Within the framework of the Setmana de la Ciència (Science Week) ICN2 received two institutional visits: Aules d’Extensió Universitària of Sant Pau, composed by people over 55 years old, and Font del Ferro Institute, composed by teenagers who made a tour through the UAB Campus.
La Setmana de la Ciència (Science Week) is an initiative devoted to the dissemination of science in Catalonia and Spain. From November 11 to November 20 lots of different activities and events were celebrated such as open days, expositions, talks, games, scientific workshops and other science-related activities. This year's edition was the 21st! The 2016 Catalan Science Week is an initiative supported by institutions such as CSIC and the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation.
The dissemination of research results is a strategic objective for ICN2. The Marketing and Communication Department coordinates such activities in collaboration with highly motivated researchers and professional from all parts of ICN2. The Institute collaborates with European and Spanish initiatives for the dissemination of science. For instance, ICN2 participates in the NANO2ALL project which aims to put responsible research at the core of its methodology to create a climate of dialogue and engagement around nanoscience.
Within the framework of the 2016 Science Week, ICN2 received two visits. Early in the morning, the Marketing and Communication Department welcomed a group from the Aules d’Extensió Universitària of Sant Pau, an initiative devoted to old people organised by the UAB Institute of Educational Sciences. Later, was the time for the Font del Ferro Institute from Palafolls. The age range was pretty singular: in the same day people from 16 to 80 years visited ICN2.
Both groups enjoyed a similar program at ICN2. After a welcome, Àlex Argemí, Head of the ICN2 Marketing and Communication Department, made and introductory presentation about the nanoworld. Later, the visitors discovered the research centre through small talks made by ICN2 researchers. First, they visited the Electron Microscopy Division where Marcos Rosado, a Specialist technician, described their work and facilities. Next, was the turn of the Nanostructured Functional Materials Group; Miguel Ángel Moreno, a Doctoral student, presented their laboratory and also explained, briefly, their investigation lines. After the visit to the laboratories, a short farewell session took place.
If this entry deals with how the 2016 Science Week was lived within the ICN2, the next one (Science Week (2/2): Researchers bring nanoscience outside ICN2) details the activities the researchers did outside the Institute, such as talks or lectures at different places along the week.