During the opening ceremony, Dijkgraaf, who studied physics at Utrecht University, reflected on the role that science plays as an explorer of the unknown. Dijkgraaf: "The microscope is the perfect metaphor of what science stands for. Thanks to this facility, we are going to see things we did not think possible. It is a wonderful example of science as an eye opener."
Smallest building blocks
Prior to the opening ceremony, a symposium took place where several researchers showcased how they use the centre’s facilities. Marijn van Huis, head of the EMC, opened the symposium.Van Huis: "With electron microscopy, you can see the smallest building blocks of matter and of life. It teaches us in incredible detail what those building blocks do and how we can use those building blocks. For example, in life sciences it gives us insight into how to preserve healthy proteins and prevent bad proteins, which could cause diseases. In nanomaterial sciences, we can use those building blocks to make new materials. For example, to produce better solar cells, or to make electronics made out of 2D materials such as graphene, which would provide enormous energy savings."
Learning from each other
As facility manager of the EMC, Chris Schneijdenberg is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the centre. He explains what makes the EMC unique. Schneijdenberg: "We are the only electron microscopy facility in the Netherlands that houses the equipment of both life sciences and material sciences. I am proud that we were able to bring together all the electron microscopes of the different faculties and departments in one place."Researchers from different fields meet up here, use each other’s equipment and learn from one another. Who knows what great things will come out of this.
Chris Schneijdenberg
EMC facility manager
Schneijdenberg points out that housing all the microscopes under one roof is not only very efficient, but that it has another big advantage. Schneijdenberg: "Researchers from different fields meet up here, use each other’s equipment and learn from one another. Who knows what great things will come out of this."
Vibration-free environment
Currently, the EMC has about 100 to 120 active users. The realization of the high-quality facility was quite an undertaking. Schneijdenberg: "We have been working on realizing the renewed EMC since 2014. Every plug and connection has been talked about."To function properly, the sensitive microscopes need an environment free of vibrations and electromagnetic radiation. The David de Wied building was chosen as the location for the renovated centre, partly because the building has a shape that absorbs certain earth vibrations and because it is located a sufficient distance away from the tramway. But despite the favourable location and characteristics of the building, considerable measures still had to be taken to make the centre truly vibration-free. Four concrete blocks, weighing thirty tons each, were installed on active and passive air buffer suspensions to provide a very stable foundation.
Whatever technique researchers want to apply or whatever detectors they want to use, it’s all possible at the renewed EMC.
Chris Schneijdenberg
EMC facility manager
