“I have always been impressed by the work of the MacDiarmid Institute—nanotechnology is an exciting area that is really just emerging now. Since the early 2000s, there has been a lot of talk about the potential of nanoscience and nanotechnology, but it hasn’t been until now that we’ve seen breakthroughs and an impact on the economy.”
As Director of the Institute, Professor Nann will be providing scientific and strategic leadership and will also hold the role of Professor at Victoria University in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences.
“The most exciting science happens at the boundaries of disciplines, so my focus over the next five years is to bring scientists together, and to help our scientists engage with industry. There is great potential in nanotechnology to support high-value manufacturing, which is driven by the chemical and physical sciences. You can use it to design everything from better touchscreens, to more effective medicine and better sunscreens.”
Professor Nann succeeds Professor Kate McGrath, who served as Director of the Institute from July 2011, and has recently taken up the role of Vice-Provost (Research) at Victoria University.
“I wish Thomas well in the role of Director, although I am also quite envious of him. The role is challenging and rewarding, and comes with amazing experiences and opportunities. The Institute has a strong standing in national and international research sectors, and with a good team in place and secure funding to support them, I am excited about their future. I am confident they will do some amazing things in and around the research, deliver the highest quality research possible and ultimately make a difference for people.”
Professor Nann’s most recent role was as Associate Director of the Ian Wark Research Institute at the University of South Australia and Director of the South Australian node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF). His research interests are broad and encompass nanomaterials for energy conversion and storage and the field of nanomedicine.
The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology is a national Centre of Research Excellence, comprising a network of New Zealand’s leading scientists, leveraging strength across the country and internationally. The Institute builds materials and devices from atoms and molecules, developing and applying cutting-edge techniques in physics, chemistry and engineering. The Institute also trains entrepreneurial and socially aware young scientists, many of whom go on to work in industry or start their own companies, in a culture of excellence and collaboration.