Welcome to the Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource, an NSF-NNCI program! SHyNE is a new national resource that provides academic, small business and industry researchers access to cutting-edge nanotechnology facilities and expertise. In addition to traditional nanotechnology tools, SHyNE ensures the integration of soft (biological) nanostructures with the backbone of enabling hard materials, for applications such as microfluidic modules for bio-sensors and synthetic scaffolds for tissue regeneration, among others.

SHyNE streamlines our nanotechnology facilities, providing unique and integrated capabilities for internal Northwestern and UChicago researchers as well as external users, especially small and medium enterprises and startup companies. SHyNE further cements our leadership in nanotechnology and related advanced materials research, education and outreach.SHyNE deepens existing collaborations between Northwestern and UChicago and is expected to draw a variety of researchers from the Chicago area, the greater Midwest and nationally. SHyNE also offers regional colleges and public institutions, including museums, the opportunity to access research and training instrumentation under one umbrella. Through this program and the combined capabilities of the SHyNE facilities, we will connect state-of-the-art research facilities to academic, government and commercial programs across the Midwest, which in turn will lead to life-enhancing breakthroughs. As one of the 16 members of the nanotechnology network, SHyNE will benefit from and contribute to the vast resources of national collaboration of world-class peer institutions.

We wholeheartedly welcome you to use our facilities under the guidance and instruction of our talented staff, discover our unique instrumentation and capabilities, and find out more what SHyNE can do for you!

Sincerely,

Prof. Vinayak P. Dravid, Director of SHyNE