Ναˆνος
Organized by the Sapienza School of Advanced Studies (SSAS)

Nanos: Can the invisible reshape our future?

Bridging fundamental physics, surface chemistry, and advanced engineering—featuring world-renowned pioneers in single-atom aberration-corrected microscopy, topological quantum computing, CVD graphene heterostructures, plasmonic neuro-technologies, and eco-friendly cultural heritage restoration.

September 17–18, 2026
Sapienza Università di Roma, Aula Amaldi
Free Admission (Registration Required)
00 Days
00 Hours
00 Minutes
00 Seconds
Explore 2-Day Program

Also happening: MORE-TEM 2026 Conference

In the days preceding our event, don't miss the MORE-TEM project conference, featuring our keynote speakers Prof. Haider and Prof. Suenaga as Principal Investigators. Discover MORE-TEM 2026 →

Vision & Scope

Bridging Nanotechnology, Materials Science & Medical Innovation

Targeting Bachelor's students, Master’s students, PhD candidates, and active researchers, this conference bridges high-level theoretical discoveries and transformative real-world applications across physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Our distinguished seminars explore the frontiers of modern nanoscience: from sub-Angstrom single-atom imaging and topological quantum computation with Majorana fermions, to CVD graphene & terahertz polaritonics, 3D plasmonic neuro-biosensors, and eco-friendly nanorestoration of cultural heritage.

2D Materials & Graphene Aberration-Corrected Microscopy Terahertz & Quantum Optics Topological Superconductors Reticular Chemistry (MOFs) Nanofluidics & Nanomedicine Cultural Heritage Conservation

Why Attend?

Direct Lab Access

Gain practical experience in cutting-edge AFM microscopy, nanomedicine formulation, and plasmonic simulations.

Structured Networking

Engage directly with speakers during dedicated Q&A sessions, organized coffee intervals, lunches, and the scientific aperitif.

Prestige & Excellence

Hosted at Sapienza University's historic Aula Amaldi, bringing together top minds across Europe and Japan.

Overview

Schematic Programme

A concise two-day overview — from morning seminars to afternoon workshops and labs.

Day 1 — Wednesday, September 17, 2026
Advanced Physics & Nanomaterials
08:00 – 09:00 Registration & Welcome
09:00 – 09:50 Maximilian HaiderCEOS GmbH & KIT, Germany
09:50 – 10:40 Kazu SuenagaOsaka University & AIST, Japan
10:40 – 11:10 Coffee Break & Networking
11:10 – 12:00 Alessandro TredicucciUniversità di Pisa & NEST-CNR, Italy
12:00 – 12:50 Carlo BeenakkerLeiden University, The Netherlands
12:50 – 14:30 Lunch Break
14:30 – 15:20 Poster Session
15:20 – 16:10 Camilla ColettiIIT & CNI@NEST, Italy
16:10 – 17:00 Gabriella Di CarloCNR-ISMN, Italy
17:00 – 17:10 Conclusions of Day 1
17:10 – 18:00 Scientific Aperitif
Day 2 — Thursday, September 18, 2026
Reticular Chemistry & Nanomedicine
09:00 – 09:50 Francesco De AngelisIIT, Italy
09:50 – 10:40 Giulia SerranoUniversity of Florence, Italy
10:40 – 11:10 Coffee Break
11:10 – 12:00 Invited Speaker (TBC)Advanced Reticular Chemistry & Nanoscale Frameworks
12:00 – 12:50 Invited Speaker (TBC)Nanofluidics & Nanomedicine Frontiers
12:50 – 14:30 Lunch Break
15:00 – 18:00 Parallel Hands-on Workshops & LabsAFM · Nanomedicine · THz · Nanowires · Heritage · Simulation
Schedule

Detailed Program

Alternating comprehensive seminars (40-min talk + 10-min Q&A) with practical hands-on sessions.

08:00 - 09:00

Registration, Welcome & Institutional Greetings

Aula Amaldi Foyer, Sapienza University of Rome

Morning Session: 2D Materials, Optics & Quantum Electrodynamics

The frontiers of atomic investigation and the control of light and matter.

