It’s a small world: NANOtechnology Exhibit opened by Australia’s Chief Scientist

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, officially opened the NANOtechnology Exhibit at the Wollongong Science Centre this week.

As a joint project between the Wollongong Science Centre and the next-door ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), part of the exhibit was designed by ACES PhD students Joseph Giorgio, Cathal O’Connell, Yang Yang and Willo Grosse, who jumped at the opportunity to communicate her work with the public.

“The thing that excites me the most about nanotechnology research is the endless possibilities,” said Willo.

“It’s a fast moving field of science that sometimes blurs the boundary between science fiction and reality, and as researchers we are constantly challenged to think and problem solve in new ways. I love my job!”

ACES Director Gordon Wallace addressed the capacity audience of 70 at the launch, commending the effort put in to the exhibit over a period of three years.

“This exhibition gives us researchers an opportunity to share our excitement and our vision with the community,” said Prof Wallace.

“I applaud the tremendous contributions made over the three years, in particular I applaud the vision, tenacity, resourcefulness and incredible patience shown by Glen Moore. He was never in doubt that we would get where we are today.”

Learning about something that is a million times smaller than the width of a needle point isn’t easy, but the exhibit makes Nanotechnology easy to understand for everyone.

Full of easy-to-understand information all about Nanotechnology, the exhibition also features an exciting Nanocam show in the Planetarium where you can see into the tiny and wonderous Nano-world, plus many interactive exhibits including a microscope through which you can read a complete copy of the bible printed on the area of a small coin.

“This is the first exhibition completed entirely within the Science Centre’s own workshop,” said Wollongong Science Centre Director, Glen Moore.

“It is intended to address the need for both the general public and school students, to understand important new technologies and also to appreciate Australia’s role in researching and developing practical applications for these technologies.”

NANOtechnology is now open at the Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium.

Pictured top: from left Glen Moore, Prof Judy Raper, Prof Ian Chubb, Prof Gordon Wallace
Below: Willo Grosse and Joseph Giorgio
Bottom: Launch attendees exploring the exhibit