Alongside the conference, the public will have a chance to see some of the astonishing work of New Zealand scientists, through an exhibition of images from nanotechnology research.
Nanotechnology is the science of atoms and molecules and works on the scale of billionths of a metre. The structures are too small to be imaged by even the very best optical microscopes. The images in the exhibition are obtained from very large and expensive microscopes of other kinds, such as electron microscopes.
The exhibition of 50 images, Small Matters: art from the world of nanotechnology, opens at the Nelson Provincial Museum on 10 February and runs until 8 March.
“The images show another universe of strange and compelling geometry and irregular shapes that reveal the fundamental structures of matter,” says exhibition organiser and MacDiarmid Institute scientist, Professor Simon Brown from the University of Canterbury. “They are intrinsically aesthetic—and in many cases inspiring.
“At the same time, these nanomaterials have important applications—our scientists are learning to build custom-made materials with enhanced properties from the atoms up. For example, materials that are super strong or can interface with organic bone and tissues or which enable new generations of computer chips.
“Smart ‘nano-enabled’ materials may play a huge role in the medical, energy and environment sectors.”
The AMN-7 conference is bringing scientists from all around the world to New Zealand to share progress and map the way forward. MacDiarmid Institute Director and Victoria University of Wellington Vice-Provost (Research) Professor Kate McGrath is proud to be hosting the event in Nelson.
“Our science is up there with the best of them, and gives us the credibility and authority to host such a meeting. We are delighted to be showing off the best New Zealand has to offer, by having the conference in Nelson.”
The exhibition images will be available to purchase at a silent auction at the opening event, with proceeds going toward the building of a pest-proof fence at the Nelson Brook Waimarama Sanctuary.
For more information on the exhibition visit www.macdiarmid.ac.nz/nanoart