SHyNE is a solution-focused, open-access collaborative initiative operating under the umbrella of Northwestern’s International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN), in partnership with UC's Institute for Molecular Engineering (IME). SHyNE open-access user facilities bring together broad experience and capabilities in traditional soft nanomaterials such as biological, polymeric or fluidic systems and hybrid systems combining soft/hard materials and interfaces. SHyNE leverages an exceptional depth of intellectual, academic and facilities resources to provide critical infrastructure in support of research, application development and problem-solving in nanoscience and nanotechnology and integrates this transformative approach into the societal fabric of Chicago and the greater Midwest.



SHyNE facilities include more than 16,000 ft2 of cleanroom space between the PNF facility at University of Chicago and NUFAB at Northwestern that supports a wide range of micro- and nanofabrication processes. NUANCE Center at Northwestern houses an impressive array of state-of-the-art characterization equipment from electron microscopy to surface analysis and scanned probe instrumentation. The Simpson Query Institute (SQI) provides equipment and facilities for research at the interface of physical and biological science, such as peptide synthesis and a nanomedicine cleanroom. Other facilities include IMSERC (molecular characterization), the J.B. Cohen X-ray Diffraction Facility and NUCAPT (atom probe tomography).



SHyNE streamlines access to these facilities by providing unique and integrated capabilities for a variety of external researchers from the Chicago area, the greater Midwest and nationally. SHyNE also offers regional colleges and public institutions, including museums, the opportunity to access research and instrumentation training under one umbrella.