In the University strategic plan UB 2020, Integrated Nanostructured Systems (INS) has been identified as one of the ten strategic strengths. In this strategic planning process, the UB 2020 Academic Planning Committee has recognized the CoHNS initiative as one the most important among existing and potential strengths for successful development of INS (UB2020: Integrated Nanostructured Systems). This field is expected to have a tremendous impact on new technological breakthroughs in material science, electronics and photonics, and their applications to biological research, medicine, information technology, and energy efficiency. This program focuses on the translation of nanomaterials/structures into devices and the application of these devices in a number of strategic areas/applications, i.e., technical advances for industrial competitiveness, biomedicine (human health), information technologies, and the environment and society. Figure 1 shows schematics of how INS and its pertinent areas of applications can be viewed. Nanoscience is the epicenter of the concentric circles of potential applications. The outermost applications require experts to identify the specific implementation of nanoscience/nanotechnology. In aggregate, these applications have a remarkable potential for positive scientific and economic impact. The faculty members associated with CoHNS will provide the impetus for the development of a collaborative community that can help to develop new nanodevices and hybrid systems that will provide solutions to the problems in applications ranging from information technologies to biomedicine. Research conducted in CoHNS will have broad-ranging impacts - from healthcare (biofunctional and biomimetic nanoparticles for bioimaging, bioassays, and diagnostics), to homeland security (local and remote chemical and biological agent detection).