This summer one of our post-doc researchers at INAM, Dr. Camilo A. Mesa, led a solar energy conversion outreach activity in a summer camp that took place in the Spanish Pyrenees. During 2 weeks, Camilo, leading a team of researchers, took inspiration from the natural photosynthesis at MonNatura Pirineus national park to teach a group of 12 students about artificial photosynthesis as part of the Young and science program organised and funded by the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera.
This program aims to boost the scientific potential of gifted students in their 4 th year secondary school (ESO), bringing talented students together with researchers from some of the best institutions in Europe immersed in the serenity and beauty of the Pyrenees. Camilo says that “Although, as researchers, we go to the Pyrenees to encourage these brilliant minds, usually is the opposite and we come back to our research activities inspired to do the best science we can, to leave them a better
place”.
The course that Camilo, Carolina, Laia, Ernest and Michael taught was called “From natural to artificial photosynthesis: the search of new fuels” that involved learning some fundamentals of the chemistry, physics and engineering around solar energy harvesting, transformation and conversion to green fuels. The experience of learning electrochemistry, photocatalysis and nanotechnology was also complemented by “amazing discussions not only to transform solar energy but also our preconceptions about science and what’s around it. For example, from our ‘women in science’ discussion one of the outcomes was a beautiful piece of art” says Camilo.
