There are some admirable goals in the National Science Foundation's funding for Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education in Engineering. They're placing it in the context of overall improvement in science literacy (which U.S. students, especially, could use if future generations have any hope of competing with the Ph.D.-rich China and India), and it helps universities get used to the idea of multidisciplinary cooperation. Here's an excerpt from the NSF's program solicitation. Universities, get yer red-hot nano money. But hurry, supplies are limited. Offer good until June 18.
"Advances in nanotechnology research provide new opportunities in undergraduate education. With their focus on imaging and manipulating the atom, the ultimate building block of matter, nanoscale science and engineering provide a multitude of new interdisciplinary teaching opportunities for engaging interest and for broadening vision by students of science, engineering, and technology. Nanoscale science and engineering thus permit new strategies for enhancing science and engineering literacy, preparing the workforce for emerging technologies, and attracting a diverse group of talented students to the workforce of tomorrow. The FY 2007 solicitation is focused on nanoscale engineering education with relevance to devices and systems, and/or on the societal, ethical, economic and/or environmental issues relevant to nanotechnology." More here
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