Bioengineering Principal Investigators

Sepinoud Azimi

About my work

I develop AI algorithms to predict nanoparticle trajectories and optimize their efficiency in drug delivery, significantly reducing experimental phases in nanoparticle design. My work integrates Explainable AI (XAI) techniques to identify key factors for designing highly efficient nanoparticles, offering clear insights into the parameters that enhance delivery performance. This combination of predictive modelling and transparency accelerates the development process, helping researchers understand and refine nanoparticle design for targeted and effective therapeutic outcomes.

My main research interests

Explainable AI 
Drug carrier Nanoparticles
Healthcare

I am looking for

Microbiologists
Nanofabrication 
Surface chemists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Explainable AI (XAI)
Nanoparticle design
Drug Delivery Optimization

Sebastijan Dumancic

About my work

I develop AI and machine learning algorithms for discovering mechanistic models from data. I am specifically interested in problems that come with small data; domain experts have ample knowledge and constraints that discovered models should obey, and it is essential that domain experts understand the discovered models. To ensure explainability and interpretability, I like to work on models described in formal language developed for and by experts, such as Kappa, MØD, BioNetGen, Boolean and Qualitative networks, and similar. 

My main research interests

Symbolic artificial intelligence
Programmatic machine learning
Probabilistic reasoning

I am looking for

Computational biologists 
Computational chemists
Scientists developing mechanistic models

My expertise and technologies to offer

Artificial intelligence
Machine learning with small data
Knowledge-based machine learning

Jacob Hoogenboom

About my work

My group invents, develops, and implements new techniques that cross the boundaries and limitations of existing microscopes in visualizing molecules, molecular functionality, and structural details. Most of our work centers around the combination of light and electron microscopy, physically integrated in a single instrument. We want to achieve a “Google Maps” for cells, tissues, organs, and organisms zooming in 2D and 3D from macroscopic length scales to (macro)molecular resolution and below, with annotations on molecular composition and functionality. 

My main research interests

Electron microscopy
Correlative microscopy
Method & instrumentation development

I am looking for

Cell biology
Probes, labels, contrast agents 
Data analysis and visualization

My expertise and technologies to offer

Correlated light-electron microscopy
Cryo-fluorescence-FIB-SEM
3D electron microscopy

Samarpita Roy

About my work

Our research group explores the microbial ecology of engineered bioprocesses by integrating metagenomic techniques and quantitative physiology. We use experimental and computational approaches to study microbial metabolisms and community interactions. Harnessing the potential of microbial communities holds the key to a circular bioeconomy. The grand challenge towards improving engineered bioprocesses lies in understanding how complex microbial communities function in fluctuating environmental conditions. This requires identifying the dynamic character of microbial metabolisms and the varied interactions between diverse community members. 

My main research interests

Microbial metabolisms
Microbial community structure 
Resource recovery

I am looking for

Microbiologists
Bioinformaticians
Environmental/Life cycle assessment

My expertise and technologies to offer

Microbial ecology
Environmental biology
Metagenomics

Djordje Bajic

About my work

My research aims to build a theory predicting the assembly, composition and function of microbial communities. I use a strongly interdisciplinary approach that blends experiments and modeling, and draws ideas from evolutionary biology, microbial physiology and systems biology. 

My main research interests

Systems biology
Microbial communities 
Microbial metabolism

I am looking for

Biotechnologists
AI experts

My expertise and technologies to offer

Genome-scale metabolic modeling
Fitness landscape modeling
Microbial community ecology

Salua Hamaza

About my work

My goal is to enhance the capabilities of drones by means of intelligent bodies and tactile feedback, so that they can do more than flying, and physically interact with their surroundings via touch-informed actions and bodies. The novel drones often look or act like biological systems (biomorphic). Key applications for this new class of drones are in nature conservation and space exploration. 

My main research interests

Aerial physical interaction – control and design
Bio-inspired drone design

I am looking for

Biologists/Ecologists/Botanists
Geologists
Signal processing Engineers

My expertise and technologies to offer

Mechatronic design
Control theory
Tactile feedback

Jack Pronk

About my work

In this phase of my career, I devote the majority of my working hours to being head of department. In this academic service role I try to contribute to the future of research and education and, in particular, of the people in our department. In research, I continue to be fascinated by understanding, extending and optimizing performance of (microbial) cells in industrial contexts. Teaching the first year Biotechnology class in the LST curriculum is a yearly highlight.  

