PCAST Releases Report Outlining Seventh Assessment of the National Nanotechnology Initiative

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) today released a Congressionally-mandated review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), which has been a driving force behind the development of microelectronics, mRNA vaccines, and next generation energy technologies since its founding in 2003. Nanotechnology has introduced next-generation scientific breakthroughs and continues to deliver significant social and economic benefits to Americans across the country.

The PCAST report released today provides three key recommendations on federal nanotechnology coordination that reflect the success of the NNI and the maturity and broad relevance of the field:

• PCAST recommends the President work with Congress to sunset or substantially revise the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research & Development Act.

• PCAST recommends the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) work with the Executive Director of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to direct the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee to continue leadership for federal coordination of nanotechnology strategic planning, implementation, and outreach.

• PCAST recommends the NSET Subcommittee enhance experiential learning programs for nanotechnology students and scientists to create the collaborative, multi-disciplinary workforce needed for nanotechnology and other advanced technologies.

View a full copy of the PCAST report here.

View the Executive Summary of the report here.

PCAST is the sole body of advisors from outside the federal government charged with making science, technology, and innovation policy recommendations to the President. Learn more about their work here.