09:00 - 09:50

Maximilian Haider Maximilian Haider CEOS GmbH & Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany

Title: Achievements by correction of aberrations of modern electron microscopes
Details ▾
Abstract: The compensation of aberrations of electron optical lenses was a known theory over 6 decades before the realization of the appropriate hardware led to a dramatic change in the performance of transmission electron microscopes. This technique will be explained by showing the limitations of resolution due to theses aberrations and how the development of aberration correctors did improve the situation over the last 30 years. And this development is ongoing till today.
09:50 - 10:40

Kazu Suenaga Kazu Suenaga Osaka University & AIST, Japan

Title: From Single Atoms to Single Molecules: Exploring Matter with Electrons
Details ▾
Abstract: Can we see a single molecule? Can we identify a single atom? Modern electron microscopy and spectroscopy provide positive answers to both questions. This lecture will offer an accessible introduction to the technologies that make this possible and showcase recent achievements in single-molecule imaging and single-atom spectroscopy. These advances are opening new pathways for understanding and designing functional nanomaterials.
10:40 - 11:10

Coffee Break and Networking

Connect with speakers and attendees over refreshments
11:10 - 12:00

Alessandro Tredicucci Alessandro Tredicucci Università di Pisa & NEST - CNR-NANO, Italy

Title: Micromechanical Bolometers arrays for Terahertz hyperspectral imaging
Details ▾
Abstract: Thermomechanical bolometers show great potential as uncooled THz detectors. Here, I will discuss the use of this technology in the realization of a THz camera system composed by 256 pixels with all-electrical and maximally multiplexed frequency read-out. I will further report on the possibility of introducing advanced capabilities, such as false-color hyperspectral imaging, and on how to enhance performance, for instance by inclusion of nano-carbon absorbing layers, and by exploiting mechanical nonlinearities to increase transduction responsivity. Finally, I will present first results of passive black-body detection in feedback-based readout configurations, as well as a few preliminary application concepts.
12:00 - 12:50

Carlo Beenakker Carlo Beenakker Leiden University, The Netherlands

Title: Quantum computers and Majorana fermions
Details ▾
Abstract: Quantum physics has been with us for a century, but it is only now that we are learning to apply its strange logic to computations. A quantum computer promises solution for problems in drug design and materials science that are intractable on an ordinary computer. In this lecture it will be given an introduction to quantum computers, with particular attention to the role played by an elusive particle predicted by Ettore Majorana in the 1920's.
12:50 - 14:30

Lunch Break

Organized lunch & discussion intervals

Afternoon Session: Creating and Preserving (Synthesis & Nanorestoration)

How we design new materials and how nanotechnology saves our past.

14:30 - 15:20

Poster Session

Interactive poster presentations and scientific networking across all conference topics
15:20 - 16:10

Camilla Coletti Camilla Coletti Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia & CNI@NEST, Italy

Title: To be confirmed
Details ▾
Abstract: To be confirmed
16:10 - 17:00

Gabriella Di Carlo Gabriella Di Carlo CNR-ISMN, Italy

Title: Sustainable Materials for Metal-based Heritage Conservation
Details ▾
Abstract: Preserving metallic cultural heritage over the long term, including both artefacts and components in built structures, demands sustainable solutions that can reliably mitigate degradation. This talk will focus on the development of multifunctional protective systems derived from renewable resources, illustrating the journey from materials design and laboratory validation to application in real-world conservation scenarios.
17:00 - 17:10

Conclusions of the First Day

Summary of scientific highlights and 10-minute wrap-up discussions
17:10 - 18:00

Scientific Aperitif

Informal networking, refreshments, and scientific exchange over aperitifs

Morning Session: New Medical Frontiers & Molecular Structures

From fluid control on a nanometric scale to applications for human health.

09:00 - 09:50

Francesco De Angelis Francesco De Angelis Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Italy

Title: Hybrid interfaces between living cells and plasmonic transducers
Details ▾
Abstract: The ability to interface with electrogenic cells and monitor their functional state is fundamental to neuroscience, pharmacology, and cell biology. We investigate, both theoretically and experimentally, the interactions between nanostructured biosensors and living human neurons, with the goal of establishing a stable intracellular interface. Our approach combines plasmonic nanostructures for enhanced optical spectroscopy, nanostructured electrodes for intracellular electrophysiology, and nanoneedles for targeted intracellular delivery and sampling. In this talk, I will present our strategy for multimodal intracellular sensing and discuss its potential for studying neuronal function at the single-cell level.
09:50 - 10:40

Giulia Serrano Giulia Serrano University of Florence, Italy

Title: Magnetic molecules for quantum technologies and sensing
Details ▾
Abstract: Quantum technologies require scalable hybrid platforms where localized spin states can be coherently manipulated and interfaced with collective quantum excitations. Magnetic molecules provide an attractive building block thanks to their tunable spin properties, chemical versatility, and ability to host single- and multi-spin architectures. Here, I will show how coupling magnetic molecules to superconductors enables both the control of localized spin states toward fault-tolerant quantum technologies and the use of single-molecule magnets as highly sensitive local probes of superconducting states.
10:40 - 11:10

