Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies

Founded in 2002, the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN) is a three-member team designed to leverage the unique capabilities of the US Army, industry, and MIT. The ISN mission is to dramatically improve the survivability of the soldier by working at and extending the frontiers of nanotechnology through fundamental research and technology maturation in collaboration with our Army and industry partners. This mission includes not only decreasing the weight that soldiers carry but also improving blast and ballistic protection, creating new methods of detecting and detoxifying chemical and biological threats, and providing physiological monitoring and automated medical intervention. The ultimate goal is to help the Army create a 21st-century functional suit that combines high-tech protection and survivability capabilities with low weight and increased comfort.

Each year approximately 50 faculty members from 12 MIT academic departments, including 6 SoE departments, 75 graduate students, and 45 postdoctoral associates participate in ISN research. ISN research is divided into five strategic areas:

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