Multidisciplinary Training of Young Researchers in Novel Implantable Bio-inspired sensors

ended

The purpose of this trans-national training network is to train PhD students, in investigating, building, and producing a new generation of bioinspired implantable sensors of pressure, temperature and acidity. New devices will be made of complex hybrid materials, composed of natural molecules and synthetic biopolymers, with the additional properties of being fully biocompatible and bioresorbable, unlike most of existing implantable sensors; anticipating thus, a new generation of sensors that would not require posterior surgical extraction. BioInspireSensing project will apply the state-of-the-art in ion channel proteins, cell membrane transport, unilamellar vesicles, tethered planar lipid bilayers, synthetic biochemistry, and biodegradable and flexible conducting polymers to obtain the novel sensors. It will take advantage of a unique multi-sectorial and multi-field environment to further teach early stage researchers (ESR) to apply the gained knowledge in analysing and designing/engineering complex biological nanosensors of medical importance. BioInspireSensing cutting-edge training will provide the ESRs not only with the scientific and technical skills but also with the transferable skills necessary for thriving careers, by a unique combination of research training, industry placements, as well as courses and workshops on scientific and complementary soft skills. ESRs training will take place both at world-leading European academic institutions and companies, forming strong interdisciplinary relations between technical sciences and industry (key to translate the results of basic research into medical applications). These relations are implemented through direct employment of the ESRs and through inter-sectoral secondments. The BioInspireSensing project will thus create opportunities for the ESR’s career mobility and their knowledge transfer to the European Community, increasing their employability in the biotechnology and med device industries and health economy.