The NSERC CREATE Training Program in Nanomaterials Science & Technology (NanoMat) was an innovative training program at UBC that helped train a future generation of scientists and engineers in nanomaterials research. The program was funded by NSERC through the CREATE program, where CREATE stands for “Collaborative Research and Training Experience.” Nanomaterials can be applied to many areas of technology, and other sectors including healthcare products, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, alternative energy, and catalysis. As the nanotechnology and nanomaterials sectors increase, there will be a sustained demand for trainees that have strong knowledge and training in nanomaterials synthesis, characterization and application, are well-trained on nanoscience instrumentation, and have professional skills that will help them succeed in industry. NanoMat Trainees undertook interdisciplinary, collaborative research projects with a focus on alternative energy, the environment, or health. Through professional development, innovative coursework, and internships, more than 220 undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows benefited from the NanoMat program between 2013 and 2020. Although the funding for the program has ended, NanoMat courses and workshops continue to be delivered.

NanoMat was funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) CREATE program.