Development of nanotechnologies at the Technical University of Moldova between 2001-2024

Abstract

The New Nanotechnology Initiative promoted in the USA at the very beginning of the XXI Century had a strong impact on the development of nanotechnologies in the whole world. Being in 2001 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, I witnessed the process of launching the new initiative. Moreover, in autumn 2002 I attended the Conference organized by the European Commission to launch the EU 6th Framework Programme which had nanotechnologies as an important component. Being impressed by the decision of the authorities in the USA and the European Commission to invest in the development of nanotechnologies, we decided to create a nanotechnological infrastructure at the Technical University of Moldova. We started with the purchase of a Scanning Electron Microscope, an Atomic Force Microscope, equipment for the deposition of thin layers by sputtering as well as of equipment for electrochemical etching and deposition of electronic materials. The nanotechnological infrastructure served as the basis for the creation of the National Center for Materials Study and Testing (NCMST) (https://ncmst.utm.md/en).