TCD Scientist Highlights Benefits of Multidisciplinary Research for Future Applications of Nanoscience

Posted on: 22 November 2010

Combining the discipline of chemistry with nanoscience, research lecturer in TCD’s School of Chemistry and Principal Investigator in the Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Dr Silvia Giordani has highlighted how a multidisciplinary approach to research can bring about new advances and added benefits for future applications of nanoscience.  As head of an international and interdisciplinary research group at TCD, Dr Giordani and her team are currently working on a range of carbon-based nanomaterials that are intended for applications in new bio-medical diagnostic tools and environmental monitoring.

New developments emerging from nanoscience are proving to underscore the technologies of the future, creating a positive economic impact for the nation.  Current research in nanoscience, which is the study of objects less than 100 nanometres, is now yielding the next generation of microelectronics, drug delivery systems and medical imaging techniques among many other areas, attracting significant industry interest in Ireland.

Following a degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology at the University of Milan and a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Miami, Dr Giordani studied various aspects of nanotechnology as a post-doctoral fellow at both TCD and the University of Trieste.    Dr Giordani represents a new generation of multidisciplinary scientists.  Her ability and achievements were recognised in 2007 when she won the prestigious Science Foundation Ireland President of Ireland Young Researcher Award (PIYRA) for a research proposal entitled ‘Functionalising Nanotubes with Molecular Switches for Smart and Sensitive Devices’.  To date, Dr Giordani has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications that have received over 1000 citations and her results have been highlighted in renowned scientific publications such as Nature, Science and the New Scientist.

Dr Silvia Giordani, research lecturer in TCD’s School of Chemistry and PI in CRANN.

Dr Giordani’s teaching also extends to the enhancement of the general public’s understanding and appreciation of academic research which leads her to actively teach lectures to secondary school students both in Ireland and in Italy on the importance of science in our daily lives.  She has been recognised for her professional achievements in a predominantly male field and has been invited to speak at a Women in Science Workshop.  Most recently, she was a keynote speaker at Bergamo Scienza Conference in Italy which is a three weeks-long celebration art and science attended by over 100,000 visitors.

In recognition of the importance of nanotechnology on Ireland’s future, a new nanoscience undergraduate degree programme entitled ‘Nanoscience – Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials’ jointly run by the Schools of Chemistry and Physics was recently launched in Trinity College.  The contributions of current researchers such as Silvia Giordani will likely inspire the next generation of young scientists and ensure the future success of both fundamental and applied nanotechnology.