TAU, Northwestern University Launch Joint Nanotechnology Program

Tel Aviv University and Northwestern University, based in Illinois, announced a new joint program for nanotechnology research, grants, student exchanges, and development projects.

The new venture would see two researchers from each university receive post-doctoral fellowships supporting two years of research at the partner institution. It will also include a student exchange program that would allow three graduate students from each institution to study at the partner university and attend an annual nanotechnology workshop and international conference on cutting-edge breakthroughs in the field.

The research fellowships will cover approximately 75 percent of the total cost of the research, with funding provided by philanthropist and businessman Roman Abramovich. The respective hosting laboratories will provide for remaining expenses, Tel Aviv University said in a statement.

Up to two research grants a year will be approved to support pilot projects that bear unique commercial potential. TAU’s Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and Northwestern’s International Institute for Nanotechnology will together select the winning projects, which will receive funding to cover the costs involved with completing proof of concept.

TAU’s Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology was made possible through a $30 million gift by Abramovich to Tel Aviv University. With house core research labs, quantum effects labs, medical nanosystems labs and smart biotechnology labs, as well as a prominent visitors center, which will be open to the general public, it is expected to be the leading facility of its kind in the Middle East.