Nano Scale Science

Motivation

Nanoscale science is an emerging interdisciplinary topic of fundamental importance to the future of science and technologies. In particular, nanotechnology is perceived internationally to become a driving force of the world economies within the next 10-20 years. The underlying science involves the basic building blocks and length scales of matter in biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. This common feature in scale in all the traditional disciplines requires a cross-disciplinary approach to research in nanoscale science.

NCCR Nano Scale Science (Switzerland)



Visions in Nanoscale Science

Challenges and advances in nanoscale science have not emerged from any single academic field alone. The scale of understanding within the life sciences is increasingly being extended down to the molecular and atomic level, be it in modeling the interaction of drugs with their targets, or the sequencing of genetic material. The novel field of quantum computing and communication might finally also rely on molecular or atomic scale features. Controlling the nanometer scale (nanoscale science at the ultimate limits, nanomaterials, molecular machinery and nano-robotics), down to individual molecules, atoms, ions and electrons is currently perceived to possess technological potential similar to the economic returns of microtechnology and microelectronics. Microelectronics has permeated every aspect of our industries and financial services. Nanoscale science is not just another shrinkage; its paradigms, laws and opportunities are distinctly different from those of the macroscopic world.

Actual research topics in Nanoscale Science

  • Impact of nanoscale science on life sciences and medicine
  • Nanomaterials ranging from biological systems to nanoclusters
  • Molecular machinery and nanorobotics
  • Quantum devices and systems for computing and communication
  • -Nanoscale science at the ultimate limits.