The microworld under the magnifying glass: DEM offers a programme for children, schools and science enthusiasts

The Days of Electron Microscopy (DEM) traditionally explore the heroes and villains of the microcosm. This year's edition will introduce bacteriophages - invisible heroes that destroy bacteria and help maintain balance in nature. A series of events will bring these microscopic viruses closer to the public, with scientists from the CEITEC BUT research center also participating. The festival, taking place from March 24 to 30 in Brno, will offer visitors insights into the nanoscale world, visits to laboratories, and hands-on experience with microscopes.

Bacteriophages are inconspicuous but indispensable heroes of the microcosm. They fight bacteria and are especially useful where antibiotics fail. Scientists from Brno-based companies and institutions, including experts from CEITEC BUT, will explain to festival visitors how these and other invisible heroes and villains function, along with their main benefits and negative impacts.

During the Days of Electron Microscopy, festival participants will dive into the nanoscale world and experience science firsthand in a program with Petr Viewegh. They will discover the villains and heroes of magnetism in an engaging science show and examine materials for tissue engineering under the microscope, such as collagen foams, bone cements, or cartilage replacements. Children and their parents will also experiment with electrons.

On Saturday, March 29, participants will get a glimpse into CEITEC Nano’s laboratories, which are cleaner than an operating room. These facilities, normally inaccessible to the public, contain ten thousand times fewer dust particles than a regular room, so a special protective suit will be a mandatory part of each visitor's equipment.

CEITEC BUT experts will also introduce science enthusiasts to the high-end Helios dual-beam microscope and explain why this device is crucial for modern research. Additionally, they will use the microscope to analyze an ion source or the polished surface of a mobile phone camera component.

Experts from Brno University of Technology have also prepared a special program for primary and secondary schools, introducing students to the world of electron microscopy and its many secrets. School groups will attend lectures and visit cleanroom laboratories at CEITEC BUT, where they can see top-tier microscopes and other research instruments up close.

A Global Nano Hub

Brno has long been one of the leading centers of electron microscopy worldwide. The development of this field involves private research companies such as Tescan, Delong Instruments, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, as well as public institutions.

Brno University of Technology plays a significant role in advancing electron microscopy and is actively involved in organizing the festival. Electron microscopy is one of the university's strategic research areas, pursued both in research and education. The founder of electron microscopy in the Czech Republic, Armin Delong, spent much of his career at Brno University of Technology and would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year.

The Days of Electron Microscopy are intended for families with children, schools, and the professional public. Some parts of the program require reservations. All festival information is available on the event website.