NFFA-Europe is pleased to announce the launch of its new video series, Stories of Collaboration that Drive Discovery – A video series from inside NFFA-Europe. This initiative aims to spotlight the diverse and dynamic research collaborations taking place within the NFFA-Europe research infrastructure, particularly through the experiences of visiting researchers hosted by the pan-European network of access providers.

Bringing Science to Life Through Storytelling

The video series captures the essence of scientific discovery through short, engaging episodes that highlight real-life stories of researchers working at the forefront of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Each episode offers a unique glimpse into how researchers access advanced instrumentation, benefit from expert support, and contribute to innovative scientific progress through NFFA-Europe.

Episode 1: From Groningen to Trieste

The first episode, titled Atomic-scale studies of magnetic-superconducting systems, was filmed at CNR – Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM) in Trieste, Italy—one of the host providers within the NFFA-Europe research infrastructure. It showcases a research collaboration between the STRAS and INSPECT Laboratories at CNR-IOM and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

The episode follows Cinzia Di Giorgio, a staff researcher at CNR-IOM, and Alida van Hunnik, a visiting researcher and PhD student from the University of Groningen. Together, they explore new approaches to studying hybrid magnetic-superconducting systems at the atomic scale, combining advanced experimental techniques and cross-disciplinary expertise.

Scientific Exchange to Support Quantum Materials Research

Cinzia Di Giorgio introduces viewers to the capabilities of the STRAS laboratory, which allows researchers to study material surfaces at the atomic level using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) under ultra-high vacuum conditions. Together with the INSPECT laboratory, they provide access to a full suite of techniques for surface preparation, material growth, and electronic property characterization, all within a tightly controlled experimental environment.

Cinzia explains how this comprehensive setup makes the facility particularly attractive to external users and how hosting visiting researchers fosters valuable scientific exchange. These interactions not only enhance ongoing work but also open new research directions—such as the exploration of magnesium diboride’s superconducting transition.

Alida van Hunnik has travelled to Trieste through NFFA-Europe to further her work on superconducting materials that could serve as platforms for quantum computing. Her project focuses on hybrid systems combining magnetic materials with superconductors—systems that may host topological states suitable for building stable quantum bits. The visit provides her with critical technical expertise and access to specialized tools.

Multi-Technique Access in Action

By combining techniques such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UPS), and low-temperature STM, Alida van Hunnik has been able to analyze her materials comprehensively and in real time. She emphasizes the value of this integrated approach, which helps her understand the system more fully and adapt her experimental strategy during the visit.

One of the central themes of the episode is the added value of NFFA-Europe’s multi-technique access model. “Being here, working with experts and accessing multiple high-resolution techniques all in one place, really allows me to see what’s going on in my materials. It’s a huge step forward in our research”, says the researcher. Her reflection shows how being able to study a material from multiple angles in one location leads to a deeper understanding and more efficient progress—something often difficult to achieve through fragmented or sequential measurements.

Advancing Digital Research Practices

The episode also explores NFFA-Europe’s commitment to digital innovation. Both scientists discuss how structured data management, including the adoption of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, plays a critical role in improving the reproducibility and traceability of experimental research.

Cinzia Di Giorgio notes that she and her colleagues have made significant efforts to ensure their lab operates as FAIR by design. “Having digital tracking in our lab is essential. It ensures reproducibility and transparency, which are pillars of credible science”, says the researcher. By digitally tracking experimental parameters and workflows, the team is better equipped to reproduce results, maintain consistency, and support collaborative work across the NFFA-Europe network.

Watch the First Episode of the Video Series

Through this new video series, NFFA-Europe aims not only to promote its state-of-the-art facilities, but also to celebrate the human stories behind scientific progress. The research collaboration featured in this first episode is a compelling example of how international mobility, advanced infrastructure, and interdisciplinary exchange can accelerate innovation.

Further episodes in the series will continue to highlight the journeys of researchers working across the NFFA-Europe research infrastructure, offering a window into how collaboration drives excellence in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Enjoy the first episode of our video series! (duration: 5 minutes and 41 seconds)