Nano-laboratory in IISc get Rs 110 core grant

BANGALORE: The IISc here has received a Rs 110-crore grant for a state-of-the-art nano-laboratory. The facility is expected to be ready in about 14 months. While the ministry of communication and information technology (MCIT) has given Rs 50 crore, the department of science and technology (DST) has chipped in with Rs 20 crore. IISc has mobilised around Rs 40 crore from the five-year plan allocation.

MCIT is the largest sponsor of nano-research projects in the country. As per its focus, this facility will have not only a central fabrication unit, but small labs to make micro- and nano-electronic devices. The central unit will house a clean room over 1400 sqm.

The plan includes characterisation labs, which will meet the needs of material science, electronic, mechanical and electrical departments. DST will be involved in both electronics and nano engineering sciences given the new initiative launched by the ministry of science and technology.

The ministry will set up almost 14 labs in universities, although its major focus will be IISc.
IISc plans to mobilise an additional Rs 20 crore to speed up construction of these labs. A proposal with the DST is expected to be approved soon. The IISc facility will offer doctoral programmes in "nano-engineering for integrated systems", which will allow students to work in at least three to four disciplines. Plans are afoot to create a fund to offer fellowships in nano-engineering to encourage more students to take up basic research.

Courtesy:The Times of India
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