My main research interests

Microbial physiology
Metabolic engineering
Laboratory evolution

I am looking for

At the moment, I have limited possibilities to engage in new collaborations but feel free to contact me if my expertise appears to be of use.

My expertise and technologies to offer

Quantitative microbial physiology
Laboratory evolution (evolutionary engineering)
Metabolic engineering

Reuben Leveson-Gower

About my work

I develop new kinds of enzymatic reactions by exploiting parallels between biological and synthetic chemistry. These enzymes can be optimised empirically using directed evolution. Here, the Darwinian algorithm is applied in the lab to identify winning biocatalysts that can be applied for efficient and benign synthesis of important molecules. I am interested in elaborating robust and automated methods for this process to reduce the barrier to entry, and therefore increase the diversity of enzymes that can be discovered. 

My main research interests

Enzyme Discovery
Directed Evolution
Mechanistic Enzymology

I am looking for

Automation
Robotics
Machine-Learning

My expertise and technologies to offer

Enzyme Screening Development
Protein Engineering

Josh Flack

About my work

My research focuses on the engineering of new and improved phenotypes in mammalian cells for cultivated meat and other cellular agriculture applications. We study the underlying basis of these phenotypes using cell biological and genetic approaches, and use a variety of cutting edge gene editing tools to precisely introduce modifications into target cell lines, which are subsequently tested in upscaled culture systems.

My main research interests

Cell Line Engineering
Cellular Agriculture

I am looking for

Cell Biologists
Genome Engineers
Bioinformaticians

My expertise and technologies to offer

Mammalian Cell Culture
Genetic Modification
Gene Editing

Jieun Yang

About my work

My research revolves around the development of metamaterials for the control acoustic waves and vibrations. I have a particular emphasis on utilizing these materials to mitigate noise and vibration within mechatronic systems. I am interested in collaboration to explore potential of bio-inspired metamaterials, shape-morphing metamaterials, and multifunctional metamaterials for diverse applications across various industries, encompassing high-tech, medical, audio, and transportation sectors.

My main research interests

Acoustics/vibroacoustic metamaterials
Mechatronic systems

I am looking for

Bio-inspired design
Medical equipment
3D/4D printing

My expertise and technologies to offer

Metamaterials
Acoustics and vibration

Lidy Fratila-Apachitei

About my work

We are interested to develop biomaterials that can help in regeneration of our failed tissues and organs. The current approach is based on understanding the adaptation of cells to biomaterials physical cues and its impact on their functions. Therefore, we produce (sub)micron/nanoscale patterns on model and clinically relevant (orthopedic) biomaterials, and use advanced in vitro (co)culture models and assays to investigate the cell-surface interactions along the regeneration process, at molecular, cellular and tissue scales.

My main research interests

Spatiotemporal interactions at cell-biomaterial interface and their underlying mechanisms
Multi-scale quantitative interface biology
Regenerative medicine

I am looking for

Cell and tissue biophysicists
Cell biologists
Experts on super-resolution and correlative microscopy

My expertise and technologies to offer

Regenerative biomaterials & biointerfaces
In vitro models and biocompatibility assays for biomaterials
Surface patterning of (metallic) biomaterials

Katerina Varveri

About my work

I develop experimental analysis methods and models to simulate physicochemical degradation in infrastructure materials, primarily focusing on roads. My research group focuses on establishing relationships between chemo-rheological properties and mechanical performance of bituminous materials, particularly how they are influenced by environmental interactions. We are exploring the potential of biobased materials as substitutes for bitumen. The objective is to create binders that can integrate with other innovations, like recycled materials and low-temperature asphalt production, while ensuring technical performance and long-term durability.

My main research interests

Environmental degradation processes and material durability
Chemomechanics material design
Circular (bio-based) binders for road infrastructure

I am looking for

Chemists
Bio-material experts
Biologists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Material chemomechanics
Environmental material degradation processes
Material (chemometric) modelling

Mariana Popescu

About my work

I develop design methods and fabrication pipelines for lightweight flexible structures that promote efficient use of material and reducing waste in construction. To this extent I use physical and computational form-finding techniques, programming CNC machines (e.g. CNC knitting machines) and building systems using textiles.

