11th International Conference on Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology

Material scientists, chemists, physicists, biologists and engineers from all over the world engaged in stimulating discussions covering materials for new energy systems, quantum computing and the study of protein structures.

AMN11 2025 involved a series of outreach initiatives demonstrating real world applications for the science including public lectures, activities for local schools and events to connect investors and startups.

The conference programme focus was on the transition towards a regenerative and circular economy by connecting materials science to solve real world issues such as clean energy, and drawing on Mātauranga Māori principles around community engagement and sustainable practices.

The event succeeded in showcasing Christchurch's and New Zealand’s capabilities in materials science and nanotechnology capabilities and initiatives, merging industry, startups, and expert science.

Public outreach

Connecting nanoscience in an interactive way with a public audience was a key focus for AMN11 2025. This served to both strengthen the local scientific community and excite the next generation through outreach activities for schools, public lectures, and to expand investment and business connections for Christchurch.

It gave opportunities for local audiences to connect with internationally renowned speakers and delegates in Christchurch.

Professor Moungi Bawendi, who won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots, shared his knowledge first hand with a public audience in Christchurch. He is a Professor at MIT in Boston where his laboratory applies nanomaterials for light emission, photodetection, spectral sensing, solar energy harvesting, and bio-imaging applications. Professor Bawendi delivered a public lecture connecting with the community and leveraging the University of Canterbury’s public lecture series (UC Connect) to achieve attendance of over 650 people, with plenty of questions from a highly engaged audience.

Professor Róisín Owens, Professor of Bioelectronics at the University of Cambridge a Plenary speaker at AMN11also engaged with a nationwide audience in a long-form feature interview with Radio New Zealand. Her work has wide public interest and involves studying the gut-brain connection, using innovative and groundbreaking ways of testing human cells.

With the help of MacDiarmid Institute scientists, Tūhura Otago Museum organised a Pop-Up Nano booth that ran on Saturday and Sunday at Tūranga public library. Over 80 people visited the Pop-Up station over the weekend. As well, 80 school students participated in the ‘People Like Me’ workshops during the week-long conference.

Connecting science with industry

Tech Tasters Session was designed to demonstrate commercialisation of the science, with a deep tech showcase and networking opportunities.

Local and international scientists and entrepreneurs came together for this public session alongside the conference.

New Zealand scientists making an impact on the global stage with innovations in clean energy were highlighted. Two of the five New Zealand companies presenting were Christchurch-based: Munro Medical based in Christchurch – makers of innovate orthopaedic implant devices, and Fabrum - solving clean energy needs with its patented cryogenic technology.

Legacy outcomes

Conferences like this provide many opportunities for creating impact, whether through public outreach and engagement or connecting science with industry to forge future working relationships.

Prof. Aaron Marshall, Principal Investigator at MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology and lead at the Marshall Electrocatalysis and Electrochemical Engineering Research Group at the University of Canterbury highlighted the outcomes:

“For me, personally, I set up two new collaborations between international speakers and one of my start-ups – a sustainable liquid energy source - which was an unexpected bonus,” he said.

Overall, the feedback from delegates and speakers was overwhelmingly positive. Many commented on the world-class quality of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, appreciating both the facilities and its central location, which made it convenient and enjoyable to explore Christchurch.