“+QFEnanoMENOS”: A new edition of the “FEnanoMENOS” nanoscience educational project, incorporating sustainability into materials science and nanotechnology
• After 10 years, FEnanoMENOS, Spain’s longest-running and most influential school fair specialising in nanoscience, is entering a new phase by expanding its scope. Sustainability joins materials science and nanotechnology as a central theme.
• ‘+QFEnanoMENOS’ offers a unique platform for future scientists to connect theory with technological application, bringing science closer to everyday life and promoting an inclusive and transformative scientific culture.
• The project is organised by the Aragon Nanoscience and Materials Institute (INMA, CSIC-UNIZAR), in collaboration with the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) – Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. This edition will involve more than 3,200 secondary school students and teachers from all over Spain in person.
Zaragoza, 15 October 2025. The 11th edition of FEnanoMENOS begins with some major new developments, including the incorporation of sustainability as one of the central themes of the educational project, offering students the opportunity to explore how materials science can provide practical solutions to challenges such as climate change and resource management, promoting critical and responsible thinking and helping to raise awareness among young people of their role as future committed citizens.
With the addition of sustainability to materials science and nanotechnology as main themes, the name of the project has been changed and is now called ‘+QFEnanoMENOS’.
This name change has not altered our commitment to promoting research among young people. Through the School Fair, we continue to provide students with the opportunity to become the true protagonists of science. Guided by their teachers, to whom we are giving special importance this year, and by the mentor researchers, they will explore the fascinating worlds of materials science research in the pursuit of sustainability.
Another key innovative element of this eleventh edition is the organisation of a training retreat for teachers, where they will be offered training on innovative teaching methodologies and scientific dissemination techniques. In addition, we are introducing a special award for teachers that recognises their outstanding role in mentoring and supporting students during the development of their projects.
In addition, a seminar on artificial intelligence tools will be held for the first time. It will teach students how to use AI technologies to create 3D models, simulations and interactive visualisations, encouraging the integration of technology into their research. This activity not only makes their presentations more attractive, but also provides them with valuable skills that prepare them for the challenges of the future.
Although this edition comes with many new features, the +QFEnanoMENOS Hub for educational innovation in materials science will also be maintained. It is established as a virtual space where students, teachers and research centres dedicated to materials science and sustainability can connect. Participants will be able to discuss, share experiences and educational resources, and receive updates on the latest research in the field of nanotechnology.
Registration to participate in +QFenanomenos
The fair is aimed at secondary school students and students from special education centres. Since last September, registration has been open to participate in the Nanoscience Fair, which will take place during the month of May in a unique location in the city of Zaragoza. The project offers educational centres that wish to participate an advisory and support service for the development of projects, which can be requested when registering. All the information can be found on the project website https://www.fenanomenos.com/.
Participating groups within each school must submit a video of no more than 1 minute presenting their research topic focused on solving a current problem through innovation in materials science applied to sustainability, thus connecting research with everyday life and the technological future. These videos will be evaluated by an expert jury, and the 15 finalist teams (divided into Secondary and Special Education categories) will participate in the School Fair.
Meanwhile, in the coming months, other activities will be carried out within the project, such as the ‘From FEnanoMENO to FEnanoMENO’ initiative, in which a group of finalists from Special Education will be linked with a group from Secondary Education and will help each other. All participants will also have access to a micro-learning classroom where they can learn about INMA’s research projects, and a joint communication coaching day will be held in conjunction with the ‘Alimentando VocaciOHnes’ school fair, organised by the Aragon Agri-Food Institute, where participants from both projects will learn how to express themselves in public in order to disseminate the projects they are going to carry out.
Registration for participating groups (deadlines: 30th Jan. and 27th Feb. 2026)
15-10-2025
