Jan. 17, 2003 — Researchers from seven universities and the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the formation of a computational nanotech center at Purdue University.

The focus of the Network for Computational Nanotechnology, made possible by a five-year, $10.5 million grant from the NSF, is to assemble research teams to create computer simulations that show the entire workings of a design from its atomic-scale building blocks to its largest parts. In addition to Purdue, other schools involved are the University of Illinois, University of Florida, Morgan State University, Northwestern University, Stanford University and University of Texas, El Paso.

According to a news release, the simulations will be important to using nanotech for creating future computers, medical diagnostic devices, and sensors for homeland security and environmental monitoring. Researchers also will work with scientists and engineers in the NASA-funded Institute for Nanoelectronics and Computing.

Both centers will be based in the Birck Nanotechnology Center, scheduled for completion in early 2005.