The subject that handles materials at nanometric scale (nanotechnology) includes the study, design and application of materials ranging from 1 to 100 nanometres. This definition focuses on the close relationship between the size of the materials and the remarkable and non-conventional effects that they have when their size is under the quantum leap. Nanotechnology includes a large amount of different scientific disciplines that are essential for nano-medicine, nano-electronics, biomaterials and materials for the production of renewable energies. Nonetheless, the complexity of these nanomaterials requires techniques and tools specially adapted for that purpose. They must have a perfect spatial and energetic resolution in order to detect spatial heterogeneities and evidence their quantum effects. A type of tool that is essential in micro and nanoscience is the scanning electron microscope. It basically consists in extremely precise manometers that have a platform and a sounding line to scan the sample. This conference will briefly describe the essential techniques for studying nano-materials, showing its application in a large variety of examples such as materials for nano-electronics, nano-particles with therapeutic properties, the effect of artificial colouring treatments for human hair and the effects of the corrosion in biofuel engines. Speakers will emphasise the role of the materials that have been studied in different European synchrotron radiation centres.