Scientists gather to share advances in nanotechnology

30 October 2016
Scientists gather to share advances in nanotechnology

Scientists from 27 countries are gathered in Wellington this week to share the latest advances in nanotechnology, superconductors, high-end manufacturing, and ion beam technology.

They are attending the 20th International Conference on Ion Beam Modification of Materials at Te Papa. It is the first time this five-day conference series has been hosted in New Zealand.

Ion beam technology is where a beam of charged atomic particles is used for a wide range of purposes. This includes electronics, manufacturing of things such as superconductors and ceramics, and developing novel space-age materials with superior properties to conventional materials.

As well as New Zealand, other countries represented at the conference include Australia, the United States, Japan, China, South Africa, France, Germany, India, Israel, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Poland.

Lead organiser, John Kennedy of GNS Science, said hosting the conference here was a reflection of the impact New Zealand is making with its contributions in this niche area of science.

" There are many exciting developments on the horizon in this area of science that will bring positive changes to the way we live our lives and New Zealand is leading the way in some areas."

Dr Kennedy said the global market for products produced by this area of science was growing rapidly and New Zealand was looking to build on its export successes to date.

The conference is jointly hosted by GNS Science, the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Visit the conference website at: http://www.ibmm2016.nz
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