Chemical reactions are the backbone of technologies at the heart of modern society, but what is happening at the atomic level?
In this Ri lecture, Professor Pratibha Gai explains how she developed an atomic resolution-environmental transmission electron microscope (atomic resolution-ETEM) so that, for the first time, the human eye can see and analyse how atoms move and change positions in crystal structures during chemical reactions. She then explores the far-reaching applications of being able to watch atoms in action in important chemical reactions involved in anything from medicine production to the creation of new energy sources.

Professor Pratibha Gai is the winner of the L’Oréal – UNESCO European For Women In Science Laureate 2013.

Atoms in Action was presented at the Ri on Friday 27 June 2014.

This event is part of our all-women line up for Friday Evening Discourses in 2014 as part of our year long celebration of women in science.

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