NRC Nanotechnology Institute To Be Among The World's Most Advanced

Building will be "Quietest" Research Space in Canada

(March 13, 2003 - Edmonton, AB) - Plans for the permanent home of the National Research Council's (NRC) new National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT) were unveiled today in Edmonton, Alberta. The new building will include provisions that will make it one of the world's most technologically advanced research facilities. In order to provide the optimal conditions for nano-scale research, "quiet" lab space is absolutely critical. In the scientific realm, "quiet space" refers to lab space with ultra low vibration and minimal acoustical noise or electro-magnetic interference. The plans were unveiled by Dr. Arthur Carty, NRC President, Dr. Roderick Fraser, President of the University of Alberta and Dan Bader, Deputy Minister of Alberta Innovation and Science Alberta on behalf of Victor Doerksen, Minister of Alberta Innovation and Science.

"This building will be a most welcome addition to NRC's world-class research facilities across Canada," said Dr. Arthur Carty, NRC President. "The NINT facilities and its researchers will expand on NRC's leading-edge scientific research and innovation capacity, while also enhancing our nation's knowledge-based economy."

The building will be built to Silver Level designation under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program of the U.S. Green Building Council. This designation recognizes that the building has been designed to meet rigorous environmental and safety standards.

"As the permanent home for this emerging technology sector, the Institute provides an opportunity for Alberta's researchers, businesses and venture capitalists to demonstrate our province's strengths in nanosystems technology, research and commercialization," said Victor Doerksen, Minister of Alberta Innovation and Science. "Alberta is committed to ensuring the success of this important institute."

The NRC National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT), a partnership between the Government of Canada through NRC, the Government of Alberta and the University of Alberta will enable NRC and the University to expand collaborations in nanotechnology research. This will include synthesis of new materials and the integration of nanotechnology with microtechnologies to make practical systems. Specialized spaces include laboratories for chemical and biochemical synthesis and analysis of the material structure at the atomic scale, as well as a Class 1000 Clean room for the production of nanostructured systems. NINT is purchasing the latest generation of scientific equipment including electron and scanning probe microscopes, and chemical and material analysis instruments.

"The University of Alberta is proud to partner with NRC and the Province of Alberta on this tremendous research initiative," says Dr. Roderick Fraser, President of the University of Alberta. "This partnership provides a valuable opportunity to jointly draw on our resources to produce research for the benefit of all Albertans and Canadians. As one of Canada's top research-intensive universities, we are pleased to have this opportunity to contribute to the shape of our country's future."

The $40 million cost of the building is one third of the $120 million that will be spent on the Institute during its first five years. The balance will be spent on equipment, staffing, and operations. The National Research Council will contribute $60 million, and another $60 million will be a joint contribution from the Government of Alberta and the University of Alberta. The Government of Canada has committed an additional $12 million a year for operating costs, beginning in year six.

The NRC National Institute for Nanotechnology will occupy four floors of the six story, 20,000 square metre building to be built on the University of Alberta campus. The building, which will be built adjacent to the Mechanical and Chemical Engineering buildings, will also house University of Alberta nanotechnology-related research space. The institute will accommodate 120 NRC staff, up to 45 guest workers from industry and universities, and training opportunities for some 275 graduate and post-doctoral researchers.

Alberta companies will design and build this complex facility. The architects are Cohos Evamy Partners and the construction manager is PCL Maxam. Construction of the new building will begin in August 2003, and last for two years.

Recognized globally for research and innovation, Canada's National Research Council (NRC) is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology. NRC operates world-class research facilities as well as information, technology and innovation support networks from coast to coast.

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Backgrounder

• The new building will be 20,000 square metres; the NRC National Institute for Nanotechnology will occupy 15,000 square metres. The building will have six stories of occupied space, the first four for the nanotechnology institute and the top two for University nanotechnology-related research activities.
• Exacting technical specifications will make this facility Canada's quietest research space. Features of the laboratory space include ultra low vibration, minimal acoustical noise and electro-magnetic interference, and constant temperature and humidity.
• The building is expected to exceed the requirements of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDS) Green Building Rating System for the Silver Level of accreditation. [Visit http://www.usgbc.org/ for more information on this program.]
• The cost of designing and constructing the building is $40 million.
• The site for the new building is north of the Mechanical Engineering Building on the University of Alberta campus. It will require the demolition of two temporary buildings.
• The construction schedule will begin with the demolition of temporary buildings on the site, starting in July 2003. Construction is scheduled to be completed by August 2005.
• During the design and construction phases, 210 person years of work will be created - including approximately 30 person years for the design work alone.
• The Cohos Evamy Partners is a fully integrated architectural, interior design, and engineering firm, employing 200 people in Edmonton and Calgary. Partner-in-Charge of this project is Doug McConnell and Donna Clare is the Project Architect.
• The PCL family of companies is the largest general contracting organization in Canada and is active in the commercial, institutional, multi-family residential, industrial, agri-business and civil construction sectors. Their head offices are in Edmonton. Howard Kerr is the Construction Manager.
• The total budget for the National Institute for Nanotechnology is $120 million for the first five years. Half the funds come from the Government of Canada and half from the Government of Alberta and the University of Alberta. The Government of Canada has also committed another $12 million a year for annual operating expenses beginning in year six.
• Nanotechnology is defined as the application of science to developing new materials and processes by manipulating molecular and atomic particles. A nanometre is a billionth of a metre, that is, about 1/80,000 of the diameter of a human hair, or 10 times the diameter of a hydrogen atom.