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World Class Nanotechnology Research Center Opens
Eh-Wire writes "The University of Alberta and Edmonton are mighty proud to be home to the new National Institute of Nanotechnology. The $52.2-million(Canadian) facility is designed to provide the optimal conditions for nano-scale research and to foster collaboration between researchers. Apparently it is Canada's quietest space and engineered that way to minimize vibration and acoustical noise. Even the electrical wiring has been twisted to reduce electro-magnetic interference. Curiously enough the head project architect, Donna Clare of architectural firm, Cohos Evamy was also the head project architect for Edmonton's highly acclaimed Winspear Centre, a concert hall designed specifically to enhance acoustics. There's likely going to be some big things coming from this state-of-the-art research facility for the really really small."
I was thinking the same thing when I read it. It's worded as if twisted pairs are some sort of new fangled idea. Anbody who is plugged into the internet via an ethernet cable is benefitting from this "twisting to reduce electro-magnetic interference".
U of A does have some nano technology expertise. On the other hand, this does sound like some administrator dreamed up a way to tap the 'obscene' pile of money in Alberta.
Call me a cynic but I've seen this happen too many times. If you use the right sexy words, senior administrators and politicians are willing to dump huge amounts of money in your lap. Public money should go into pure research (nano technology in my mind is mostly applied research because most of it seems aimed at applications). That's where it's needed and that's where private industry is least willing to donate.
Once upon a time, the National Research Council of Canada was run by someone who gave the scientists license to pursue their own interests. The result was at least one Nobel prize and maybe a couple of more if you count people who once worked there. Then the 'professional' administrators took over and it all went to hell in a handbasket.
I'm not against government money for applied research. Look at all the good stuff that resulted from the space race. That effort had a focus. This thing at U of A just looks like someone trying to build an empire.