The $8 million in federal funding will go to the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) to oversee the center, which is expected to develop nanotechnologies for enhancing the performance of microelectronics for military applications.

Possible areas of focus for the center include nanomaterials for thermal management, hybrid nano/microstructures and devices, transparent electronic devices and materials, and active cooling.

"This decision demonstrates that our investments in Oregon nanotechnology are already paying off, and we are now poised to cement our position as a national leader in this field," said Wyden. "The state is jumping to the head of the line for nanotechnology research, nanotechnology talent and nanotechnology jobs for today and tomorrow."

ONAMI is a collaborative effort among the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Portland State University, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the state of Oregon, and the high-technology industry cluster of Oregon and southwest Washington.