Opening the conference at Te Pae Convention Centre, UC Acting Tumu Tuarua Rangahau | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Peter Gostomski welcomed delegates on behalf of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology and the organising committee. He acknowledged the distinguished speakers and researchers driving progress in materials science and nanotechnology.
“AMN exemplifies the power of connection – bringing together chemists, physicists, biologists, and engineers to bridge disciplines and spark new ideas,” Professor Gostomski said.
The conference featured cutting-edge research, including UC-led projects in mechanobiology, carbon-free iron production, and low-emission materials. Professor Aaron Marshall, AMN11 Conference Chair, highlighted the event’s role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and tackling global challenges.
A highlight of the week was the public lecture by 2023 Nobel Prize Laureate in Chemistry, Professor Moungi Bawendi, who spoke on the journey "From Curiosity to Technological Impact." His pioneering work on quantum dots—one of the first materials to inhabit the realm of nanoscience —exemplifies the real-world impact of fundamental research.
The week was packed with high-impact presentations and networking opportunities, inspiring breakthroughs in energy systems, quantum computing and beyond, while also showcasing the vibrant, innovative city of Christchurch.
UC will also be welcoming Office of Naval Research Global Science Director Dr Clint Novotny to UC’s Ilam campus tomorrow, where he will be learning all about our wide range of technology research.
