This week The National Museum of Science and Technology (anche in italiano) in Milan Italy opens a new Nanotechnology Area. This is a real research lab where visitors can observe researchers at work, ask questions and approach the cutting edge and fast growing area of nanotechnology.

The area is aimed at adults and children over ten years of age and offers a hands-on exposure to nanotechnology and its possible application.

The project contains a working research laboratory, and Visitors will have the opportunity to observe scientists at work, interact with them and discover the world of nanotechnology through nano products, interactive exhibits, audiovisual facilities and educational activities. Visitors are invited to come to the museum and “disturb” the researchers, in order to understand what nanotechnology is and express their views about what they learn.

The area will be open to visitors during normal Museum opening hours and during a number of weekends, the first being this coming weekend 6-7 March.

The nanotechnology area is created within the Project NanoToTouch funded by the Seventh Framework Program of the European Union – Science in Society Action. The project aims to create innovative environments in which non-specialist visitors can discover and discuss aspects of the research on nanotechnology. Researchers “step out” of universities to bring their research environment, labs and work into science museums and science centres and in contact with the public.

Other Open Nano Labs are located in Munich, Milan and Gothenburg, while the research areas are in Mechelen, Tartu and Naples. All the young researchers involved in the project have been specially trained by the National Museum of Science and Technology to help apply this innovative communication strategy.