CATRIN takes part in the Week of the Czech Academy of Sciences

A visit by students from the Secondary Medical School in Karviná marked the start of the Week of the Czech Academy of Sciences at CATRIN, Palacký University Olomouc, on Monday. CATRIN takes part in the annual science festival, which features lectures, exhibitions, visits to research facilities, documentary films, workshops and a wide range of other activities covering all scientific disciplines across the Czech Republic.

“This is our first visit to CATRIN, but we regularly take our students to scientific institutions, whether during the Week of the Czech Academy of Sciences or at open days. We want them to experience the academic environment and hopefully inspire some of them to pursue university studies,” said biology teacher Hana Haroková.

CATRIN researchers introduced the visitors to various microscopes, including a high-resolution transmission electron microscope, and demonstrated their potential applications. The students also learnt about nanomaterials, graphene and the use of nanoparticles in medicine, and had the opportunity to take part in the preparation of nanofibres.

“During the nanofibre preparation session, I tried to explain to the students what types of nanofibres exist, how they can be modified and what they are used for. As they were students from a medical school, we focused primarily on medical applications, including the use of nanosilver in wound healing and in combating antibiotic resistance,” explained CATRIN researcher Jana Soukupová.

The festival continues at CATRIN until the end of the week, offering registered visitors a glimpse into the fascinating worlds of materials science and plant research.

The sixth edition of the Week of the Czech Academy of Sciences takes place at various locations across the country until 8 November. The full programme is available at https://www.tydenavcr.cz/program/#c=0.