Features: Feb. 4, 2002

Rensselaer Proposes Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies; Army Conducts Site Visit

Representatives of the U.S. Army were on campus Jan. 28 and 29 as they moved toward a final decision on which of a handful of universities will become the home of a proposed Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN).

With as much as $95 million in total funding over a five-year-period, the ISN would conduct basic nanotechnology research that could lead to a modern head-to-toe uniform for the "21st Century Future Force Warrior," according to Richard Siegel, the Robert W. Hunt Professor of Materials Engineering, and the lead researcher on the project.

Through nanotechnology, the Army ultimately hopes to develop a lightweight uniform that could keep soldiers comfortable in any temperature, provide ballistic protection, change its appearance chameleon-like to blend with new surroundings, communicate with friendly forces, warn of the presence of hazardous chemicals or biological substances, detect and heal a soldier's injuries, repair itself when damaged, and much more.

The Rensselaer proposal calls for five-year support totaling $50 million from the Army with another $20 million in Army support for industry partners. Support from Rensselaer, industry, and New York state would total at least another $25 million.

The Army will complete its university site visits in early February and provide feedback to each finalist. The finalists will submit revised proposals by March 7. The winner will be named near the end of March.