ICN2 Joins the 10alaMenos9 Festival of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology for Another Year

by Chema Arcos

The institute had a significant presence at the 10th edition of the 10alamenos9 Festival, a major science outreach event in Spain and Latin America. Through guided tours, talks and workshops, ICN2 made its cutting-edge research more accessible to the public.

This year's edition marks the 10th anniversary of the 10alamenos9 Festival, a science outreach initiative that aims to raise awareness of the nanoscale and share the latest advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology with a diverse audience. Taking place annually in various cities across Spain and Latin America, the festival includes regular contributions from ICN2, particularly in activities hosted in Barcelona and on the UAB campus.

On 8 May, as part of an initiative organised by the UAB, ICN2 welcomed secondary school students to its facilities. During the visit, the students toured other research centres on campus, including ICMAB and IMB-CNM. At ICN2, they had the opportunity to learn about the work of the Atomic Manipulation and Spectroscopy Group with Esteve Ribas and the Nanobioelectronics and Biosensors Group with Dr Danilo Echeverri. The day also featured a roundtable discussion about career pathways in nanoscience, hosted by the Faculty of Science. Dr Marta Delgà, former researcher and current member of the ICN2's Strategy Team, participated as a speaker.

On 9 and 10 May, the festival continued at the CosmoCaixa Science Museum in Barcelona, offering an extensive programme open to the general public. There were talks, interactive workshops, panel discussions and live science shows. This part of the event was organised by University of Barcelona's Scientific and Technological Centres (CCiTUB), and featured researchers and communicators from various research centres, including ICFO and ICMAB. ICN2, represented by Ana de la Osa and Chema Arcos from the Communications team, hosted a stand where visitors of all ages could take part in a workshop showcasing some of the institute’s most innovative technologies.

By participating in the 10alamenos9 Festival, ICN2 reaffirmed its commitment to science outreach to inspire the next generation of nanoscientists.