The University of Utah’s move to the Pac-12 promises exciting times ahead from an athletic perspective. Although less publicized, joining the ranks of some of the world’s most prestigious research universities ushers in even more exciting times for Utah’s economy.

One area of research, in particular, stands out as an unparalleled opportunity. Perhaps the largest impact for the U. may take place on a much, much smaller playing field in the realm of nanotechnology research and development.
Slice a meter-long object a billion times and you have the unit of measurement called the nano. Nanotechnology deals with the manipulation of particles at the atomic and molecular level. This science is affecting everything from medicine and energy to computing and telecommunications. It promises to make the likes of drugs, solar panels, chip manufacturing and wireless components faster, cheaper and more efficient. For example, fiber optic lasers are being studied at the U. to heat up extremely small gold nanorods inside cancer cells. This process consequently burns the cancer cells from the inside out.

Through the leadership of USTAR — the Utah Science Technology and Research initiative — the University of Utah is quickly becoming a national leader in the commercialization of nanotechnology research. The upcoming completion of a major new building on the Utah campus will further position the university for success in the sciences.