Jun 21 2008
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the full Senate Appropriations Committee has approved the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies FY09 Appropriations Bill which includes $1 million for the University at Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. The funding would be used to further the development and deployment of new nanoscale fabrication and measurement strategies. The bill will now proceed to the Senate Floor as the next step in the appropriations process. Schumer worked closely with members of the Appropriations Committee to include funding for the project in this year's spending bill.
"This is terrific news for the University at Albany and the entire Capital Region," said Schumer. "These federal dollars will not only underscore the University's position at the forefront of nanotechnology across the globe, but also show the federal government's commitment to ensuring it stays there. Continuing to invest in UAlbany's cutting-edge research will bring fuel to the global nanotech industry, as well as attract companies, jobs and economic success to the entire Capital Region. I intend to fight tooth-and-nail to see these funds through the appropriations process."
"New York State is fortunate to be represented by a true champion and effective advocate in Washington, Senator Chuck Schumer," said Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the UAlbany CNSE. "Senator Schumer's pioneering vision and extraordinary leadership continue to secure the federal resources that are essential to building New York's high-tech economy. We are grateful for his unwavering support for our nanotechnology partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, through which the UAlbany NanoCollege will play a crucial role in advancing the education and research agendas that are vital to the future of New York as a global leader in the most important science and technology of the 21st century."
The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany in partnership with Rice University's R. E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology have assembled the synergistic intellectual assets and cutting edge physical resources necessary to complement, support, and advance the mission of the National Institute for Science and Technology (NIST), particularly at promoting U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve the U.S. quality of life. More specifically, the CNSE-Rice partnership is focused on the development and deployment of the new nanoscale fabrication and measurement strategies that will replace the currently prevailing top-down schemes using lithography with bottom-up nanotechnology protocols based on controlled self-assembly of atomic device building blocks, leading to enabling advancements in measurement science, sensitive traceability, and accurate technological and industrial standards.
Now that the bill has been approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee, it will be sent to the Senate floor. Following approval by the Senate, the bill will move towards Conference with the House and then to the President for signature.