Nanoscience involves research that leads to the controlled creation of structures that are 1 - 100 nm in size and possess unique characteristics. This rapidly developing field promises to offer countless technology advancements to society and has been termed the next industrial revolution. The field of nanoscience highlights the new interdisciplinary approach to science, by requiring a fundamental understanding of physics, chemistry, and biology. It is essential for today's students to appreciate that an interdisciplinary scientific training is required to be literate in science.

The mission of the UW-W Nanoscience Symposium is five-fold:

1. to increase awareness of the basic tenets of nanoscience and its applications on the UW-W campus and the surrounding community,
2. to introduce UW-W students and faculty to career and job opportunities in nanoscience,
3. to increase student involvement and undergraduate research in nanoscience,
4. to highlight the reliance of nanoscience on interdisciplinary contributions, and
5. to enhance interdepartmental collaboration.