The National Institute for Nanotechnology is an integrated, multi-disciplinary institution involving researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, informatics, pharmacy and medicine. Established in 2001, it is operated as a partnership between the National Research Council and the University of Alberta, and is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the university.

Our researchers are focused on the revolutionary work being done at the nano-scale, the world of individual atoms or molecules. The main focus of our research is the integration of nano-scale devices and materials into complex nanosystems that are connected to the outside world. The long-term objective is to discover “design rules” for nanotechnology, and develop platforms for building nanosystems and materials that can be constructed and programmed for a particular application.

Located on the University of Alberta campus in Edmonton, Alberta, NINT's upcoming 15,000 square-metre 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.