A resolution honoring the life of and expressing the condolences of the Senate on the passing of Dr. Richard Errett Smalley.

Whereas Dr. Richard Errett Smalley opened the field of nanotechnology with his 1985 discovery of a new form of carbon molecules called buckyballs, and for this, in 1996, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with Dr. Robert Curl and Sir Harold Kroto;

Whereas the research and advocacy done by Dr. Smalley in support of the National Nanotechnology Initiative led to the development of a revolutionary area of science that will improve materials and devices in fields ranging from medicine to energy to National defense;

Whereas the accomplishments of Dr. Smalley in the field of nanotechnology have contributed greatly to the academic and research communities of Rice University, the State of Texas, and the United States of America;

Whereas Dr. Smalley has been described as a Moses in the field of nanotechnology;

Whereas Dr. Smalley is credited with being the Father of Nanotechnology;

Whereas Dr. Smalley is considered by Neal Lane, a former Presidential science adviser, as a real civic scientist, one who not only [did] great science, but [used] that knowledge and fame to do good, to benefit society, and to try and educate the public;

Whereas Dr. Smalley devoted his talent to employ nanotechnology to solve the global energy problem, which he believed could ultimately solve other global problems such as hunger and water shortages;

Whereas the dedication and devotion of Dr. Smalley to science led to his receipt of numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Public Service Medal from the United States Department of the Navy and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Small Times Magazine;

Whereas Dr. Smalley, along with Nobel Laureate Michael Brown, was a founding co-chairman of the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, and Science, which was founded to further enhance research in Texas; and

Whereas the legacy of Dr. Smalley will continue to grow as scientists build upon his work and reap the benefits of his discoveries: Now, therefore, be it