Boosting nanotechnology in Va.; Proposals planned for assembly seek education changes, more partnerships
BYLINE: JEFFREY KELLEY; Times-Dispatch Staff Writer
Researchers and high-tech entrepreneurs in Virginia want to foster the growth of nanotechnology, a science performed on a magnitude thousands of times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.
The buzz surrounding nanotechnology isn't just about the science alone, but rather how its manipulation of materials can enhance traditional industries - from development of alternative energy sources to stronger military armor and improved disease treatments.
The Joint Commission on Technology and Science, which acts as the General Assembly's tech consultants, has recommended two resolutions to lawmakers.
One proposal could establish more math and science programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
"That obviously will help prepare those students should they choose to pursue education in scientific fields such as engineering or other types of sciences," said Art O'Donnell, managing director at Qimonda, the Henrico County semiconductor plant. As head of a facility involved deeply in nanotechnology, he was asked to comment on the proposal.
The other resolution seeks to plug public universities into a Nanotechnology Users Network, where research institutions could better collaborate and share costly research equipment.
It asks Virginia's secretary of technology to recommend ways to enable more partnerships among schools such as Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia and others. Creation of the network would require buying equipment not yet found in the state.
Establishing a user network that "will propel us to the front realms of nanotech in the country" could cost $10 million to $15 million, said Robert Hull, a U.Va. engineering professor who helped draft the resolutions. And by working together on major federal research and equipment grants, schools could be in a better position to compete for such funds.
It is hoped that the proposals would promote not only research but eventually lead to new companies and job creation tied to the science, said Hull, director of U.Va.'s NanoQuest Institute.
Nanotechnology was incorporated in roughly $1 billion in Virginia manufactured goods last year, according to one of the two resolutions.
* Contact staff writer Jeffrey Kelley at jkelley@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6348.