
On a night when the Royal Albert Hall was hosting the grand Proms, the London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) embarked on an exquisite journey from the grand to the infinitesimally small with the first-ever UK Nanoday. This unique event, held on September 8 at Imperial College London, showcased the mesmerising world of nanoscience while bringing science and music together in a harmonious blend.
The afternoon was off to a fantastic start with an enlightening workshop aimed at early-career researchers. Led by Dr Anna Ploszajski, this session delved into the art of 'storytelling for science', guiding the next generation on how to communicate intricate scientific concepts with panache and precision.
Later in the day, the real party began, with a promise to take attendees on a joyous ride across sound and light waves at the nanoscale via a panel session and exhibition, "All the Small Things - A Celebration of Waves" did not disappoint.
Chaired by Dr Jess Wade, the session was a delightful medley of LCN staff. Professor Andrew Fisher provided a masterclass on the physics of music. His deep knowledge as a theoretical condensed-matter physicist from UCL drew fascinating parallels between the world of nanoscience and music.
Dr Sasha Rakovich, a pianist at heart, delved deep into the harmonious relationship between music, mental health, and wellness. She uses music to allow her to unwind from her work at King’s, where she investigates nanobiophotonics.
Megan Grace-Hughes, the LCN Centre Manager at King’s, spoke about how she brings creativity to her role, by curating events and thinking up new ways to communicate research to the public.
The unanimous message from the panel was clear: fostering creativity is vital. Whether it’s in scientific research or day-to-day life, cultivating a creative mindset from a young age can open doors to unimaginable innovations.
The event also featured exhibits from groups across the LCN, including Chiral Crew, Complex Nanophotonics Group, The Cosmoparticle Initiative, CPLAS (EPSRC-funded programme grant), SPIE Lions, SPIN Lab and the Quantum Workshop. To top the evening off, attendees were taught how to dance like a Plasmon by Vittorio Aita from the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group at King’s.
UK Nanoday was an enthralling fusion of science and art, proving once again that science, even at the tiniest scales, can inspire creativity and celebration. It was not just a day to understand the 'small' wonders of the universe but also to appreciate the 'grand' symphony of life.
The event left attendees with a deeper appreciation for the vast possibilities of nanoscience and its impact on our world.
For those who missed this nanoscale jamboree, fret not. The melodies of the nanoworld will play again, louder and brighter, next year!
Links:
CPLAS, Complex Nanophotonics Research Group, Cosmoparticle Initiative, Photonics & Nanotechnology Group, SPIN Lab, Quantum Workshop