NY State senate leadership to get first-hand look at firsthand look at the leading model for nanotechnology education

New York Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith and senior senators visited the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany to receive a firsthand look at the world's leading model for nanotechnology education, research and development, and commercialization, and discuss emerging opportunities to drive high-tech economic investment and growth throughout New York State. 

Joined by Senators Bill Perkins, William Stachowski, Toby Ann Stavisky and David Valesky, Majority Leader Smith toured CNSE's world-class Albany NanoTech Complex as the UAlbany NanoCollege reported new levels of high-tech investment and employment. Private, Federal, and state investments at CNSE's Albany NanoTech have now topped $5 billion, with more than 2,500 scientists, researchers, engineers, students and faculty being affiliated with the most advanced research enterprise at any university in the world.

Majority Leader Smith and Senators Perkins, Stachowski, Stavisky and Valesky then participated in a roundtable with Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, CNSE Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, and a cross-section of CNSE's senior technical and business executives to share the Senate Majority's vision of the knowledge economy and discuss the role of nanotechnology as enabler for New York's technological and economic competitiveness in the global economy of the 21st century. 

Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith said, "We are fortunate to have the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, the most advanced research complex at any university in the world, right here in New York. The nanotechnology research being conducted at the CNSE is 21st century and beyond technology that will open the door to a new economy unimaginable just years ago. After visiting their state of the art and cutting edge facilities, I have seen the future of New York's technologically advanced economy. I would like to thank Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros and all of the faculty and staff at CNSE for providing us with the opportunity to view firsthand their hard work and groundbreaking research which will attract investment from the global market, create jobs and offer unprecedented economic opportunity for our state." 

Senator Bill Perkins (D-New York) said, "This was an amazing and enlightening glimpse into what the 21st Century has yet to offer. The future is right around the corner and it looks very promising. We need to bring all the resources within our disposal to nourish it in order to increase our technological advancement and economic growth. Doing everything we can now to support this state of the art research and educational experience for our students will help bring about and prepare us for the millions of anticipated job opportunities in this field here in our state and world-wide." 

Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-WF-Queens) said, "The future of nanoscale science and its impact on technology and economic development in New York State is unlimited. Partnerships between the business and academic communities have a beneficial effect for everyone. As the Chairwoman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I am especially proud that the world's first college specializing in this important field has New York State as its home. This college is at the forefront of SUNY's resurgence as an academic powerhouse, and I was very impressed by the facility when I toured it. I look forward to the opportunities it will offer for learning and for economic growth."

Senator William T. Stachowski (D-C, Lake View) said, "I was very pleased to have the opportunity to tour the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in Albany. This facility is the leading research and development center in the country and one of the most advanced nanotechnology research complexes in the world. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, it was exciting to observe first-hand the state of the art advanced technology and emerging capabilities we are developing right here in New York. These highly specialized science and engineering innovations and educational resources will enable New York State to continue being a world leader in technology and to fuel our economic competitiveness globally." 

Senator David Valesky (D-Syracuse) said, "Nanotechnology has immense potential to positively change the economic base of the Capital Region and of Upstate New York. The Albany NanoTech Complex and the work being done there is extremely impressive and Dr. Kaloyeros should be commended." 

Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, CNSE Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are delighted and privileged by the opportunity to host Senate Majority Leader Smith, and Senators Perkins, Stachowski, Stavisky and Valesky, as well as to learn firsthand about their vision to ensure New York's leadership in the global innovation economy of the 21st century. We look forward to working with the Majority Leader and his esteemed colleagues to ensure that New York continues to build on its recognized excellence in nanotechnology education, research, and economic outreach to attract more jobs, additional international companies, and significant new investments that will benefit all New Yorkers." 

More than 250 global corporations representing the world's leading nanoelectronics companies and organizations have partnerships with CNSE. In addition, CNSE is the world's first college dedicated to nanotechnology, which is described by the National Nanotechnology Initiative as "leading to the next Industrial Revolution." The importance of nanoscale science and education is borne out by National Science Foundation projections, which forecast the need for more than two million nanotechnology professionals at all employment levels in the U.S. by 2014, with another five million nanotechnology jobs worldwide in related fields and disciplines.

Source: CNSE