NRC National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT)

(Edmonton, Alberta)

Understanding the World at the Nanoscale

NINT is the centerpiece of Canada's emerging nanotechnology sector. Established in 2001, it is an integrated, multidisciplinary research institution involving researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, informatics, pharmacy and medicine. Funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the University of Alberta, and operated as a partnership of the National Research Council Canada and the University of Alberta, it carries out advanced research and fosters innovation in support of a new generation of nanotechnologybased firms.

NINT researcher using X-Ray Diffractometer to study nano-scale thin film

NINT's first goal is to establish Canada as a major player in nanotechnology research and development on the world scene. Its five-year objective is to be recognized internationally for excellence in research and innovation as Canada's flagship nanotechnology institute.

Nine research areas have been established:

• Nano Ethical, Environmental, Economic, Legal, and Societal Issues
• Molecular Scale Devices
• Materials and Interfacial Chemistry
• Electron Microscopy
• Sensors and Devices
• Supramolecular Nanoscale Assembly
• Life Sciences
• Theory and Modeling
• Energy

Located on the University of Alberta campus in Edmonton, the Institute's 15,000-square-metre facility is designed to accommodate 120 permanent staff; up to 45 guest workers from industry and universities; and training opportunities for some 275 graduate and post-doctoral researchers. It includes provisions that will make it one of the world's most technologically advanced research facilities with laboratory space with ultra-low vibration and minimal acoustical noise or electro-magnetic interference. Its fourth floor housed the NINT Innovation Centre which has 15 lab and office rental units for industrial collaborators and spin-off companies.