Colloid biology: a new perspective for sustainable biotechnology

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Interaction between materials and biotic factors is a complex, emerging topic that can induce disruptive changes increasing productivity or reducing loses in diverse applications as agriculture, remediation, industry maintenance or health sector. Colloid biology is an emerging, interdisciplinary field that can provide solutions over these aspects combining different scientific approaches to understand complex biological systems, i.e. microbial cells, cell-cell and cell-surface interactions and the functioning of whole communities of cells in contact with different surfaces and materials. This innovative and interdisciplinary Erasmus Mundus master (Biocolloid) aims to develop a high-quality study program built directly on (i) basic scientific research on physiology, interactions and spatial organization of cells within a community and computational tools (ii) recent findings on colloid biology applications and (iii) identification of new industrial gaps where colloid biology can contribute to significant advantages. Biocolloid is designed to trigger substantial industrial innovation based on a cross-discipline training & mobility programme within the 3 HEI´s (Spain, The Netherlands and Belgium) and 1 Research Centre linked to a Postgraduate School (Slovenia). The students will understand the mechanisms of colloid biology (complex artificial microbial systems, smart surfaces, cell-cell interaction, systems biology, etc.) and its applications in biotechnology, industry, environment, agri-food or health processes, including hands-on activities and participation in living labs. The students will receive the recognition of 120 ECTS with one single diploma awarded by each of the partners with access to doctoral studies. Transversal skills as sustainability, and innovation and entrepreneurship will also be tackled, as well as socioeconomic impact. A realistic and inspiring view on the innovations that may arise from the scientific sections of the program is highlighted.