The Research Network »Functional Nanostructures« of the State of Baden-Württemberg

Karlsruhe – Konstanz – Stuttgart – Ulm

Nanotechnology is considered one of the key technologies of the 21^st century. Increasingly small structures are gaining technological and economic importance. The scope of applications ranges from car paints and catalysts to high-performance materials; from medical applications to data storage devices and micro- and nanoelectronics, to mention but a few examples.

The Research Network “Functional Nanostructures” is a platform for target-oriented and multi-disciplinary research in the field of nanotechnology that comprises leading institutions in Baden-Württemberg. The network aims at studying the fabrication, properties, and functioning of intelligent functional nanostructures and, thus, creating the prerequisites for the future use and the systematic further development of existing applications.

The Research Network “Functional Nanostructures” initiates and bundles multi-disciplinary co-operation of various nanotechnology research groups in Baden-Württemberg, focusing on the fields of physics, chemistry, materials and engineering sciences, and biology. Competence in the field of functional nanostructures extends from chemical synthesis to physical experiments and measurement methods; from theoretical processes and simulation methods to applica-tion-oriented studies.

Activities of the Research Network “Functional Nanostructures” concentrate on:

1. Cooperative, multi-disciplinary research projects relating to key issues of nano­technology between leading institutions,
2. Support of scientific exchange between the research groups involved as well as specific promotion of young scientists in the field of nanotechnology,
3. Support of international cooperation.