Nanoscience - the study and manipulation of matter on length scales ranging from ~ 1 nm to ~ 100 nm - is an area of research where the traditional barriers between scientific disciplines (physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, etc..) are eroded. This convergence of the sciences naturally gives rise to exciting new interdisciplinary research programmes and projects which involve PhD-level training spanning a number of fields. The University of Nottingham therefore established an Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Centre (IDTC) in Nanoscience in 2003, bringing together internationally-recognised groups in Physics, Chemistry, Materials, and Pharmaceutical Sciences/ Biomedicine to work on a variety of cutting edge and challenging research projects.
 
In addition to funding a broad range of interdisciplinary projects, the IDTC not only provides training in state-of-the-art nanoscience themes and techniques but, via, for example, presentations at internal and external conferences and workshops, enhances students' transferable skills. The IDTC lecture and seminar series feature tutorials and talks by leading nanoscience researchers both from Schools within the University of Nottingham and from UK- and European institutions.