José Manuel Martínez López
Química Tech
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Presentation Title: Microscopy and Art to enhance science communication
Abstract:
In science, a good image provides researchers with valuable information or data, but great images are also visually appealing. We usually generate images with microscopes, which can be as artistic as those produced by “conventional photography.” Microscopists and scientists can not only benefit from the large number of images they create with microscopes in terms of science and experiments, but also explore the artistic potential of their work, opening up a whole new world of creative possibilities.
This talk is not a “how-to” on creating art with a microscope, but more an invitation to all microscopists to expand their vision and consider the emotions a micrograph could spark in the public. This could lead to new opportunities for scientific collaborations, increase the impact of their research, or facilitate science communication.
In this presentation, I will share the stories behind some of the images and videos I have taken with microscopes and how they have become a great example of science communication.
Bio:
I graduated as an electromechanical engineer from Tec de Monterrey in 2000 and earned a master’s in production engineering from the Technische Universität Berlin in 2006. My career began in drive systems design and finite element analysis, noting related with microscopy =). But since 2006, I’ve been working with my sister at our company, Quimica Tech, in Chihuahua, Mexico, where I specialize in microscopy. I often say that my job is about “”playing”” with microscopes and teaching others how to get the most out of theirs. I also manage our social media, including Instagram at @quimica_tech.
I have been honored by esteemed institutions such as the Microscopy Society of America, Royal Microscopy Society, Optica (OSA), BioCommunication Association, the Mexican Society of Microscopy and Microanalysis, and the Royal Society, which have awarded some of my microphotographs. Furthermore, some of my photographs have been displayed in prestigious museums, including the Science & Industry Museum in Manchester, as well as galleries in Lausanne, Zurich, and Bristol.
I have shared my knowledge and expertise globally, conducting talks and microscopy courses in Mexico, the USA, Germany, and India. In 2019, I was granted a patent in Mexico, the USA, and Germany for a device that enables the observation of silicon wafers and their connections within light-emitting diode capsules.
During my college days, I practiced pole vault and decathlon as part of the Mexican national team. Now, during the weekends, I shut down the microscope and go to the Chihuahua desert on my adventure bike searching for rock climbing fun.
