Introduction

CRANN’s Education, Outreach and Communications mission is to engage in a broad range of activities that raise awareness and understanding of the institute’s activities in nanoscience and science generally, within the academic community and society at large. Nanoweek, held in 2011 from January 31st - February 4th is a good example of the type of initiative with which CRANN engages a range of audiences. You can watch highlights of this week from December 2009, and learn a bit more about nanotechnology by watching the video below.

The Science Gallery, a flagship forum for science communication in Ireland, occupies the ground and first floors of the Naughton Institute, which also houses CRANN. CRANN has made a major contribution to this effort, seeding development of the concept and fundraising for the Science Gallery.

One of the fundamental educational responsibilities of CRANN is to support the work of third and fourth-level students. This is achieved principally through the professional laboratory training of postgraduate students. CRANN’s Principal Investigators make significant contributions to both graduate and undergraduate education through their teaching positions, providing a unique multidisciplinary perspective on science to all students associated with the centre.

CRANN works with secondary schools on a number of outreach programmes, including Debating Science Issues, a Transition Year programme and school visits.

To obtain additional information on CRANN’s Education and Communications activities contact the Communications and Education Manager, Mary Colclough at: mary.colclough@tcd.ie