This award provides partial support for the Seventh International Conference on Aerogels, a triennial multidisciplinary meeting focusing on the fundamental and technological aspects of these unique nanosystems. The aerogel field spans the chemical, physical, biological, engineering, and materials sciences and the scope of this symposium ranges from traditional interests in broadening the synthetic and processing strategies for fabrication of aerogels to increased emphasis on applications of aerogel nanoarchitectures, including creating improved performance in energy storage and conversion devices, sensors, and remediation materials. This four-day meeting will bring together the leading American and international scientists in this area in a setting populated by a diverse group of younger and more established investigators.
Broader impacts of this symposium and of NSF support of it include the significant presence of women among the plenary speakers, reduced registration costs for students, significant interaction of young US scientists with international leaders in the field, and an aerogel sculpture display that enhances public appreciation of nanoscale science and engineering.
