The SIO Grafen 2D Graduate Network gathered in Lund for a spring meeting.
– Overall, a superb meeting, said Samuel Lara-Avila from Chalmers.
On May 8th, around 30 young researchers began with a study visit at MAX IV for insights in the worldclass synchrotron laboratory.
– It’s always exciting to visit MAX IV, especially now that we got to learn some of the new research trends in key beam lines, and connector beam line scientists with our community, said Samuel Lara-Avila, Associate Professor at Chalmers and involved in the graduate network.
After talks by Roland Kadár from Chalmers and Kim Nygård, Craig Polley and Alex Zakharov from MAX IV the night ended with a walk through the sunny city and a network dinner.
Nanoscience quality
May 9th was dedicated to NanoLund, Sweden’s largest research area for nanoscience, where Director Anders Mikkelsen and Project Manager Anna-Karin Alm showed the ropes.
– We have seen a great interest in your visit from our young researches in Lund, so they will come and listen to your presentations and do their own, said Anders Mikkelsen, before displaying the ongoing work at NanoLund.
Luke Hankin, head of Lund Nano Lab, a part of MyFab, then gave an overview of the 1200 m² nanotech lab of which 600 m² is a cleanroom.
Mission accomplished
The day ended with presentations from members of the 2D Graduate Network and their counterparts at Lund University. Nazanin Emami, Professor of Machine Elements at Luleå University of Technology and involved in the network, was impressed with the progress made.
– I am very happy that we visited NanoLund. 2D materials is a branch of nanotechnology and there are so many interesting areas of collaborations and also learning from each other. There were lots of great questions and agreements among presenters and audience to continue the discussions and keep in touch. I think that is mission accomplished, she said.
Reaching next level
After two intense days, the young researchers were happy with the meeting.
– It’s interesting to get a broader picture on what is going on. Sometimes it is hard on your own, and here we have a really good community. It helps us to collaborate and getting to the next level, said Alok Ranjan from Chalmers.
Text and photo: Jonas Löfvendahl
Said about the 2D Graduate Network
Why is the network important?
– I believe there are many reasons why our network is invaluable. Over the years, we have seen many interdisciplinary collaborations emerging from our meetings. Our gatherings have been a contact point for the recruitment of some of our members into companies that have attended our events, says Samuel Lara-Avila.
Why are these meetings important?
– Advanced materials’ including 2D materials and nanotechnology have high importance in the big tech shift at high speed, among Swedish industries. That is why it is extra important to create interfaces for young scientists to meet and interact. Many of the ideas for start-ups and collaborations commence, says Nazanin Emami.
➡️ Get involved in the 2D Graduate Network: here!
