Nanoscience and technology, as an emerging science and technology frontier, is continuously deepening and transforming our understanding of the material world. Its potential to trigger a new industrial revolution and to have a profound impact on the future development of our economy and society has already aroused global awareness. To better prepare ourselves for rapid evolution of nanoscience and technology worldwide, as well as to promote the development in our country, in the year 2003 was officially established the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), co-founded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), under the support of the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology and other six ministries and commissions. This is a crucial strategic move made by our country, which is meant to benefit the overall research and commercialization of science and technology in China, and to mark a new chapter in the development of nanoscience and technology in our country.

NCNST celebrated its 11th anniversary of establishment in 2013. 11 years of solidarity and commitment, unceasing exploration and innovation, together with the supports from the CAS, the MOE and other Ministries and Commissions, have enabled us to become a major contributor to nanoscience and technology in China. NCNST has participated in the strategic planning of China’s nanoscience and nanotechnology development, and have helped to boost our country’s innovation capacity and global impact on related fields.

According to the long-term development goals of NCNST, integrated with the developing momentum of nanoscience and technology worldwide, the main featured research areas of NCNST include biomedical effects of nanomaterials and nanosafety assessment; nanostandardization and nanomeasurement; nanosystem and hierarchical fabrication. These research themes have ensured and will ensure our research always keeping pace with national strategic plan and societal demand.

Currently, NCNST has recruited 217 staffs, among whom 144 are research scientists, 25 are engineers and technological supporting staff and 29 management team. To date, NCNST has 39 principal investigators (full professors) leading their research groups, 47 associate professors and 78 assistant professors. NCNST is a young research institute comprising of young research scientists with an average age of 33.7 years and 90% of them have overseas research experience in world-leading universities and scientific institutions. NCNST scientists have been awarded for various titles/distinctions. Some of the scientists are taking active roles in various international journals , societies and/or international organizations.

NCNST has 282 graduate students (including 44 international students from over 10 countries), and another 160 exchange students from different universities. After 9 years of graduate cultivation, the Center has gradually explored a model for interdisciplinary talents training, fostered a distinctive graduate student culture and made a series achievements in graduate education.