Polytec PI Inc. of Auburn, Mass., has announced an annual award worth $25,000 to support the work of US and Canadian graduate and postdoctoral researchers in the fields of optics, nanotechnology and biotechnology. The PI (Physik Instrumente) NanoInnovation Grant will be paid in the form of PI nanopositioning equipment of the winning applicant's choice.

Eligible to apply are those from academic institutions and research laboratories who, as principal investigators, are engaged in research that can be enabled by the company's equipment and technologies. Each entrant must be sponsored by a faculty supervisor.

The deadline for submitting applications is Dec. 31, with award announcements scheduled for March 31, 2004. Multiple award winners may be selected. Applications, which will be reviewed by a scientific advisory board, should describe the project and the type of equipment required. Further details are provided on the company's Web site.