Success in the scientific activities held in Cerdanyola, Terrassa, and Barcelona for the Science Week 2024

The Science Week has been the largest event for science, open to all audiences and ages, in Catalonia and Spain. The Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona organized its traditional guided tours of the institute, opening its doors in three different shifts with previous reservations, a workshop in Terrassa, and also collaborated in a discussion organized by the CSIC Delegation in Catalonia. In total, there were three activities in Cerdanyola, Terrassa, and Barcelona, which brought together more than sixty people, with nine people from the institute involved, including both researchers and technicians: five women and four men.

Guided Tours at IMB-CNM

The IMB-CNM offered guided tours to learn more about the history and evolution of microelectronics, the cutting-edge research being conducted, and the functioning of the electronic devices we use every day. The institute opened its doors for three scheduled shifts, two in the morning and one in the afternoon. A total of 30 people registered, and two of the shifts were fully booked before the event.

The tours included the Zenon Navarro Microelectronics Space and the Micro and Nanofabrication Clean Room (the perimeter corridor and service facilities), a Unique Science and Technology Infrastructure (ICTS) recognized by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. The tours lasted an hour and a half and were led by researchers and technicians from the IMB-CNM, who shared their unique perspectives on the center. Three shifts were held with the following people:

• Cecilia Jiménez, a researcher with a background in Chemistry, specializing in sensors within the Chemical Transducers Group (GTQ). Cecilia has had a long career at the IMB-CNM, where she also served as deputy director. Recently, she co-founded the technology-based company Aiquos S.L., coordinates the PTI Digital Science initiative, and leads several research projects.
• Jordi Antoja, a postdoctoral researcher trained in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the UAB, currently an engineer in the institute’s quantum technologies lines. He also collaborates within the Nanofabrication and Nanomechanical Systems Group (NANONEMS). 
• Yohana López, a chemist specializing in Electrochemistry and also a member of the GTQ. She works as a technician, primarily on the Hydrosens project, which focuses on developing devices to detect hydrogen at room temperature.
• Xavier Mas, in charge of Maintenance at IMB-CNM and responsible for the Clean Room service facilities. Xavier participated in two of the tours to explain how everything behind the white room operates: how water is deionized, how pH is managed in acids, and how air ventilation is controlled within the work areas.

The organization and registration control would not have been possible without Tomás Moreno and Jose Luis Ávila.

Workshop "The Chip: Discover the Transistor Community!"

On Sunday, November 17, a science outreach team from IMB-CNM visited the National Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia (MNACTEC) in Terrassa to host a family-friendly activity. Tickets were sold out a month before the event, and 20 people attended. The team members involved were Llibertat Abad, Carles Cané, David Sánchez, and Sabela Rey.

The workshop was a sequence about the evolution of microelectronics and its importance in daily life. The group was divided into three parts to actively participate in the different workstations: one focused on the evolution of technology and miniaturization, from the first home dial phones to mobile phones, and how electronics permeate digital society; another on chip manufacturing and the various processes carried out in a clean room, like the one at IMB-CNM; and the last one on electronic circuits and how they function as switches or amplifiers within a system.

This event was organized with the collaboration of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) · Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, as part of the project CHIP: Un viaje al circuito integrado (FCT-23-19658).

Debate "Art and Science"

IMB-CNM researcher Gemma Rius, a physicist specialized in nanoscience and quantum technologies, participated in the outreach and dance show "Sunset", held at the CSIC Delegation in Catalonia in Barcelona, as part of Inspiraciencia. Alongside her, physicist and science communicator Joaquín Sevilla, choreographer Carmen Larraz, and dancer and researcher María Cabrera (CCHS-CSIC) took part in the event.

29th Science Week in Catalonia

MB-CNM has been actively involved in Science Week for many years, aiming to engage audiences of all ages. The initiative is coordinated by the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI) in Catalonia, and this year marked its twenty-ninth edition. The events took place between November 8 and 17, featuring activities in various formats across multiple locations throughout the region, catering to all audiences.

Nationally, the CSIC's Deputy Vice Presidency for Scientific Culture and Citizen Science coordinates the Science and Technology Week during the same dates.