During 2025, the Department of Energy hosted the NanoLab Talks, a seminar series organized by the NanoLab research group (Micro- and Nanostructured Materials) with the aim of promoting cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary dialogue, and networking opportunities among students, researchers, and faculty.

The program featured a rich schedule of events, addressing a broad range of topics spanning nanoscience, materials chemistry, and energy-related applied research. The seminars highlighted the work of high-profile researchers from both national and international institutions:

January 27 – Clear Science, Dark Science
Gianfranco Pacchioni (University of Milan–Bicocca)

February 11 – The Astronomical and Cosmological Revolution of the 16th–18th Centuries: Timing and Modes of Its Affirmation
Marco Beghi (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano)

February 25 – Multiparametric Optical Characterization of Aerosol
Marco Potenza (University of Milan)

May 21 – How to Get a Raman Spectrum from Surfaces & Thin Films
Sebastian Heeg (Humboldt University of Berlin)

September 16 – Synthesis of Azulene-Embedded PAHs
Bartolomej Pigulski (Wroclaw University, Poland)

October 9 – Exploring the Flatland of 2D Materials through Chemical Functionalization for Energy and (Opto)Electronics
Teresa Gatti (Politecnico di Torino)

October 30 – Shaping Spin, Chirality and Quantum Effects in Carbon-Based Nanomaterials
Sushant Kumar Behera (University of Pavia)

November 13 – Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes on Metal Surfaces
Francesco Tumino (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano)

December 18 – π-Stacking Interaction of Nucleobases in DNA: Damage, Conformation, and Biological Function
Alessandra Picchiotti (Universität Hamburg)

The strong participation and lively discussions accompanying each meeting confirmed the value of a format centered on research quality, knowledge sharing, and scientific collaboration.

As an integral part of the Department of Energy, NanoLab is proud to promote initiatives that strengthen the scientific community and enhance the work of its researchers.

Special thanks go to the organizing team for their dedication and commitment in making the NanoLab Talks an engaging and accessible experience for the entire Politecnico community.