'Nano for Humanity' showcases the future of nano research

Imperial joined the London Centre for Nanotechnology to celebrate UK Nano Day and the transformative potential of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

UK Nano Day is celebrated annually on 10 September. The date of 10 September is symbolically chosen because it reflects the nanoscale: the prefix "nano" means one billionth, and 10^(-9) represents the nanoscale, which refers to structures sized between 1 and 100 nanometers.

This year, the London Centre for Nanotechnology organised an event at Imperial to celebrate UK Nano Day, raise awareness of its real-world applications, inspire future scientists, and promote scientific research. The theme of this year's event was 'Nano for Humanity', and researchers were keen to show how nanoscience is already enhancing our everyday lives.

The London Centre for Nanotechnology is a UK-based multidisciplinary enterprise operating at the forefront of science and technology.  Founded in 2003, the LCN is a joint venture between Imperial College London, University College London and King's College London.

Exploring the impact of nano

The event featured a range of cutting-edge nanoscale research through interactive exhibits and expert talks, allowing attendees to engage directly with scientists.

There were expert talks from Dr Reshma Rao, a Lecturer in the Department of Materials and the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, who spoke on energy conversion technologies; Dr Jack Gartside, a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow in the Department of Physics at Imperial, who discussed the future of materials for neuromorphic computing; and Dr Ciro Chiappini, a Senior Lecturer in Nanomaterials and Biointerfaces at King's College London, who presented on nanoneedles for healthcare.

Exhibits featured a range of research, including the opportunity for visitors to create nano bracelets, which led to discussions about the principles of nanotechnology and its real-world applications. Visitors could also learn more about advanced medical treatments driven by nanotechnology, discuss nano plasters and innovative bandages that accelerate healing and see the potential of microscopic tools in gene and cell therapies. The Advanced Graphene Lab-on-PCB exhibit also featured a new biochemical sensing platform.

Some exhibits also explored nano and quantum research, playfully exploring wave-particle duality and demonstrating quantum effects in everyday electronics. Researchers also highlighted the role of materials science in the energy transition, showcasing how manipulating matter at the atomic level can unlock new possibilities. Visitors could learn about the interactions of nanostructures with light in solar energy and see displays of how metallic nanoparticles interact with light.

The evening concluded with a Nano Dance, helping visitors to visualise nanotechnology principles by creatively linking scientific concepts with movement.

 Adapted from a release by the London Centre for Nanotechnology.