Coffee Break

Morning networking and discussion interval
11:10 - 12:00

Invited Speech 3

[International Expert Speaker — To Be Confirmed]
Focus: Advanced Reticular Chemistry & Nanoscale Frameworks
12:00 - 12:50

Invited Speech 4

[International Expert Speaker — To Be Confirmed]
Focus: Nanofluidics & Nanomedicine Frontiers
12:50 - 14:30

Lunch Break

Preparation for afternoon practical workshops

Afternoon Session: Hands-on Workshops & Lab Sessions

Parallel practical sessions and in-depth technical seminars running simultaneously (15:00 - 18:00).

15:00 - 18:00

Parallel Hands-on Workshops & Laboratories

Participants divide into specialized lab sessions hosted at Sapienza research facilities
Explore detailed descriptions below and reserve your specific laboratory slot during registration.
View All Labs
Invited Speakers

Distinguished International Faculty

Renowned pioneers, inventors, and prize laureates shaping the future of matter and light.

Maximilian Haider

Maximilian Haider

CEOS GmbH & KIT, Germany
Aberration-Corrected Microscopy

Pioneered aberration-corrected electron microscopy, enabling atomic-scale visualization of materials. Principal Investigator of the MORE-TEM project.

Kazu Suenaga

Kazu Suenaga

Osaka University & AIST, Japan
Single-Atom Imaging & Spectroscopy

Pioneer in single-atom imaging and electron energy-loss spectroscopy in low-dimensional nanomaterials. Co-investigator of the MORE-TEM project.

Alessandro Tredicucci

Alessandro Tredicucci

Università di Pisa & NEST - CNR-NANO, Italy
Terahertz Photonics & Polaritonics

Works at the intersection of terahertz physics and quantum optics. Contributed to the development of the first Terahertz Quantum Cascade Laser.

Carlo Beenakker

Carlo Beenakker

Leiden University, The Netherlands
Mesoscopic Physics & Quantum Transport

Theoretical physicist with broad contributions to mesoscopic physics, quantum transport, and topological superconductors hosting Majorana fermions.

Camilla Coletti

Camilla Coletti

IIT & CNI@NEST, Italy
2D Materials & Graphene Synthesis

Leads research on scalable CVD synthesis of graphene and 2D heterostructures for applications in photonics and electronics. Coordinator of IIT Graphene Labs.

Gabriella Di Carlo

Gabriella Di Carlo

ISMN-CNR / Sapienza University, Italy
Surface Science & Nanorestoration

Researches nanostructured coatings and surface chemistry with applications in the conservation and eco-friendly restoration of cultural heritage.

Francesco De Angelis

Francesco De Angelis

Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Italy
Plasmonics & Neuro-Nanotechnology

Works on 3D plasmonic nanostructures, nanopore technologies, and optical biosensors with applications in neuroscience and genomics.

Giulia Serrano

Giulia Serrano

University of Florence, Italy
Molecular Magnetism & Spintronics

Studies molecular magnetism and the behaviour of Single-Molecule Magnets on functional surfaces, with implications for quantum technologies.

Day 2 Afternoon (15:00 - 18:00)

Parallel Hands-on Workshops

Select your preferred experimental or computational laboratory on our dedicated Workshops Page to guarantee hands-on instrument access.

Ernesto Placidi
Ernesto Placidi
AFM Lab (Sapienza)

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

Hands-on scanning probe microscopy to investigate surface morphology, structural evolution, and mechanical properties of quantum dots and semiconductors.

Seats: 15 / 15 remaining
Reserve Lab Seat
M. Gioia Fabiano Eleonora D’Intino
M. Gioia Fabiano & Eleonora D’Intino
Nanomedicine Lab (Sapienza)

Nanomedicine Experience

Design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced lipid/polymer nanocarriers and targeted drug delivery vesicles for innovative therapeutics.

Seats: 15 / 15 remaining
Reserve Lab Seat
Leonetta Baldassarre
Leonetta Baldassarre
IR & THz Lab (Sapienza)

Absorption in Quantum Well

Explore infrared and terahertz spectroscopy, characterizing plasmonics and light-matter interactions inside low-dimensional quantum well systems.