My main research interests

Digital fabrication
Form-finding
Circularity in construction

I am looking for

Biochemists
Biofabrication
Material scientists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Flexible structures
Computational design methods for digital fabrication
Textile design (specifically knitting)

Nikolina Šoštarić

About my work

I apply bioinformatics tools to tackle biological problems. I’m particularly interested in understanding the behaviour of proteins: their structure, dynamics, interactions, and how these are affected by, e.g., mutations and modifications in different conditions. I have experience with molecular dynamics simulations, analysis of omics data (proteomics, RNA-sequencing), and classification using machine learning. Previous projects include modelling effects of post-translational modifications on protein-protein interactions, unravelling metabolic rewiring underlying yeast ethanol tolerance, and global translational analysis of human immune cells.

My main research interests

Bioinformatics
Computational biology
Protein modelling

I am looking for

Cell biologists
Bioengineers
Microbiologists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Protein modelling
Molecular dynamics simulations
Omics data analysis

Robbert Kleerebezem

About my work

I conduct experimental and modelling research on microbial ecosystems. I am fascinated by the ingenious strategies that microorganisms have to find their niche in microbial ecosystems. The focus of my research is on anaerobic environments where organic carbon conversion is largely governed by thermodynamics. As an environmental engineer I am also at all times searching for industrial applications that make use of our insight in microbial communities, such as the microbial production of bioplastics (polyhydroxyalkanoates) from wastewater.

My main research interests

Microbial ecosystems
Microbial physiology
Bioprocess engineering

I am looking for

Biochemists
Chemical/electrical engineers
Molecular biologists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Microbial community cultivation and characterization
Quantitative modelling of microbial ecosystems
Microbial ecology theory

Roderick Tas

About my work

My research combines molecular biology, biochemistry and biophysics to develop imaging approaches to understand cell biological processes at the nanoscale. Currently, I am interested in how cells interact with various biomaterials at the molecular level. To study this, I aim to develop new single molecule probes in order to quantitatively determine how protein distribution and organization relate to exerted mechanical forces, cellular fate and behaviour at multiple length and timescales.

My main research interests

Cell biology
Cytoskeleton
Microscopy

I am looking for

Biomaterials scientists
Biophysicists/optics experts
Microfluidics

My expertise and technologies to offer

Recombinant proteins
Protein PAINT
Subcellular (live) imaging

Jan van Gemert

About my work

I do fundamental research in computer vision by deep learning. I work on automatic image and video analysis where I focus on investigating  deep network model properties; small-data settings; and adding prior knowledge to deep learning.

My main research interests

Visual Inductive Priors
Image classification
Video recognition

I am looking for

Small-data problems in vision
Prior-knowledge (model-based?) integration with deep learning
Fundamental research

My expertise and technologies to offer

Deep learning
Computer Vision

Paola Fanzio

About my work

My research aims at tackling the technology gap between microfluidics and additive manufacturing by developing a high-resolution, multi-material additive manufacturing technology for the realization of multi-function 3D microfluidic systems (which are 3-dimensional, adaptable, and hierarchical, spanning over multiple length-scales and possessing multiple integrated functionalities). I work both on the study and optimization of the printing process and on the development of 3D microfluidic devices for biomedical applications.

My main research interests

Multi-material Additive Manufacturing
High-resolution manufacturing
Microfluidics

I am looking for

Biomaterials scientists
Bioengineers
Polymer chemist (hydrogels)

My expertise and technologies to offer

Additive Manufacturing
Manufacturing at micro-scale
Development of microfluidic devices

Charlotte Frenkel

About my work

I design neuromorphic integrated circuits, i.e. hardware that operates based on the brain’s organizing principles for low-power operation. I am particularly interested in making these devices able to adapt, with little data and over long timescales, to their environment, for which I am taking inspiration from machine learning and neuroscience research. I believe this has strong potential in biomedical use cases, where such low-power devices can adapt to the patient, thereby improving robustness while requiring less manual tuning from physicians.

