2024 European Researchers’ Night

CNR Nano is excited to participate in the 2024 Researchers' Night, a Europe-wide event that showcases the wide range of scientific disciplines and their impact on everyday life in a fun and inspiring way. This year's edition will be held across 25 countries on Friday, 27 September.

Cnr Nano unit of Modena and Pisa will take part in this celebration with interactive demonstrations, seminars and a "scientific speed date," contributing to local activities in downtown Modena and at the Cnr Research Area in Pisa. Special attention will be given to highlighting the role and contributions of women in scientific research, recognizing their vital impact in the field.

Since 2013, CNR Nano has been actively involved in the European Researchers' Night, reflecting its strong commitment to bringing research and researchers closer to the public, to spark interest in science and research careers among young people and to demonstrate how the work of researchers impacts everyday life.

Come join us on 27 September 2024 to celebrate research, science and innovation !

In Modena our researchers will be engaged in a "scientific speed date" dedicated to unveil the secrets of quantum mechanics as well as a playful and immersive laboratory. In Pisa two mini-conferences will highlight the potential of innovative nano-bio materials for health and environment. And a video will provide an engaging look at the vitality and talent of CNR's women researchers.

MODENA - within the initiative Unimore-Illumina organized by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia:

-  "Quantum Speed Date" – CNR Nano researchers will be ready to answer visitors' questions and spark their scientific curiosity ... but only for 7 minutes! In these brief, informal one-on-one chats with experts, attendees can dive into the principles of quantum mechanics or explore cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing and sustainable quantum materials.

Organized by Giovanni Bertoni, Claudia Cardoso, Matteo D'Alessio, Gaia Forghieri, Vincenzo Grillo, Massimo Rontani, Giacomo Sesti, and Filippo Troiani

Time/Venue: 20:00 - 00:00, Complesso san Paolo, via Camatta, 15, Modena.

-  Interactive Lab: "Explore Innovation: A Virtual Tour of Sustainable Polymers, Biosensors, and Antibacterial Materials" – a unique opportunity for the public to explore cutting-edge materials through an immersive virtual reality experience. Using a VR headset and hand controls, participants can interact with eco-friendly polymers designed for coffee packaging, learn about single-molecule biosensors that detect viruses in biological samples, and experiment with novel antibacterial materials.

Organized by Giorgia Brancolini, Alessandro Mossa, Andoni Ugartemendia, Alessia Papalini, Matteo Capone

Time/Venue: 20:00 - 00:00, Complesso san Paolo, via Camatta, 15, Modena.

PISA  - The event takes place within the initiative BrightNight by Regione Toscana.

Seminar: "Natural and Artificial Biomaterials for Biomedical and Environmental Applications" Biomaterials represent an innovative frontier in the fields of regenerative medicine and environmental sustainability. This seminar explores the use of both natural and synthetic innovative biomaterials, highlighting their potential in biomedical applications—such as tissue regeneration—and environmental applications, like water treatment. Some newly developed materials will be analyzed for their biocompatibility and sustainability properties. The goal is to foster awareness of innovative solutions that combine practical efficiency with environmental respect, opening new perspectives in disease treatment and the conservation of natural resources. Speaker Antonella Battisti (Cnr Nano)

Time/Venue:18.00-18.20, Aula 30, Area della Ricerca del Cnr di Pisa, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa.

Seminar: "The Nanoworld Within Us: A Journey from Nanomaterials to Our Brain" The seminar will introduce students to nanosciences and their applications in life sciences, with a focus on our nervous system. Participants will learn about the use of biomaterials and their potential applications in regenerative medicine, as well as how they can be used to study neuron behavior in the brain. Speaker: Ilaria Tonazzini.

Time/Venue: 18.30-18.50, Aula 30, Area della Ricerca del Cnr di Pisa, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa.

Video: "300x100. Protagonists of Research" - As part of the Bright Tech Talk program, a series of 8-minute talks centered around women's contributions to science, CNR Nano presents "300x100. Protagonists of Research" This engaging video showcases the vitality and talent of the female researchers at CNR, inspired by the #womenatCNR social media campaign and realized by Lorena Affatato (IPCB), Marcello Marelli (SCITEC), Luisa Neri (NANO), Maddalena Scandola (NANO), Michela Tassistro (SCITEC).

Time/Venue: 09.00, Auditorium, Area della Ricerca del Cnr di Pisa, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa.