Nanotechnology research and development is a top priority of the current Administration. Scientific and technological breakthroughs in the ability to measure, manipulate and understand matter on the atomic and molecular scale are enabling the development of novel structures, systems, and devices. Realizing the full potential of the discoveries requires multidisciplinary efforts among researchers as well as truly interdisciplinary work by those who can bridge the "languages" and cultures of biology, physics, chemistry and engineering. The National Nanotechnology Initiative is a coordinated multi-agency federal research program that supports not only fundamental and applied research but also development of necessary tools and infrastructure, education and workforce development, and the study of societal issues. The future of nanotechnology rests in particular on advances in instrumentation and materials processing capabilities, two areas that are central to the interests of the AVS and the expertise of its members.