One of the central challenges of science and technology in the 21st century is to understand and control phenomena at the scale of the 1-100 nanometer range. This challenge is not likely to be answered by the techniques and methods derived from a single science or technology discipline. Instead, it is almost certain to require a combination of diverse, but inter-related techniques spanning many disciplines.

We expect that this Nanoscience-challenge in science and technology will be a major impetus to change the very way that Universities organize their educational infrastructure in the next decade.

The proposed graduate program is designed to address the need for an interdisciplinary graduate education at Duke in Nanoscience that extends beyond the traditional disciplines and skills that are taught within any existing department. In both programs, graduate students will be educated and mentored in classes, labs, and research projects by faculty from many disciplines. The disciplines will span the basic science, engineering, and medical disciplines relevant to Nanoscience, and the Program will include faculty from Duke University departments of Arts and Science, the Engineering School, and the Medical School.

A number of Duke University departments will be designated Core Nanoscience Departments, and will be responsible for providing a set of core courses in Nanoscience.