Goal One Objectives

Goal 1: Advance a world-class nanotechnology research and development program.

As detailed in the 2016 NNI Strategic Plan, the objectives for this goal are as follows:

1.1. Support R&D that extends the frontiers of nanotechnology and strengthens the intersections of scientific disciplines.

  1.1.1. Extend the frontiers of nanotechnology with a diverse R&D portfolio that includes basic scientific research, foundational research, use-inspired research, applications research, and technology development.

  1.1.2. Strengthen the intersections of scientific disciplines by supporting interdisciplinary research to facilitate convergence of knowledge, tools, and domains of nanotechnology with other areas in science and technology.

  1.1.3. Sustain a strategic and complementary research portfolio incorporating intramural and extramural programs consisting of single-investigator efforts, multi-investigator and multidisciplinary research teams, and centers and networks for focused research.

  1.1.4. Foster the development of comprehensive approaches to nanotechnology R&D that integrate simulation, modeling, and data analytics throughout all aspects of materials and device development, evaluation, and testing.

1.2. Identify and support nanoscale science and technology research enabled by breakthroughs in science, driven by national priorities, and informed by active engagement with stakeholders.

  1.2.1. Engage with academia, industry, government, and the public to gather input and feedback on federally supported research.

  1.2.2. Foster stakeholder collaborations with NNI agencies via means such as matching funds, challenge prizes, partnerships, and consortia.

  1.2.3. Identify and facilitate opportunities for international collaboration.

1.3. Assess the performance of the U.S. nanotechnology R&D program.

  1.3.1. Identify the common attributes of successful research programs and general best practices within the NNI agencies and within other domestic and international nanotechnology R&D programs.

  1.3.2. Develop quantitative measures of performance in coordination with existing efforts to establish metrics for innovation.

  1.3.3. Tailor, enhance, or augment traditional assessment strategies and employ them to assess the impact of NNI activities.

1.4. Advance a dynamic portfolio of Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs) that are each supported by multiple NNI agencies and address significant national priorities.

  1.4.1. Identify potential new NSIs with input from stakeholders.

  1.4.2. Conduct and disseminate the outcomes of biennial assessments of each NSI to review progress, ensure relevance and need to continue, and identify future strategic areas of focus.

1.5. Utilize Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand Challenges to engage the broader community to solve problems of national and global importance.

  1.5.1. Identify topics for potential grand challenges by engaging the broader community through mechanisms such as workshops, Requests for Information (RFIs), and webinars.

  1.5.2. Develop approaches, including public–private partnerships and consortia, to plan and resolve grand challenges.

  1.5.3. Conduct biennial assessments of the progress and impact of each grand challenge and report the results.