Aug 2 2004
What do solar cells based on dye-sensitized nanoparticles, disaster preparedness and response in Central Mexico, and the long-wattled umbrellabird all have in common?
All are among the diverse research topics 34 new recipients of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) International Research Fellowships for 2004 have chosen to study. Awarded to promising and talented American postdoctoral scientists and engineers, the fellowships enable budding researchers to conduct leading-edge research for up to two years in biology, physics, engineering, geosciences, computer science, and social and behavioral sciences. The work is done with international collaboration, use of overseas instrumentation or through unique research environments available abroad.
Each year, NSF awards approximately 35 of these highly competitive international fellowships that often lead to multinational collaborations.
“Discovery is a global enterprise,” says NSF’s acting director, Arden L. Bement, Jr. “For the U.S. to remain in the forefront of world science and technology (S&T), it needs scientists and engineers from all disciplines who can operate and lead international teams and track international discoveries in some of the most challenging research arenas. These fellows, and those who have preceded them, are helping ensure that America continues to be the world’s S&T leader.”
This year’s International Research Fellowship awardees come from more than 20 states and 25 universities. Their overseas host institutions include universities and research centers in Europe, South America and Australia.
The average award for each fellow in 2004 is about $100,000, which enables these young scientists and engineers, with no more than three years experience after earning their doctoral degree, to spend from three to 24 months at foreign host institutions.
Materials related topics included:
- Fabrication & Characterization of Inexpensive Solar Cells Based on Dye-Sensitized TiO2 Nanoparticles
- STEM Tomography of Nanoscale Systems
- Device Reliability and Fracture of Electroceramics
- Small is Beautiful for Solar Cells
For more information on nanotechnology, click here or visit AZoNano, The A to Z of Nanotechnology.