Nano Science and Technology Institute and Museum of Science, Boston To Host National Awards Banquet and Fund Raiser.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Inaugural Event to Honor Top Nanotechnology Achievements and Deliver all Proceeds to the Museum of Science for the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network

The Nano Science and Technology Institute (NSTI) and the Museum of Science today announced the first ever national nanotechnology awards banquet. Held on Tuesday, May 9 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, in conjunction with the Nanotech 2006 Conference and Trade Show, the banquet will recognize the outstanding achievements with the NSTI Nanotechnology Excellence Awards. All proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Museum of Science for the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network), a collaboration of multiple science museums and research institutions to develop and distribute innovative programs to engage Americans in nanoscale science and engineering education, research, and technology.

"The Museum of Science plays an integral role in the world of nanotechnology--informing and engaging the public on a wide variety of current, cutting-edge science and technology, and presenting nanotechnology and other topics in ways that are understandable, enlightening, and even fun," said Matthew Laudon, executive director for NSTI. "By aligning our two organizations, we will be able to drive heightened awareness regarding developments taking place in nanotechnology and the individuals behind these innovations, all while helping to incite further education and future breakthroughs."

As part of the fund raising event, the NSTI will present its Nanotechnology Excellence Awards designed to recognize outstanding technology achievements in both the scientific and entrepreneurial realms. The event will also feature guest speaker, Larry Bell, senior vice president for research, development and production at the Museum of Science. Bell will discuss the NISE Network's nanotechnology education initiatives, which include creating programs and exhibits to keep the public informed of important scientific and technological developments. Bell will also highlight the Museum's significant educational outreach partnerships with the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers (NSEC) led by Harvard University and Northeastern University.

"NSTI is a leading voice in the field of nanotech and much like the Museum of Science, is fueled by its mission of generating increased awareness of and spurring innovation within industry," remarked Bell. "This awards banquet and fund raiser allows us to jointly recognize the outstanding achievements taking place in the industry while also giving us the opportunity to raise funds for ongoing education and innovation."

The Nanotech 2006 Conference and Trade Show will feature the Museum of Science's traveling program and electricity presentation. Tickets for the NSTI Nanotechnology Excellence Awards banquet and fund raiser begin at $100. For additional information regarding the awards banquet please visit http://www.nsti.org/Nanotech2006/Development/Awards/. For more information regarding the NSTI Nanotechnology Excellence Awards see today's release titled, "NSTI Announces Nanotech Ventures 2006 Technology Excellence Awards."

About NSTI

The Nano Science and Technology Institute (NSTI; www.nsti.org) is chartered with the advancement and integration of nano and other advanced technologies through education, collaboration and research services. NSTI accomplishes this mission through its offerings of continuing education programs, conventions, scientific and business publishing and custom research services. NSTI produces the annual Nanotech 2006 conference and trade show. Nanotech 2006, celebrating its 9th year, is expected to attract more than 3,000 industrial, academic, business and governmental attendees from around the word. It is the largest gathering of the nanotechnology industry in the U.S. The event is a unique gathering of the scientific and business community working on the development and commercialization of nano and small-scale technology. NSTI was founded in 1997 as a result of the merger between various scientific societies, and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts with additional offices in California and Switzerland.

About the Museum of Science, Boston 

One of the world's largest science centers, the Museum is the highest attended cultural attraction in New England with more than 550 hands-on exhibits and lively staff presentations that demonstrate the excitement and relevance of science, engineering and technology in daily life. In 2001, the Museum launched the innovative Current Science & Technology Center (CS&T), which offers up-to-date science and technology news stories. In 2004, the Museum launched the National Center for Technological Literacy (NCTL). NCTL is helping facilitate a nationwide expansion of technology literacy by working with regional schools. NCTL is also collaborating with other science centers across the country to create exhibits and programs that engage visitors in engineering, helps them explore cutting-edge technologies, and encourages them to consider and discuss the interactions between technology and society. In 2005, the Museum of Science in partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Exploratorium in San Francisco, was selected by the National Science Foundation to lead a $20 million effort to form a national Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) of multiple science museums and research institutions that will develop and distribute innovative approaches to engage Americans in nanoscale science and engineering education, research, and technology. Additionally, the Museum is currently engaged in significant educational outreach partnerships with the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC) headquartered at Harvard University, and the Center for High-Rate Nanomanufacturing headquartered at Northeastern University. For more information about the Museum of Science, visit www.mos.org

About the NISE Network Partners

In addition to the core leadership team of the Museum of Science, Boston, the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Exploratorium in San Francisco, institutional working partners of the NISE Network include the New York Hall of Science, the Sciencenter in Ithaca, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Life and Science in North Carolina, the Association of Science-Technology Centers, the Materials Research Society, and nanotech education research groups at Cornell University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Purdue University. Also part of the network are 30 additional advisors and thinking partners that represent other science museums and nano research centers, libraries, media organizations, the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network and the National Center for Learning and Teaching (NCLT) in Nanoscale Science and Engineering, headquartered at Northwestern University, which is developing nanoscale curricula for middle and high schools.