The Nanototouch project ran from 28 February 2009 to 30 August 2011.
The objective of the Nanototouch project was to bring scientists into direct contact with the public using open science labs in science centres and museums.
The concept, based on the Deutsches Museum’s O pen Lab experience, involved setting up a laboratory space inside exhibition areas of science centres and museums where scientists work in public view and answer visitors’ queries about their research. Participating scientists were trained in science communication and spent up to six months performing their research in front of citizens. Nanototouch coordinated by Ecsite member Deutsches Museum (Munich, Germany), strengthened bonds between visitors and the research world while also helping to redefine what a science centre or museum exhibit can be. T his project was the advent of real research labs functioning inside science centre exhibitions.
NANOTOTOUCH was funded with the support of the European Commission within the 7th Framework Programme, grant agreement NO. 233473.