My main research interests

Neuromorphic computing and Neuro-AI
Digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits and systems
Hardware-algorithm co-design

I am looking for

Neuroscientists
Brain-inspired machine learning experts
Biomedical use cases for low-power adaptive wearables

My expertise and technologies to offer

Low-power adaptive integrated circuits
Use-case-specific hardware/algorithm co-design

Achilleas Savva

About my work

I develop multifunctional and multidimensional organic bioelectronic systems that monitor or stimulate functions of human cells and tissue. Specifically, I engineer materials and electronic devices to monitor electrically human stem cell functions as well as control, wirelessly, human neuronal activity with light. I focus on 2D and 3D in vitro systems and organs-on-chip technologies for stem cell engineering, and neuronal tissue regeneration.

My main research interests

Bioelectronics
Organic Electronics
Wireless light stimulation of biological systems

I am looking for

Stem cell biologists
Neuroscientists
3D biomaterials/Hydrogels

My expertise and technologies to offer

Microfabrication of organic bioelectronic devices
2D and 3D multifunctional electronic materials
Photo-electrochemical measurements

Iulian Apachitei

About my work

My main research focus is to develop multifunctional metallic biomaterials. Specifically, I am interested in preventing implant-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance while enhancing implant osseointegration. My approach is to combine advanced surface modification technologies with on-demand drug delivery systems to master the performance of bone implants in the body. I am also interested in the design and fabrication of micro/nanorobots for medical purposes, such as biofilm removal and localized infection treatment.

My main research interests

Biomaterials
Antimicrobial resistance
Biomedical micro/nanorobots

I am looking for

Microbiology
Proteomics
Polymer (hydrogel) science

My expertise and technologies to offer

Prevention of implant-associated infections
Surface biofunctionalization
Drug delivery systems

Selene Pirola

About my work

My research combines fluid mechanics, image-analysis and computational modelling to unravel the mechanisms underlying vascular disease and develop new solutions for patient-tailored diagnosis and intervention planning in cardiovascular medicine, following a personalized medicine paradigm. Specifically, I am interested in understanding how vascular disease can instigate neurodegenerative processes causing loss of cognitive function and dementia.

My main research interests

Vascular flow mechanics & transport
Cardiovascular digital twins
Cerebrovascular flows in neurodegenerative disease

I am looking for

Medical and computational imaging experts
Artificial intelligence (computer vision, super-resolution, physics-informed AI) experts
Experimentalists interested in physiological fluid flows and transport phenomena

My expertise and technologies to offer

Cardiovascular mechanics
Computational modelling of vascular flow mechanics & transport phenomena (computational fluid dynamics, fluid-structure interaction, lumped-parameter network models)
Clinical imaging of the cardiovascular system

Cosimo Della Santina

About my work

We focus on developing "motor intelligence," which allows robots to perform complex movements robustly and efficiently. Our group's work is relevant to biology and medicine because it could lead to new assistive devices that help people with disabilities or injuries move more quickly and shed light on how the human body works. We focus on soft robotics, which involves designing robots inspired by the flexibility and adaptability of animals and can perform complex movements that traditional rigid robots can't.

My main research interests

Motor intelligence
Soft robotics
Machine learning

I am looking for

Modelling of biological and natural systems
Medical applications
Applications in biology

My expertise and technologies to offer

Robotics
Control theory
Machine learning

Gabe Weymouth

About my work

I am the new professor of ship hydromechanics at TUD with a research track on biologically-inspired engineering for swimming and flying. I provided the fluid dynamics know-how in previous collaborative studies on pulse-jet swimming (octopus, squid, jellyfish), plesiosaur swimming, and bat flight; uncovering fundamental mechanics and applying them in robotics applications. I’m interested in talking to bio-mechanics & bio-materials experts with scientific observations & questions as well as mechatronics & sensor & controls experts with technical capabilities & applications.

My main research interests

High performance swimming and flying
Fluid forces induced by large-scale motion and shape change
Minimally actuated soft underwater robotics

I am looking for

Bio-mechanics
Bio-materials
Mechatronics

My expertise and technologies to offer

Fluid mechanics
Numerical methods
Soft robotics

Nynke Dekker

About my work

We study DNA and RNA replication from a single-molecule perspective together with ensemble biochemical assays and electron microscopy. As a single-molecule biophysicist, I am always interested to work with excellent quantitative scientists interested in innovating in sample preparation, microscopy, or data analysis for the benefit of acquiring fundamental knowledge in the biological sciences.

