Zimbabwe International Nanotechnology Center

Paras Prasad lab.

Leading research centers partner to launch a national nanotechnology research program.

In 2012 two of UB's leading research centers—the Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics; and the New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences—agreed to help launch the Zimbabwe International Nanotechnology Center (ZINC). The University of Zimbabwe and the Chinhoyi University of Technology are partners in this national nanotechnology research center. CIGBS is a key collaborator in the program that focuses on nanomedicine and biosensors research at the University of Zimbabwe and energy research at the Chinhoyi University of Technology.

ZINC will establish a long-term international research and training platform in the field of nanotechnology in areas that promote Zimbabwe's strengths. Additionally it will advance the development and commercial growth of nanotechnology in that country.

ZINC evolved from the NIH Fogarty International Center, HIV International Research Training Program first awarded to UB and UZ in 2008. It conducted HIV research training and built capacity in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries in southern Africa.