Science of the invisible: the world of Applied Physics - from atoms, to cells, to the air we breathe

CEDAD (Centre for Applied Physics, Dating and Diagnostics) opens the doors of research to the public with activities designed for both adults and children: a journey starting from the infinitely small (atoms) and reaching the great challenges of our time, such as the protection of cultural heritage, environmental monitoring, and the study of new materials for biomedical diagnostics.

Specifically, visitors will be introduced to the activities carried out by researchers both at the prestigious centre located at the Cittadella della Ricerca in Brindisi, and at the Department of Mathematics and Physics in Lecce, particularly at the BIO-OPEN LAB, a laboratory of atomic-resolution holographic electron microscopy, part of the European Research Infrastructure CERIC-ERIC, and at the Aerosol & Climate Laboratory, part of the European Infrastructure ACTRIS.

During the European Researchers’ Night 2025, the following activities will be showcased:

• Dating the past with radiocarbon: how accelerator mass spectrometry helps date archaeological and environmental samples, unveiling the hidden stories of our history and planet.
• Particulate matter: studies of atmospheric aerosols through ion beam, optical, nuclear, isotopic mass spectrometry, and advanced electron microscopy techniques. The goal is to characterize their main physical, optical, and chemical properties, together with the use of molecular biology tools to explore their biogenic contribution.
• From atoms to cells: research on cellular damage mechanisms caused by radiation, DNA alterations, and the behaviour of tumour cells incorporating nanoparticles, investigated through accelerator-based technologies, including ion beam analysis.