Vision Statement:  Miami University Center for Nanotechnology (MUCN) vision is to conduct research into the unique properties of the nanodomain, and to aggressively establish industrial collaborations in nanotechnology.

Mission Statement:  MUCN mission is to create economic development initiatives by establishing university, industry, and government interdisciplinary technology alliances.

MUCN has five basic beliefs:

1. Nanotechnology research requires an interdisciplinary approach.
2. Nanotechnology is the utilization of the unique properties in the nanodomains. It is not taking a macro or microscale system and making it nanoscale.
3. Computational guidance will expedite nanotechnology discovery and development.
4. All nanotechnology research starts out as a material science project.
5. Nanotechnology's commercial value will not be as a stand alone material but as a part of a larger system.

In the nanodomain we are at the dimensions where new phenomena are exhibited. Utilizing the collaborative properties exhibited by these materials, allow the identification of new fundamental knowledge and applications leading to commercial products. MUCN researchers are investigating quantum dots, nanoparticles that exhibit surface plasmon resonance, molecular diodes/devices, and magnetic nanoparticles. Of particular interest are those properties that can be used in sensing systems that have direct application to homeland security, drinking water, and biomedical research.

Other MUCN projects include new inorganic/organic materials capable of absorbing large amounts of hydrogen gas, photonic crystals as sensing materials, improved catalyst for energy conversion and sensors, and hydrogels in biomedical application.

At the same time MUCN faculty are establishing protocols for evaluating the potential risks of new nanomaterials. Faculty from geology and chemistry are observing the fate of different types of nanoparticles in bacterial colonies.

In many cases our personnel have to learn how to manufacture the systems that are needed. Processes such as self-assembly, layer-by-layer multilayer construction, e-beam lithography, confined synthesis, and microreactors are being employed to meet the design criteria.

Miami University is committed to establishing industrial collaborations in nanotechnology.

It is clear that many technologies are blocked by the inability to make the transition from the laboratory to product. MUCN is dedicated to:

• Perform fundamental research covering nanotechnology discoveries and economical implementation.
• Perform developmental research to transition nanotechnology from the laboratory to product.
• Build industry, academic and governmental alliances to leverage the expertise and resources to efficiently develop and commercialize nanotechnology.

MUCN recognizes the challenges of implementing nanotechnology can be as great as those encountered in unique property discovery. MUCN believes there is significant opportunity to build basic nanotechnology knowledge in understanding nanotechnology control as there is in investigating fundamental phenomena directly. Industry's application experience, combined with academic interdisciplinary expertise and unique instrumentation suggest industry and academic alliances are ideally situated to deliver on the nanotechnology promise.