The intersection of nanotechnology’s boundless potential and national strategic priorities has made nurturing talent in the field increasingly critical. The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) recently marked the culmination of a ten-year summer research initiative under the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The closing event, held at UCSD’s Qualcomm Institute (QI), brought together 51 top undergraduate students from across the United States, highlighting NNCI’s significant contributions to advancing nanotechnology research and education.

Beyond offering hands-on experience in cutting-edge research, the program served as a dynamic platform for academic collaboration. Participants engaged directly with real-world projects, gaining insights into the latest breakthroughs in nanotechnology and its transformative applications across diverse fields.

Over its decade-long run, NNCI has laid a robust foundation for the future of nanotechnology by fostering a pipeline of skilled researchers. As the field evolves, key challenges include sustaining the innovative momentum among young scientists while addressing the ethical and societal implications of nanotechnology’s rapid advancement.