The Center for Directed Assembly of Nanostructures has been committed to serving society from its inception through education, technology transfer, and the study of the socioeconomic impacts of nanotechnology. The success of these endeavors in the first four years has lead to the development of a new thrust that encompasses the three original programs as well as a new focus on the biological safety of nanostructured materials.

The goals of Thrust 3 are to serve society by raising the science literacy of the public and by enhancing the responsible and efficient transfer of nanotechnology developments to industry. We are improving science literacy through the development of educational programs for people of all ages, which provide fundamental information about the field of nanotechnology. We have reached hundreds of people so far, and are on our way to reaching ever-wider segments of society.

Through our industry outreach program, we have helped to run several pre-commercial trials of technology developed in the laboratories of the Center and we are continuing our strong interactions with industry. These interactions not only provide a mechanism for transferring technology for products that benefit society, but also broaden the education of our undergraduate and graduate students. To better understand how the technology is utilized by industry, and the public perception of nanotechnology, we initiated a study in socioeconomic impacts that has provided an understanding of the role of industry, and the role of public perception in the development of nanotechnology. To place the development of Thrust 3 in perspective, the Serving Society sections highlight some successes in serving society through education, technology transfer, and understanding socioeconomic impacts.