”Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood". These words of Maria Skłodowska-Curie are perfectly embodied by the members of the student research group SKN NANO. Anna Ornatowska discusses what solutions the young chemists are focusing on in their work, which may support humans and the environment in the future.
NANO Student Research Group is one of the oldest in the Faculty of Chemistry. Where did the idea for such an initiative come from?
NANO was founded by students of the Faculty of Chemistry at Lodz University of Technology in 2009. Initially only nanotechnology students belonged to the group, so the name of the research group was derived from the name of the faculty. The original founders wanted to create something new, bring together a group of students willing to do something and make history at the university. I think that these aims have been maintained ever since, and the faculty can be proud of our achievements.
NANO is igniting young people's passion for chemistry. What are your ways of popularizing science?
Each demonstration, workshop and participation in projects or conferences has brought us not only satisfaction, but also awards and prizes for young scientists. We are especially proud of the 'Research Group to Children’ initiative. This is a series of chemistry demonstrations at Residential Children's Homes in Lodz. Interesting experiments and scientific anecdotes allow us to introduce the youngest to the world of chemistry and add some color to the grey pandemic reality. I hope that in the future this initiative will continue and spread throughout the region.
Since you mentioned the pandemic reality, did you manage to operate without hindrance?
The pandemic meant that we had to move our weekly meetings from Room G-11 at the Institute of Polymer and Dyes Technology to computer screens. There were some advantages to this, it was easier for us to set a common meeting date and invite more guests. With the aim of getting members more active in lockdown, we came up with the 'Newsweek' series, i.e. short presentations on news from the world of science or issues of interest to young chemists.
What plans and goals do you have for the near future, already operating stationary? Are you going to change the world?
Back at university, we have moved full steam ahead. We travel to national scientific conferences, organize demonstrations and workshops, and take part in numerous projects. We even created a portable laboratory station, which was awarded and funded by the 23rd Council of Research Groups.
It enables greater safety for experimenters and observers. Thanks to the Research Group's budget, we were also able to purchase a 3D printer, so we will be learning the secrets of this technique in the near future.
And the world? Yes, we intend to make a difference. Thanks to hydrogels, which are the main focus of the participants in the project 'Recovery of heavy metals from water using environmentally friendly hydrogels'. I can't give away much about this, as it is in its early stages, but I think you can expect nothing but good news about the research.
And you, how did you end up in NANO? And what does working in it give you?
When I started my studies in the first year of nanotechnology, I attended demonstrations prepared by members of the NANO Scientific Research Group. I became so interested that I became involved in the club's activities. My activity was noticed by my colleagues. I then became treasurer of the association, the following year I took on the position of secretary, and at the beginning of 2021 I started as president. I think this role allows me to combine my passion for science, learning new research methods and curiosities from the world of
Certainly, working in the Research Group made it easier for me to make new friends and, because of the experience of my older colleagues, to get to know the lecturers or the structure of the university. Being part of the Research Group taught me how to work in a group, organize my time and plan my career path. I believe that the skills I acquired at university translate into real-life activities within the Research Group. I hope this will help me find my way in the job market. Many graduates have used the scientific contacts made thanks to the club. Some of our members continue their scientific work as second-level students and doctoral students at Lodz University of Technology.
I always say that the club allows us to broaden our knowledge, but it also teaches us to be solidarity-minded and to help others. We are not only members of the club, but also a close-knit group.
Can someone join you at any time?
You need to attend at least three meetings to become an official member; you also need to fill in a membership declaration. Any undergraduate or postgraduate student of Lodz University of Technology can join the club at any time during the academic year. If anyone had questions or would like to find out more about us, it is best to contact us by email: nano@info.p.lodz.pl or social media (Facebook: Studenckie i Doktoranckie Koło Naukowe NANO, instagram: skn_nano).
The research group meets once a week, and the exact date changes every semester. We always try to adjust the day and time to suit all members of the group, which is not an easy task, given that we study different subjects and come from different years. Currently, there are 30 active members in the research group from fields of study such as nanotechnology, chemical analytics and chemistry. This may change soon, as we are currently recruiting new members.
Interview: Paulina Krygier
Photos: private archive