MARVEL presents research activities at EPFL’s Journée Thématique in Porrentruy

Carey Sargent and Antimo Marrazzo, NCCR MARVEL

“Journées thématiques” are meant to shine a light on the work being done at various institutes at EPFL, as well as the innovative approaches being pursued at the frontiers of knowledge. The days, organized by the EPFL Education Outreach Department, feature demonstrations and conferences on themes chosen in consultation with the school. They give students a chance to meet researchers, students and entrepreneurs who share their motivation and enthusiasm and transmit a desire to embark on the adventure of scientific studies. The day in Porrentruy—"Digital in our daily lives, today and tomorrow"—focused on the theme of digital education.

MARVEL presented the stand "Concevoir les matériaux du futur grâce aux ordinateurs," organized by Favre-Quattropani. The event gave the two MARVEL representatives the chance to talk with teenagers about phonons, sound, heat, and to discuss research in computational materials discovery. The stand acted as a showcase for the entire NCCR, with 3D videos providing an overview of our research projects, ranging from the simulations of fractures, to studying lithium-ion batteries, to machine learning perovskites and more.  

For Marrazzo, it was a “fantastic day”. As well as giving him a chance to visit stands of EPFL colleagues showcasing fantastic and diverse research projects that he is rarely able to learn about on campus, it gave him lots of opportunities to discuss his own work in a new way.  

“I really enjoyed the challenge of explaining in simple terms how we discover and study novel 2D materials using quantum mechanical simulations and supercomputers,” he said.  

“I want to thank all the EPFL colleagues who were involved in preparing the videos and activities, and also the students of Porrentruy for being responsive and also very forgiving of my French!”