| A Western Michigan University research initiative with homeland security implications is slated to receive $2 million in federal funding as a result of the omnibus spending bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Dec. 9. The funding is earmarked to come from the Department of Energy for the Nanotechnology Research and Computation Center to continue research focused on developing nanosensors to detect chemical, biological and radiological agents in the environment. The nanotechnology funding follows an earlier federal award used to launch a public-private research effort that could have important applications for homeland security and national defense. The project is a collaboration involving WMU, Nevada-based Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. and the University of Nevada-Reno. "I have been working since last winter to obtain this funding for Western Michigan University's nanotechnology program, and I am thrilled that we were able to deliver $2 million," said U.S. Rep. Fred Upton. "Western is such a marvelous academic institution, and the federal government's financial support is especially important as it encourages matching private grants. Western has one of the premier nanotechnology programs in the country, and is at the forefront of making great strides in research that can transform the areas of homeland security and computer science. I will continue to strongly support Western as it is such an important part of our community." Dr. Subra Muralidharan, director of WMU's nanotechnology initiatives, says the goal of the research, which was launched in early 2003, is to build a foundation that will help the collaborators develop practical solutions to some very real security problems. He calls the findings to date "very promising" and said the new funding will allow the team to move quickly forward. "Our University is fortunate to have a nanotechnology researcher like Dr. Muralidharan, who has both the vision and the innovative nature it takes to apply this emerging science to the nation's needs," said WMU President Dr. Judith I. Bailey. "The University also has the good fortune to be represented by Congressman Fred Upton, who recognized early on this technology's potential to provide solutions to a wide array of critical problems. Congressman Upton has been steadfast in his support of measures that ensure our researchers can use their talents for the good of the nation, and his work to secure this funding speaks volumes about his service to his district. He went to bat for us on this measure and we are grateful for his help." |