LOCATION:  
Palazzo delle Scienze, floor 1, rooms 1-3 (Vega 3 LMU electron microscope), 1-15 (Vega 3 XMU electron microscope), 1-11 and 1-6 (sample preparation satellite laboratories). 
 

RESEARCH TOPICS: 
The laboratory performs minero-petrographic analyses (rocks and sediments), archaeometry of ceramics, plasters and stones in the field of cultural heritage, analyses of asbestos fibers on membranes and other types of artifacts, morphological analyses of endoskeletons and exoskeletons of organisms, of unknown Antarctic microfauna, of botanical finds, of the photocatalytic efficiency of nano particles in a biological matrix. 
The DISTAV SEM-EDS Laboratory is endorsed for analyses of massive and airborne asbestos at the Ministry of Health and within the Laboratory of "Analysis of the microstructural, chemical-physical properties of inorganic materials; quantitative determinations of the mineralogical composition of natural materials and of the technical properties of stone materials in the Register of Laboratories of the Ministry of University and Scientific andTechnological Research (MIUR). 
The Laboratory has been included in the list of Research Infrastructures of the Liguria Region since 2016. 
RESEARCH GROUP MEMBERS: 
The SEM-EDS Laboratory is a core facility of DISTAV, and is used for teaching, research (in particular international, EU and national projects), third party services and agreements. 
Responsible: Prof. Laura Gaggero 
Technician: Mrs. Laura Negretti (part – time) 
Temporary staff: 1 Research fellow, 2 temporary TA.

LINK TO RESEARCH LINES, PROJECTS AND PUBLICATIONS:

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT: 
 

TEACHING ACTIVITIES:  
Many 1st and 2nd level teaching activities within both BIO and GEO Courses of Science and Technology for the Environment and Nature, Biological Sciences, Geological Sciences, Methodologies for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, it is carried out at the SEM Laboratory, in the form of exercises. 
The laboratory has been equipped with a video projection system to easily demonstrate the analytical procedures and the inside of the sample chamber to dozens of students. 
The orientation activity of the Department (Open week, Alternanza Scuola Lavoro) constantly includes a visit to the SEM Laboratory, with BIO and GEO tutors. Many I, II and III level theses benefit of the Laboratory. In the III level teaching activity (STAT Doctorate) 4 CFU of the training activities are available under the title Electron microscopy and microanalysis for Earth, environment, cultural heritage and life sciences applications. In research activities the laboratory is a core facility.