from the World-Watch dept.
An article in the Taipei Times ("Nanotechnology Research Center opens in Hsinchu", by Chiu Yu-Tzu, 17 January 2002) reports that the the Hsinchu-based Industrial Technology Research Institute's (ITRI) Nanotechnology Research Center was formally launched on 16 January 2002. According to the article, the center is expected to spend at least NT$10 billion (about US$286 million) in funds allocated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, from now until 2007.
At the opening ceremony, National Science Council Vice Chairman Wu Maw-kuen said that the draft of the national program had been passed by the NSC on 15 January and a comprehensive project would be available in March or April. "Next year, Taiwan's national nanotechnology program will be formally launched. We believe that the center at the ITRI will play an important role in integrating diverse researches in both the industry and universities," Wu said. The estimated expense for promoting the national program through 2007 will be about NT$19.2 billion (about US$548 million). A Nanodot post from 7 January 2002 provides additional background on the work to develop a national nanotechnology program in Taiwan.
A brief item about the opening of the center from the Asia Pulse news service appeared on the Small Times website.
