Creative collaboration at the nanoscale
The London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) has launched Material Encounters, a new art–science collaboration that brings together artists and researchers to explore materiality, scale and observation through creative practice. Developed in partnership with the London-based artist collective Changeable Beast, Material Encounters invites artists to work closely with LCN scientists to create new artworks inspired by cutting-edge research in nanotechnology and material science.
New conversations between art and nanoscience
Across the project, artists are paired with LCN researchers who share a thematic, creative and intellectual affinity. Each partnership is flexible, allowing collaborators to shape the process in ways that suit their interests and working practices. Scientists may contribute through a small number of conversations or through more sustained dialogue, while artists retain creative control over the final work.
Participating artists include members of Changeable Beast and invited guest artists working across sculpture, performance, sound, print and installation. Their practices engage with material processes, unconventional materials and embodied experiences, creating new ways of thinking about scientific ideas beyond traditional explanation.
LCN researchers involved in the project represent a broad range of expertise, including functional molecular materials, ceramics, porous materials, optoelectronics, quantum technologies and nanofabrication. Together, these partnerships aim to generate artworks that make aspects of nanoscale research more tangible, curious and accessible.
Image by Jess Wade. Layers of special carbon-based polymers
Art, science and public engagement
Material Encounters forms part of a wider programme of activity marking the LCN’s 20th anniversary in 2026 and builds on an established programme of outreach and public engagement, which includes Nanoday, Quantum Day, the Great Exhibition Road Festival and previous art–science collaborations such as Transcending the Invisible,
The project runs from April to September 2026, during which artists and scientists will work together to develop new pieces. Curatorial discussions will take place throughout the collaboration period, with opportunities for scientists to take part in shaping the evolving work. Artworks will then be exhibited in September 2026 at NanoDay – more details to follow!
Through Material Encounters, the LCN continues to explore how creative collaboration can open up new conversations about scientific research, encourage questions and invite wider audiences to encounter science in unexpected forms.
ARTISTS
Andy Gomez
Chuting Lee
Clare Jarrett
Eveleigh—Evans
Ian Dawson
Jennifer Moore
Sandy Layton
Megan Grace-Hughes
Material Encounters is curated by Andy Gomez
SCIENTISTS
Cecilia Mattevi
Camille Petit
Oriol Gavalda Diaz
Sandrine Heutz
Jess Wade
Joseph Cotter
Shelly Conroy, Rahil Haria
Ryan Bower, Bruno Rente, Tulsi Patel