The expertise and interests of our scientists span the range of basic physics, materials science, energy storage and conversion, biotechnology, and biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics. BICAMN encourages and coordinates projects that reflect the two facets of nanoscience mentioned above. Among our projects are those that probe the structure and properties of nanoscale materials and assemblies with novel electromagnetic and optical properties, as well as those that explore the structure and applications of variously shaped nanoscale particles or surface films. Within our materials fabrication effort (the Marie Curie Training Site for the Fabrication of Nanoscale Materials) are projects that deal with unique fabrication methodologies, including both self-assembly and directed construction approaches. They afford unique opportunities for creating superstructures with unique chemical or biological features. They provide for unique catalytic activity and/or allow for useful encapsulation and/or permit direct interaction (often with specific recognition) with other materials of sub-micron dimensions.