Beginning in 1999, the nanotube conferences were created to provide an informal setting to exchange the most current information in the rapidly evolving nanotube research field.

The strong interest in the topic and the conference format has encouraged a growing number of participants and attracted speakers and guests from around the world. 

Starting with NT03, the first international conference was held at Seoul National University in Korea. By that time, the Asia-Europe-Americas "continent swapping mode" emerged as a pattern. The NT04 conference was held in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The NT05 conference has been brought back to Europe. NT06 took place in Japan, NT07 in Brazil, NT08 in France, NT09 in China, NT10 in Canada, NT11 in the U.K., NT12 in Australia, NT13 in Finland, NT14 in the USA, NT15 in Japan, NT16 in Austria, NT17 in Brazil, and NT18 in China.

The conference has become a hub for nanotube research activity, with leading researchers presenting their findings during oral presentations and poster sessions. 

Rice University was selected as the host for NT20 (now NT21 conference) due to its leadership in nanotube technology research.

The late Rice University, Professor Richard Smalley and Rice Professor Robert Curl played an important role in creating and developing the NT community, culminating in their receiving the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. For the university, hosting NT21 (virtually) is a testament to the institution's dedication to continued research in the field of nanotubes. 

Pictured below are Professor Richard Smalley (left) and Robert Curl (right).