Seats: 15 / 15 remaining
Reserve Lab Seat
Marta De Luca
Marta De Luca
Micro-Raman Lab (Sapienza)

Semiconductor Nanowires

Investigate the optical and vibrational properties of 1D semiconductor nanowires using micro-Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy.

Seats: 15 / 15 remaining
Reserve Lab Seat
Maria Laura Santarelli
Maria Laura Santarelli
Heritage Nanotech (Sapienza)

HERITAGE-LAB Nanotech

Practical application of materials science to historical artifacts: synthesizing and applying eco-friendly protective nanocoatings.

Seats: 15 / 15 remaining
Reserve Lab Seat
Marco Felici
Marco Felici
Photonics Lab (Sapienza)

Light and Photonics

Characterizing electronic and optical behavior of custom nanostructures for next-generation optoelectronic and photonic integrated circuits.

Seats: 15 / 15 remaining
Reserve Lab Seat
Tommaso Giovannini
Tommaso Giovannini
Computational Lab (Tor Vergata)

Computational Plasmonics

Perform theoretical simulations and quantum chemistry modeling of localized surface plasmon resonances in molecule-nanoparticle hybrids.

Seats: 15 / 15 remaining
Reserve Lab Seat
Call for Abstracts • PhDs & Young Researchers

Scientific Poster Session

Present your cutting-edge research before world-renowned speakers, senior faculty, and international peers at Sapienza University of Rome.

Why Submit Your Research?

The SSAS Conference Poster Session is specifically designed to give PhD students, postdocs, and early-career investigators an active platform to showcase their breakthroughs, receive constructive feedback, and establish collaborations across nanoscience and advanced engineering.

Direct Scientific Networking

Engage directly during the dedicated coffee & networking sessions with international plenary speakers and top Italian researchers.

Peer Discussion & Visibility

Present your research methodology and preliminary or published findings directly to the interdisciplinary academic community and conference attendees during open gallery sessions.

Format & Technical Setup

Posters should be printed in standard vertical A0 format (84.1 × 118.9 cm). Display stands, mounting panels, and materials will be provided on-site at the Aula Amaldi foyer.

Abstract Submission Deadline: 5 September 2026
Early submissions are recommended due to limited exhibition panel slots.
Online Portal Open

Ready to Submit Your Abstract?

Our online portal is open for PhD candidates, postdocs, and young researchers across Sapienza University and international institutes. Access the dedicated submission form to enter your candidate details, affiliation, and abstract summary.

Seamless Submission Process
  • No registration fees required
  • Max 250 words abstract summary
  • Instant confirmation ID generated
Access Poster Submission Portal →
Organization & Contacts

Conference Organizers

We are the primary organizers and contact reference points for the conference, managing scientific sessions, submissions, and campus coordination.

Francesco Lupicuti

Lead Organizer

Contact

Leonardo Perrini

Lead Organizer

Contact
Leadership

Scientific Committee

Coordinated across Sapienza departments to ensure top technical rigor.

Biophysics

  • Michele Ortolani michele.ortolani@uniroma1.it
  • Valeria Giliberti valeria.giliberti@uniroma1.it
  • Roberto Di Leonardo roberto.dileonardo@uniroma1.it

Physics & Advanced Optics

  • Bernard Van Heck bernard.vanheck@uniroma1.it
  • Marta De Luca marta.deluca@uniroma1.it
  • Jose Lorenzana jose.lorenzana@cnr.it
  • Fabio Sciarrino fabio.sciarrino@uniroma1.it

MOFs & Reticular Chem

  • Paola D’Angelo p.dangelo@uniroma1.it

Nanofluidics

  • Mirko Gallo mirko.gallo@uniroma1.it

Nanomedicine

  • Maria Carafa maria.carafa@uniroma1.it

Nanorestoration

  • Maria Laura Santarelli marialaura.santarelli@uniroma1.it
Navigation

Conference Venue & Directions

How to reach the Aula Amaldi at the main Sapienza University campus in Rome.

Aula Amaldi, Physics Dept.

Campus Address Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy (Main Entrance / Edificio Marconi)
Public Transit (Metro & Train) Metro B: Policlinico Station (8 min walk) or Castro Pretorio.
Termini Station: 15 min walk or Bus 310 / 492 directly to campus gate.
Check-in & Badge Pickup Show your digital Conference Pass (.PDF or QR Code) at the ground-floor registration secretariat desk inside the Physics Department.
Open Live GPS Navigation to Marconi Building

Be Part of the Scientific Future

Participation is completely free of charge upon registration. Spaces for parallel workshops are limited to guarantee hands-on instrument access.