The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) at the University at Albany has been allocated $1 million in funding from the Senate Appropriations Committee to create a national nanotechnology research center through a partnership between the National Institute for Science and Technology (NIST) and CNSE. The New York Center for National Competitiveness in Nanoscale Characterization would leverage pertinent intellectual assets and physical resources of CNSE and the NIST to act as a next-generation Bell Labs model to advance nanoscale metrology innovations and strengthen R&D, manufacturing and commercialization efforts in the U.S., as outlined in “Sustaining the Nation’s Innovation Ecosystem,” a report by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science & Technology. "By acting as a global resource for R&D, education and commercialization in the critical science and technology area of nanoscale characterization and metrology, NC3 represents a true embodiment of the principles and objectives of the American Competitiveness Initiative," the college said in a statement. As part of NC3, CNSE and NIST will also explore and implement innovative programs to encourage active cooperative work and mutual exchanges of researchers and scientists between the two organizations. The appropriation was led by New York Sens. Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton. Last week, state leaders also passed $300 million in financing plan to build a research facility to establish International Sematech at CNSE. The funding, to be allocated over five years, will help the Austin, Texas, consortium of microchip manufacturers create 450 local jobs. (See: Chip Consortium Plans $600M UAlbany Expansion) A joint statement by Michael Polcari, president and CEO of Sematech, and Alain Kaloyeros, vice president and chief administrative officer of the CNSE, praised Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and the Senate "for their leadership in advancing the International Sematech initiative. The International Sematech and UAlbany NanoCollege partnership will be firmly established as the world's primary force for next-generation nanoelectronics research, development and outreach, further cementing New York State's position as a global leader in high-tech development and commercialization," they said.