New York City is looking for a partner for an applied-science facility that will hire hundreds of researchers in nanotechnology and environmental, materials and computer science in the next 10 years. The city, seeking economic benefits and a new talent pool, will donate property and funds. Some 27 universities worldwide have expressed an interest; the city will issue a formal request for proposals by September. Offers can come from single universities or teams, and potential for economic development is the main selection criterion. Mayor Michael Bloomberg says a winner will be chosen by the end of 2011.