Accelerate Nanoscience Innovation with the NSRCs

The DOE Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRCs) provide industry researchers with access to world-class nanoscience expertise, advanced instrumentation, and unique research capabilities that are often unavailable in private-sector laboratories. Companies of all sizes, from startups to established corporations, can partner with the NSRCs to advance pre-competitive research, explore new concepts, and solve complex nanoscale science challenges.

Access is available through a peer-reviewed user proposal, enabling companies to collaborate directly with leading scientists and technical staff in nanomaterials synthesis, characterization, fabrication, modeling, and device integration.

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Research Pathways for Industry

Non-Proprietary Research

Companies conducting research intended for publication may access NSRC facilities at no cost. These projects benefit from collaborative scientific engagement and open dissemination of results.

Proprietary Research

The NSRCs also support proprietary research through full cost-recovery agreements. Proprietary projects allow companies to protect confidential information, maintain intellectual property rights consistent with federal regulations, and work under appropriate non-disclosure agreements when needed.

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Why Work with the NSRCs?

Industry users gain access to:

• Integrated expertise across synthesis, fabrication, characterization, and theory
• Collaborative support from leading scientists and engineers
• State-of-the-art nanoscience instrumentation and facilities
• Specialized capabilities not typically available commercially
• Connections to the broader DOE national laboratory ecosystem and user facilities

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Getting Started

Industrial users are encouraged to engage with NSRC scientists early to discuss project feasibility, technical capabilities, and proposal development. Whether your work is exploratory, application-driven, or proprietary, the NSRC user program provides a flexible pathway to accelerate nanoscience innovation and technology development.