U3A Visit

Prof. Andrei Khlobystov explaining how the nmRC instruments work

U3A 'How do they do that?' Group visit to the nmRC.

The Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre (nmRC) and Interface and Surface Analysis Centre (ISAC) were delighted to host a visit from the University of the Third Age's (U3A) Southwell Chapter on 19th September 2019. The chapter's special interest group 'How do they do that ?' came for a morning themed around microscale and nanoscale imaging and analysis, what it entails and how it is used to better understand the world around us and support ground breaking research.

The U3A itself is a UK-wide initiative which brings together people in their 'third age' (typically after retirement or on career breaks) to develop their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and informal environment. The group therefore contained interested individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, but all of whom shared an interest in how this type of science is carried out.

The group's visit was co-ordinated by ISAC's Business Manager Matt Piggott, and they were first treated to an introductory talk titled 'It's a Small World' from the nmRC's co-director Prof. Paul Brown. Paul set the scene for what the nmRC is as a facility and why the infrastructure and expertise contained within it underpins so many research disciplines that have a direct impact on public life.

Susequently the group heard from Dr Mike Fay, a senior electron microscopist at the nmRC on how the centre has started using some of its high end microscopes to visualise the nanoplastics (particles just 1 billionth of a meter in size) that may occur in the food chain.

They then had an opportunity to tour the nmRC to see in person some of the cutting edge instrumentation. Furthermore some of the expert staff were on hand to collect microscale images of samples brought in for the session by the group as a memento and demonstrator.

The morning was a huge success and thoroughly enjoyed by all, including the staff members involved!

The nmRC is more than happy to welcome requests for visits and events that can support public outreach. For more information please contact pc-nmrc-nmrcenquiries@nottingham.ac.uk.