TCD Hosts International Conference on Science and Technology of Synthetic Metals (ICSM)

Posted on: 03 July 2006

More than 1,000 delegates including three Nobel Prize winners were in attendance at the International Conference on Science and Technology of Synthetic Metals (ICSM) hosted by Trinity College on 2-7 July last.

Commenting on the significance of the conference and its theme of nanotech research, TCD’s Professor of Physics Werner Blau stated: “A synergy between synthetic metals and nanotechnology has emerged and is providing ground-breaking  scientific and industrial possibilities. The topic of this conference is perfectly aligned with Irish national science and technology strategy and will showcase Ireland globally as a leading player in the field, both scientifically and industrially.”

The ability to manipulate matter in nanotechnology opens up a whole new range of possibilities in engineering and medicine. Synthetic metals such as conducting polymers and carbon nanotubes are being applied to a diverse range of uses such as electronic noses, nerve cell communication, plastic solar cells and electronic textiles among others.

Commenting on the significance of these developments, Professor Werner Blau stated: “Complex instruments and sophisticated theories combine to provide fundamental insights into the atomistic properties of material. These in turn make it possible to design new material for specific purposes and to envisage new technologies with a view to improving our quality of life, health and environment.”

The conference which lasted a week featured a series of  key note addresses from the Nobel Laureates, Professors, Alan Heeger (Institute of Polymers and Organic Solids, University of California), Alan MacDiarmid (Departments of Chemistry and Physics, University of Texas, Dallas) and Sir Harold Kroto (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry).

The conference which was hosted by Trinity College was organised by an Irish programme committee including scientists and engineers from DCU, DIT, UCD, NUI Maynooth, NUI Galway, UCC, University of Limerick as well as  Trinity College.

The event was grant-aided and sponsored by Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Forfás, Discover Science & Engineering and Fáilte Ireland.