Professor Todd D. Krauss, Professor of Chemistry and Optics was a featured speaker on Monday, November 2, 2009 at TEDx Rochester, a city-wide event which celebrated local "ideas worth spreading." The day-long conference featured presentations by local thinkers, video broadcasts of speakers from around the world, performances by regional artists, and hands-on demonstrations by some of the city’s cultural institutions, packing Geva Theater with more than 450 guests. The audience had the unique opportunity to hear and meet with innovators from area universities, museums and arts groups.

Prof. Krauss spoke on nanoscience and nanotechnology, the study and application of materials and integrated materials systems that have sizes approximately one billionth of a meter (one nanometer). He presented a general overview of the field, as well as why the nanometer scale size and shape are so important in determining the physical characteristics of particular materials. Several examples of commercial products containing nanometer scale materials already in the marketplace were discussed, in addition to areas where the potential for truly groundbreaking new technology from nanomaterials could be exploited in the future. Nanomaterials science and technology in particular may someday be instrumental in powering the planet with clean, renewable, energy sources. Finally, he discussed concerns about the safety and environmental effects of nanometer scale materials.

TED, an international series of nonprofit symposiums launched in 1984, is an annual event where some of the world’s leading “thinkers and doers” are invited to share their passion for their fields. “TED” stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design — three broad subject areas considered forces that shape our future. Rochester was one of 30 American cities hosting conferences by TEDx this year, a new offshoot of TED. TEDx events are independently organized in host cities and Rochester’s conference was sponsored by local businesses and foundations to highlight our city and its young, creative, and talented population.