This event took place on Thursday 28 February 2019.


A whole world smaller than the eye can see, where particles are barely larger than an atom. 

    Nanotechnology brings together a myriad of specialisations to push the frontiers of science, uniting revolutionary new medicines, imaging technologies, electronics, robotics, industrial materials, and synthetic biology.
      • With nanotechnology, we can connect our brains to computers - but should we?
      • Now that DNA can be artificially replicated, what could happen next?
      • Could nanotechnology provide a solution to the antimicrobial resistance threat?
      Perhaps most importantly, what are the possible dangers of technology that takes place at such a small scale, and evolves so rapidly? 

      Join Professor Richard Handy as he takes you on a journey through the incredible world of nanotechnology, following his insightful lecture with an open Q&A session.

      Covering topics as broad as the environmental impacts of using nanotechnology, through to its application in food packaging and medical treatment, Richard also draws from his experience working with international policymakers to explore how these new technologies can be regulated and used safely. 

      Professor Richard Handy is internationally renowned for his work on nanotechnology, and has served on many international working groups and scientific committees, including the OECD, and US NNI. He is a founder member of the UK Nanotechnology task force working on aspects of ecotoxicology, and also an expert on whole animal biology.

      His leading research has included studying the impact of nanomaterials in marine and terrestrial wildlife, and in soils and aquatic environments, the health effects of particle pollution, and early steps into the emerging field of quantum biology. 

      Complementing his academic prestige is his successful fiction and non-fiction writing, which brings popular science to the public with research informed re-imaginings of history – in particular, what could have happened if certain technological developments had taken a different path?

      All are welcome to the University of Plymouth's Public Research Lecture series, to hear the fascinating - and often surprising - talks from leading experts and their perspectives of our world through a research lens.

      Need-to-know
      This event is open to the public and free to attend. We recommend reserving your place using the above link to guarantee a seat.