Istituto Nanoscienze is an interdisciplinary research institution with a broad scope of research in nanoscience and nanotechnology. We strive to better understand nanostructures and nanodevices by applying fundamental research as well as emerging technologies to tackle important challenges faced by society. We foster knowledge and innovation in several fields, such as the national key areas for research and innovation, with particular reference to energy, ICT, health, and environment.

Istituto Nanoscienze (Cnr Nano) was founded in 2010 and is part of the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Cnr) – the Italian National Research Council. Its labs and offices are located in Pisa, at the Nest Laboratory of Scuola Normale Superiore, and in Modena, within the scientific campus of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Currently, its staff and associated researchers sum up to about 170 people, 30% of which are female scientists.

Central to its mission is also to provide broad training to the next generation of scientists in nanoscience at Master, PhD, and postdoctoral levels through courses, seminars, and access to cutting-edge experimental infrastructures. We strongly collaborate with Universities and with national and international research centres and companies. One of the main features of the Institute is the presence of an elevated number of research infrastructures at high technological level and of a critical mass of research activities in the framework of the Horizon Europe program. Cnr Nano puts a great effort in disseminating its research results to the media and in establishing a dialogue with the general public through various science communication activities, with the aim of sharing information about nanotechnology in general and its work in particular.