Technion Nanotechnology Initiative

Small-Scale Science Poised to Change the World

Nanoparachute

In 2005, the Russell Berrie Foundation created the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. The institute elevates the university to one of the top nanotechnology research institutes in the world.

The following information is excerpted from an article in the Winter 2005 Technion USA Magazine, a publication of the American Technion Society.

It can be challenging to envision nano-technology, the science and technology of building devices from single atoms and molecules. But while Angelica Berrie and the trustees of the Russell Berrie Foundation couldn’t physically see the diminutive technology, they had a sweeping vision for its role at the Technion, Israel and the world. Thanks to their understanding of the importance of nano-technology, the Russell Berrie Foundation made a $26 million grant to the American Technion Society (ATS) to create the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute at the Technion.

At the initiative of the Foundation, the Israeli government has agreed to match that grant with its own $26 million commitment, and the American, British and Israel Technion Societies have already raised another $20 million for nanotechnology initiatives. This historic international endeavor was announced in February at a ceremony at the office of Israel’s Vice Prime Minister and Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Ehud Olmert.

In nanotechnology, scientists utilize nano-sized objects—each measuring less than 1/100,000 the width of a human hair—as building blocks. While other universities such as MIT, Harvard and UCLA have invested much in nanotechnology infrastructure, the Technion already is clearly one of the world’s leaders in the field.

“We’re extremely honored to have the Russell Berrie Foundation and the government of Israel recognize the Technion’s important role in the world of nanotechnology research,” said ATS President Stephen Laser.

Israel’s acting Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, Technion Pres., Yitzhak Apeloig, Angelica Berrie and Prof. Uri Savan

“As we launch this breakthrough initiative for Israel here at the Technion, we are reminded of the constant need for fearless endeavor in science and technology,” noted Angelica Berrie, president of the Russell Berrie Foundation, at the dedication of the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI). “My husband, Russ, would have been very proud to be a part of the Technion’s effort to build a stronger state of Israel.”

The Russell Berrie Foundation’s gift will upgrade the existing infrastructure where nanotechnology research is taking place. While fostering the work of nanotechnology pioneers such as Prof. Uri Sivan, who spearheaded the Technion’s efforts to create the institute, and Profs. Nir Tessler, Efrat Lifshitz, Erez Braun, the gift will enable the recruitment of new, world-class faculty and the purchase of equipment for research and teaching. The new institute will be accessible to all Israeli universities, whose researchers will be encouraged to collaborate with Technion researchers.

“Researchers at the Technion have been active in nanotechnology since the 1980s, establishing the university as a center for nanotechnology research early on. With this gift, we hope to continue to push this science forward,” said Angelica Berrie. “The Technion’s advances in nanotechnology embody our objectives to make the world a better place now and for future generations.”

http://rbni.technion.ac.il/