Original Proposal

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1. Summary of the Proposed Research

Abstract

The IRC will provide an underpinning interdisciplinary activity in Nanotechnology with the theme of accurately controlling the physical properties of nanostructures and devices by fabrication at single molecule precision. It will develop research themes and strategies that uniquely combine expertise from currently disparate fields. The primary aim is to establish the IRC as an Internationally leading centre for Nanotechnology with objectives of:

• Fabrication of complex 3 dimensional structures with molecular precision
• Growth of soft layers by directed self-assembly on patterned substrates
• Determining mechanical and electronic properties of nanoscale interfaces
• Evolving architectures for devices in biomedicine and information technology
• Spinning out several projects into the commercial sector
• Training of personnel in interdisciplinary research.

Lay Summary

Nanotechnology involves the manipulation and manufacture of objects on an atomic scale. One nanometer is roughly the length of three atoms in a row, or 1/10,000th of the diameter of a human hair.

We are on the brink of being able to exploit this new technology. The enormous advances made in this technology during the last twenty years mean that the tools to make and measure infinitesimally small objects have become commonplace. We will now begin to see extraordinary advances in manufacturing using these tools: computers will shrink, medical diagnosis and treatment will be almost instantaneous and non-invasive, energy wastage will be dramatically reduced and our environment will become increasingly clean.

The UK must maintain a leading role in defining this new technology, which can only be achieved by significant research and development investments. The aim of the Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration (IRC) between the University of Cambridge, University College London and the University of Bristol is to ensure that the fundamental concepts underpinning nanotechnology are fully understood. Each institution brings expertise to the collaboration:

• The University of Cambridge has expertise in nanofabrication, and the fundamentals of physics, chemistry and materials science required to fully define the properties of nanoscale materials;
• University College London has expertise in the computer modelling of such materials combined with an understanding of their theoretical physics and a background in medical applications;
• The University of Bristol has expertise in biological materials at a molecular level.

By bringing together material scientists, physicists, chemists, engineers, biologists and medical researchers in a six-year programme, we will provide a platform from which commercial exploitation will stem. By focusing the research into controlling the physical properties at the molecular scale, our work will have enormous impact; whether in developing new computer chips, medical sensors, treatments, drugs or efficient energy sources.

Building on each institution's extensive facilities, the IRC will establish centres designed for multidisciplinary research. To ensure the highest quality research and successful commercial exploitation, a Science Council and an Industrial Advisory Council will be established to guide the IRC in its venture.

Beyond the primary research role, the IRC is committed to educating researchers in nanotechnology, communicating our research widely and ensuring that we respond to public interest. We will be aided in these important responsibilities by the Institute of Nanotechnology, the leading international institution for disseminating nanotechnology to scientists, industrialists and the general public.