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Publicly accessible databases are core resources for data-rich research, consolidating field-specific knowledge and highlighting best practices and challenges. Further effective growth of nanomaterial databases requires the concerted efforts of database stewards, researchers, funding agencies and publishers.
How can school pupils be introduced to materials science and nanotechnology? Pierfrancesco Riccardi and Claudio Goletti illustrate the advantages of extracurricular activities designed by researchers and teachers.