VITM museum to soon start a ‘nano-lab'

Nanotechnology seems to be the toast of the town lately and soon, Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM) will be getting in the game as well. VITM director Dr Shivaprasad Khened said the museum might soon start a ‘nano-lab’ in an attempt to drum up interest among children.

“We set up a similar nano-lab in Kolkata on an experimental basis,” he said. With this initiative, VITM will introduce nanoscience and nanotechnology concepts to schoolchildren and college students.

CNR Rao disapproves
However, scientist and prime minister’s science advisory council chairman, Prof Dr CNR Rao, who is at the forefront of nanotechnology research, had apprehension about the project.

“I don’t know anything about the project and I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. I hope they bring in people who are well-versed with nanoscience,” he said.

And what will be part of the nano-lab?

“We will feature microscopes such as the Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) and electron microscopes. Children can use them (microscopes) and they will be given ‘costumes’ (lab coats) so they get a feel of what it’s like to be a scientist,” added Khened.
As for the science itself, volunteers will walk  the students through the basics of nanoscience and concepts that make it useful in fields such as medicine.

He elaborated that the plans for the lab are at a nascent stage and the budget is yet to be approved.

“Hopefully, by the next financial year, we can begin the programme,” he said.