Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech) was awarded a $441,459 National Science Foundation Project Grant under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to conduct research titled "NSF-BSF: TAPERED BOTTLEBRUSH BLOCK COPOLYMERS: SYNTHESIS, SOLUTION SELF-ASSEMBLY, AND SIMULATIONS" from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2024. Through this funding, Virginia Tech will synthesize tapered bottlebrush block copolymers, study their self-assembly behavior in solution through experiments and computer simulations, and analyze the resulting nanostructures. The research aims to advance understanding of self-assembly at the nanoscale, in support of the NSF's goal to strengthen the nation's scientific enterprise through increased fundamental knowledge and enhanced comprehension of major problems.