Nanoscience and nanotechnology promises to revolutionize our lives in multiple ways. This field has captured the imagination of scientists world-wide.

Nanoscale refers to dimensions of ~ 1- 100 nm and solids that contain anywhere from one hundred to one million atoms. All of these activities require the multiple knowledge bases and expertise of almost all science and engineering disciplines.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are based on the ability to synthesize, organize, characterize, and manipulate matter systematically at the nanoscale, creating uniquely functional materials which can be inorganic, organic or biological, or a hybrid of these. Consequently, nanoscience and nanotechnology pose formidable challenges that cut across traditionally distinct disciplines. The Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) brings together science and engineering faculty devoted to the creation and use of solids on the nanoscale.

VINSE provides the underpinnings of the interdisciplinary structure for this field. This occurs through collaborations, central experimental facilities and through various communication activities such as monthly colloquia, a Nanonews letter and a yearly Nanoday. Educational out-reach is primarily associated with the NSF funded Vanderbilt-Fisk IGERT program in the Nanosciences and the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Materials Science and through individual departmental activities associated with VINSE connected faculty.