Contruction to Begin on Canada's Quietest Space

Building to House Research into the Very, Very, Very Small

(October 3, 2003 – Edmonton) — A ceremonial groundbreaking tomorrow, Saturday, October 4, 2003, will mark the beginning of the building phase for the permanent home of the National Research Council's (NRC) new National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT). The new building will be one of the world's most technologically advanced research facilities and will house laboratory space that will be the quietest in Canada. In order to provide the optimal conditions for tiny 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. 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.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to be a partner in this leading-edge initiative," said Anne McLellan, Health Minister on behalf of Allan Rock, Industry Minister and Minister responsible for the National Research Council. "This building will help attract some of the world's best researchers to Edmonton and help us train the next generation of Canadian nano-scientists."

"The established reputation for excellence in nanotechnology and engineering at Alberta's universities and our demonstrated strengths in these areas made Alberta the logical choice for bringing the National Institute for Nanotechnology here," said Victor Doerksen, Minister of Innovation and Science. "Alberta continues to build its world-class research and development environment through partnerships with other governments, universities, businesses and industries. The province's prosperity rests on a strong commitment to continue building our knowledge-based economy."

The NRC National Institute for Nanotechnology – a partnership between the Government of Canada through NRC, the Government of Alberta and the University of Alberta – will enable NRC and the University of Alberta to expand their collaborations in nanotechnology research. These will include the synthesis of new materials and the integration of nanotechnology with other microtechnologies to make practical nano-scale systems. The building will include specialized spaces for laboratories in 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.

"This partnership opens unexplored parts of our universe to University of Alberta faculty and students," said University of Alberta President Roderick Fraser. "Research projects at the nanoscale are already underway in the faculties of science, engineering, medicine and pharmaceutical sciences and the knowledge gained offers unprecedented promise for previously unthinkable advances."

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.

"This building will be home to some of the most innovative and pioneering research in the world," said Dr. Arthur Carty, NRC President. "Our researchers will be able to expand Canada's leading-edge scientific research and innovation capacity. We also believe it will attract some of the world's leading nanotechnology research talent."

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. Floors five and six will be occupied by the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Faculty of Engineering and will be dedicated to nanochemical and nanomechanical research activities. The institute will accommodate up to 120 NRC staff, as well as 45 guest workers from industry and universities. It will also provide training opportunities for 275 graduate and post-doctoral researchers.

This complex facility will be designed and built by Alberta companies. The architects are Cohos Evamy and the construction manager is PCL-Maxam. 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 building will be complete in fall 2005.

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.

Event details

What: Ceremonial Ground Breaking for National Institute for Nanotechnology
When: 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 4, 2003
Where: University of Alberta Campus (see attached map)
Who:

• Hon. Anne McLellan, Minister of Health Canada
• Hon. Victor Doerksen, Minister of Alberta Innovation and Science
• Dr. Roderick Fraser, President of the University of Alberta
• Dr. Arthur Carty, President of National Research Council

For more information, please visit the Web site at http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/, or contact:

Nathalie Gour
National Research Council Canada
Tel.: (613) 990-6091
Cell: (613) 293-6617
e-mail: Nathalie.Gour@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Shannon Jones
National Institute for Nanotechnology
National Research Council
Tel: (780) 492-8636
E-mail:shannon.jones@nrc.gc.ca

Glenn Guenther
Alberta Innovation and Science
Tel: (780) 427-0285
Email: glenn.guenther@gov.ab.ca

Lee Elliott
University of Alberta
Tel: (780) 492-0441
Email: lee.elliott@ualberta.ca