AI algorithms for science”
10:00Refreshment Break and Poster Visitation
Note: All posters will be available in Edison Salon ABC in Alexandria Westin Hotel, Dec. 9 and 10
10:20Keynote 2. Nanoscale processes and neural systems
Moderators:
  • Elias Towe, bio, Carnegie Mellon University
  • James O. Deshler, NSF/BIO
  • Alex Simonian, NSF/CBET
Jeff Lichtman, abstract/bio, Harvard University
“Nanoscale processes and neural systems”
10:45Panel 1. Nanoscale processes and neural systems
Moderators:
  • Elias Towe, bio, Carnegie Mellon University
  • James O. Deshler, NSF/BIO
  • Alex Simonian, NSF/CBET
Panelists: 11:30 - Discussion (30 min): What are current grand challenges that can be accomplished in the next decade? How do we handle the gap between basic discovery and translation to applications?
12:00Working Lunch
Posters available for viewing in the Edison Salon ABC
12:30Panel 2. International dimensions
Rebecca L. Keiser, abstract/bio, NSF/OISE
“The Globalization of Science and Engineering Research”
1:00Keynote 3: Quantum phenomena in biological and environmental systems
Moderators:
  • Robert Westervelt, bio, Harvard University
  • Nora Savage, NSF
Clarice D. Aiello, abstract/bio, University of California, Los Angeles
“Quantum Biology: How nature might be optimized to harness quantum mechanics”

1:25-1:30 Discussion: What are scientific challenges and trends in the next decade?
1:30Keynotes 4. Cell Nanocomponents and synthetic biology
Moderators:
  • Dan Herr, abstract/bio, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  • Steven Peretti, NSF/CBET
Keynotes (20+5 min overview and trends each):
  1. Dan Herr, abstract/bio, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
    “The SemiSynBio Roadmap and Selected Opportunities”
  2. Matthew P. DeLisa, abstract/bio, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University
    “Cellular machinery and synthetic biology in the complex environment of a living cell”
2:20 - Discussion: What are grand challenges that can be accomplished in the next decade?
2:30Keynote 5: Nanomachines
Moderators:
  • Tina Brower-Thomas, bio, Howard University
  • Khershed Cooper, abstract/bio, NSF/CMMI
Introduction: Khershed Cooper, abstract/bio, NSF/CMMI
“NNI activities on nanomachines”
Shaochen Chen, abstract/bio, Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego
“Nanobots: Design, Fabrication, and Emerging Biomedical Applications”
3:00Refreshment Break
Posters available for viewing
3:30Panel 3. Nano Centers
Moderators:
  • Mark Tuominen, bio, University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Larry Goldberg, NSF ENG
  • Guebre X. Tessema, NSF/DMR
Panelists (each - 15+5 min): 4:50 - Discussion (20 min): New center models; Possible national network of centers and facilities in nanotechnology.
All Nano Centers (including (NNCI nodes, MRSECs, nano-related CCRs, NERCs, STCs) are invited to present a poster at the conference.
5:10Panel 4. Online simulation and data
Lead by Gerhard Klimeck, NCN, Purdue University
“Overview and nanoHUB role in nanoinformatics”
Alejandro Strachan, abstract/bio, NCN, Purdue University
“nanoHUB: online simulation and data”
5:45Wrap up for Day 1
Dan Herr, abstract/bio, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Academic conference chair
6:00Adjourn
A restaurant for dinner will be recommended at the conference

Day 2: Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Progress in grand challenges and convergence

Edison Room
7:30Coffee and Continental Breakfast
7:55Conference welcome and outline
Dan Herr, abstract/bio, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Academic conference chair
8:00Welcome at NSF
Anne Kinney, AD/MPS
8:10Keynote 6. Research challenges for nanoplastics in the environment
Moderators:
  • Swee Teh, abstract/bio, The Aquatic Health Program, UC-Davis
  • Nora Savage, NSF/CBET
Introduction: Swee Teh, abstract/bio, The Aquatic Health Program, UC-Davis
8:15 Anil Patri, abstract/bio, FDA
“Research challenges for nanoplastics in the environment and NNI activities”
8:45Keynote 7. Nanotechnology for Sustainability
Moderators:
  • Mamadou Diallo, California Institute of Technology
  • Nora Savage, NSF/CBET
Desiree Plata, abstract/bio, MIT
“Environmental and economic sustainability in advanced manufacturing of nanomaterials”

Discussion: What are the critical research gaps? What are the opportunities for the future?
9:15Keynote 8: Nano-biosensors
Moderators: Introduction: Chenzhong Li: NNI activities on nanosensors
Frances S. Ligler, abstract/bio, North Carolina State University
“Lighting up Biosensors”
9:45Keynote 9: Metamaterials
Moderators:
  • Alexandra (Sasha) Boltasseva, bio, Purdue University
  • Charles Ying NSF/DMR
9:45 - Charles Ying, Introduction: Metamaterials at NSF
9:50 - Jennifer (Jen) Dionne, abstract/bio, Stanford University
“Metamaterials: Lenses beyond limits”
10:15Coffee break
10:30Keynote 10: Nanoscale geosciences and convergence
Moderators: Michael Hochella, abstract/bio, Virginia Tech - Ret.
“Incidental Environmental Nanoscience: A Case Study of Worldwide Importance”
11:00Panel 5. Nanoscale geosciences and convergence
Moderators: Panelists (each -15 min + 5 min): 12:00 - Discussion: Highlight how nanotechnology contributes to geosciences and Converging technologies; visionary ideas for the next 10-20 years.
12:30Working Lunch
1:30Panel 7: Societal aspects
Moderators:
  • Larry Bell, bio, Museum of Science, Boston
  • John Parker, bio, NSF/SBE
Keynotes:
  1. 1:30-1:55 - Christopher Toumey, abstract/bio, University of South Carolina
    “The Problem of a Common Understanding of Nanotechnology”
  2. 1:55-2:20 - Carol Lynn Alpert et al., abstract/bio, Museum of Science Boston
    “What We Mean When We Talk About Science Communication”
2:20 - Discussion (10 min.)
2:30Panel 8. Nanotechnology education and outreach
Moderators: Panelists (each - 15 + 5 = 20 min): 3:30 - Discussion: NSF plans on the Convergence Accelerator program and the role of education in that program
4:00Summary of the Conference and Adjourn