Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network
(NISE Network)
C. Lynn Alpert, Larry Bell, R.M. Westervelt, George Whitesides, Eric Mazur, Kathryn Hollar

Left: Professor George Whitesides discusses possible societal impacts of nanotechnology at a recent Teachers’ Symposium. Right:  Professor Eric Mazur gives a talk on nanowire fabrication at the Current Science & Technology Center at the Museum of Science, Boston.

The Museum of Science, Boston, in partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota (SMM) and the Exploratorium in San Francisco, was selected by the NSF to lead a five-year effort to form a national Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network),linking multiple science museums, research institutions, and professional organizations. The NISE Network will collaboratively develop and distribute innovative approaches to engaging Americans in nanoscale science and engineering education, research, and technology. In making the award, the review panel noted the Museum of Science’s four years of experience in working with the researchers and staff of the “Science of Nanoscale Systems and their Device Applications” NSEC to produce a robust program of engaging live presentations, guest researcher events, New England News cablecasts, multimedia, online materials, and special events. Much of this expertise will now be shared nationwide. Harvard NSEC PI Robert Westervelt is serving as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the NISE Network and NSEC researchers George Whitesides and Eric Mazur are also participating as advisors. MOS VP Larry Bell and NSEC Public Engagement Director Carol Lynn Alpert developed the NISE Network approach and partnership with the SMM and the Exploratorium and serve as PIs for the Network.