In this episode, Bill takes us behind the scenes of New Zealand’s only ion beam facility — a powerhouse of science and innovation with roots stretching back to the legacy of Ernest Rutherford, the father of nuclear physics. While it might sound like science fiction, this particle accelerator is a hidden force shaping our future. From developing new materials and improving hydrogen catalysts to solving crime scenes and advancing 5G technology, ion beam science is quietly shaping the world around us. Our researchers can engineer new materials at the atomic level in ways that aren’t possible in many other places in the world. At the moment, we’re advancing innovations like hydrogen energy generation, magnetic semiconductors, and energy-efficient coatings. They’re also creating magnetic structures to manipulate magnetic fields — think glow-beam technology depositing silver on hip implants!
Hosted by GNS Scientist hazard and risk expert Dr Mary Anne Clive, each episode introduces you to the brilliant minds working to keep New Zealanders safe, powered, and prepared — through tsunamis, tectonics, and tomorrow’s technology.
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