The NanoShow
NPL has launched NanoLands in the virtual world of Second Life - a place where nano science and technology communities come together to exchange ideas and knowledge.
Based in the multi-disciplinary archipelago called the SciLands, Nanotechnology Island offers regular events and opportunities for people to attend presentations, meet, network and influence others in envisioning and defining the future of Nanotechnology.
The NanoShow is a bimonthly global seminar series. The dates and times of the events are given below.
To attend these events:
If you are already a Second Life member, click here to teleport to the NanoLands Auditorium.
If you have not used Second Life before but would like to participate in the event virtually, please follow these instructions:
- Register for free – Complete this registration form to create an account.
- Download Second Life – Login, select an avatar and begin the virtual experience.
- Take the tour – When you arrive in Second Life you can take a 10-minute orientation tour to take you through some basic training.
- Participate – At the end of the orientation path, there is a sign that says “Visit Nanotechnology Island! Click Here.” Click that sign and keep the landmark that it gives to you. Click “Teleport” on the landmark window. You will teleport to the foyer on Nanotechnology Island. The event is at the outdoor theatre. To get there, just walk outside, turn left, and walk along the path until you reach the theatre. Take a seat and join the discussion!




************ 18 December 2007 ************
Title: Nanotechnologies: Opportunities and Threats
Abstract: Nanotechnologies hold out the promise of major breakthroughs in healthcare, electronics, environmental protection, security - and many more - and are already delivering. But are these benefits out-weighed by potential concerns?
Presenter: Dr Kamal Hossain, Director of Research and International Cooperation, NPL, UK
Date: 18th December 2007
Time: 5pm GMT, 9am Second Life time (Pacific Time)
Location: NanoLands in Second Life and NPL Auditorium, Teddington
************ 15 January 2008 ************
Title: Metrology: A Tool to Enable Micro- to Nanotechonology
Abstract: It is now fully appreciated that metrology will play an integral role in the successful development and commercialisation of micro- and nanotechnology. To this end the UK Government, through the National Measurement System, funded several groundbreaking projects in its 2005 - 2008 Programme for Engineering Measurement. This review will briefly describe the background of the research, concentrating on the technical details of the projects. Projects include the development of traceable instrumentation to measure thin films, areal surface texture, very low forces and micro-scale geometry.
Presenter: Dr Richard Leach, Principal Research Scientist - Mass & Dimensional, NPL, UK
Date: 15th January 2008
Time: 5pm GMT, 9am Second Life time (Pacific Time)
Location: NanoLands in Second Life and NPL Auditorium, Teddington
************ 29 January 2008 ************
Title: Supporting Growth in Nanoproduction
Abstract: Much has been said about the predicted spectacular growth in nanotechnological production in the coming years. In order to sustain such growth, a considerable investment in technological and manufacturing/business infrastructure is needed. Part of that infrastructure is quality-assured metrology and standardisation in nanotechnology. This talk will review national, European and international efforts, particularly addressing nomenclature, metrology, risks and product specifications and including prenormative R&D in nanotechnology.
Presenter: Prof. Leslie Pendrill, Head of Research, Measurement Technology, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden
Date: 29th January 2008
Time: 5pm GMT, 9am Second Life time (Pacific Time)
Location: NanoLands in Second Life and NPL Auditorium, Teddington
************ 12 February 2008 ************
Title: Nano-Science and the Quantum World
Abstract: Nanotechnology has allowed us to engineer systems which can exploit novel quantum effects. Already a number of these have resulted in some interesting applications which will be discussed in this talk.
Presenter: Dr JT Janssen, Knowledge Leader, Time, Quantum & Electromagnetics, NPL, UK
Date: 12th February 2008
Time: 5pm GMT, 9am Second Life time (Pacific Time)
Location: NanoLands in Second Life and NPL Auditorium, Teddington
************ 8 April 2008 ************
Title: Nanomaterials: Enabling Innovation
Abstract: The things we rely on in our daily lives work only as well as the materials they are made of. Materials underpin major industries and steer global markets. Improving energy efficiency, communication and personal care require innovative materials, and nanomaterials have the best performance to meet these requirements. Among the factors that will influence the success or failure of nano-enabled products, some are economic or social, others are technical. Significant technical barriers come from a lack of understanding of nanoscale properties and the ability to characterise and engineer them to form useful materials and products. Other barriers are related to regulation such as classification and standardization of nanomaterials and processes, and the management of any health, safety, and environmental risks. We will discuss existing efforts to address the technical barriers and the health & safety aspect of nanomaterials.
Presenter: Dr. Alex Cuenat, NPL, UK
Date: 22 April 2008
Time: 4pm UK Time (BST), 8am Second Life time (Pacific Time) <– Note the time change
Location: NanoLands in Second Life and NPL Auditorium, Teddington

December 18, 2007 at 10:18 pm
[...] was the first Nano Show; a bi-monthly series of science lectures presented simultaneously in real life at NPL and in Second [...]
January 10, 2008 at 1:56 am
[...] Information about how to attend this event (if you’re new to SL) can be found at the NanoShow website. [...]
January 23, 2008 at 2:35 am
[...] Third NanoShow on 29 January The third NanoShow will be on Tuesday, January 29, at 1700 GMT, 9am Second Life time (Pacific Time). Prof. Leslie Pendrill will give a talk titled “Metrology and Standardisation: Supporting Growth in Nanoproduction.” To find out how to attend, and to read the full abstract of the January 29 talk, visit the NanoShow webpage. [...]
January 23, 2008 at 2:44 am
[...] Information about how to attend this event (if you’re new to SL) can be found at the NanoShow website. [...]
February 6, 2008 at 1:55 am
[...] Fourth NanoShow on 12 February The fourth NanoShow will be on Tuesday, February 12, at 1700 GMT, 9am Second Life time (Pacific Time). Dr. JT Janssen will give a talk titled “Nano-Science and the Quantum World.” To find out how to attend, and to read the full abstract of the talk, visit the NanoShow webpage. [...]
February 6, 2008 at 2:04 am
[...] Information about how to attend this event (if you’re new to SL) can be found at the NanoShow website. [...]