My main research interests

DNA replication
RNA replication
Single-molecule methodologies

I am looking for

Biochemistry and surface chemistry
Nanofabrication and nanofluidics
Microscopy

My expertise and technologies to offer

Biochemistry
Biophysics
Single-molecule techniques

Luis Cutz

About my work

I develop thermochemical technologies to convert waste materials into new raw materials or biofuels. My research group focuses on understanding waste plastic/biomass from the micro- to the macro-scale using experimental data as an input for our research. This approach allows us to improve the design of our processes, while reducing the impact of non-desirable constituents within these materials that could harm upstream and downstream operation. Based on this approach we can upscale processes from simulation level to laboratory scale.

My main research interests

Chemical recycling
Biofuels
Bio-based materials

I am looking for

Chemical recycling know-how
Chemical engineers
Polymer scientists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Thermochemical conversion
Process system design
Sustainable development

Abel-John Buchner

About my work

I study the fundamental dynamics of unsteady flows. I am especially interested in how organisms interact with and manipulate fluids, and how strategies observed in nature can be modelled and applied to problems in flow energy extraction and vehicular propulsion. My work, primarily experimental, focuses on optical flow diagnostics. Current projects include studying mating interactions of mosquitoes, modelling the vortex dynamics inherent to unsteady biopropulsion, and controlling multibody fluid-mediated interactions in systems such as floating wind turbine arrays.

My main research interests

Fluid mechanics
Biological locomotion
Flow energy extraction

I am looking for

Biomechanics
Soft robotics
Control theory

My expertise and technologies to offer

Flow measurement
Reduced order modelling
Statistical mechanics

Tony Kiss

About my work

I am a chemical engineer with a dual industrial-academic expertise in key research areas such as: Process Systems Engineering (PSE), Process Intensification, and Separation Technology. My research work is focused on: sustainable process technology, (bio)process design and simulation, process integration and optimization, dynamics and control, intensified fluid separations, enhanced downstream processing, biorefineries and biobased products, and heat pumps applications in the (bio)chemical process industry. In addition, I also develop novel methods and tools for Computer Aided Process Engineering (CAPE).

My main research interests

Process Systems Engineering
Process Intensification
Separation Technology

I am looking for

Bioprocesses
Biorefineries
Biobased chemicals and fuels

My expertise and technologies to offer

Process design and optimization
Intensified fluid separations
Eco-efficient process technology

Behrooz Fereidoonnezhad

About my work

My research focuses on improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.  I perform multiscale computational and experimental studies on healthy and diseased cardiovascular tissues to provide a better understanding of cardiovascular disease (e.g., stroke, venous thromboembolism, and aortic dissection). I also develop novel bioengineering solutions for treatment of thromboembolism diseases.

My main research interests

Cardiovascular biomechanics
Multiscale modelling
Soft tissue mechanics

I am looking for

Microscale imaging experts
Biologists
Designers

My expertise and technologies to offer

Computational modelling
Soft tissue mechanical experiments
Multiscale modelling

Havva Yoldas

About my work

I carry out the mathematical analysis of differential equations (ODEs/PDEs) arising in modelling of biological/physical processes, e.g., dynamics of interacting neurons, cells which are growing and dividing, run and tumble movement of bacteria under chemical stimulus. Particularly, I study the long-time behaviour of these equations, determining equilibrium solutions and quantifying convergence rate to the equilibrium. I also build ODE/PDE models for biological phenomena.

My main research interests

Mathematical analysis
Mathematical modelling
Long-term behaviour of biological systems

I am looking for

Experimentalists who want to build mathematical models based on their data

My expertise and technologies to offer

Mathematical modelling
Mathematical analysis
Numerical simulations

Yanki Aslan

About my work

My expertise is on steering electromagnetic waves by using phased array antennas. I develop optimization algorithms to improve the beam profiles and reduce complexity and costs. My ambition is to apply and extend my research from electromagnetics to ultrasonics. Specifically, I am interested in establishing innovative beam forming techniques in transducers to achieve simultaneous focusing and steering of acoustic waves in a wide angular range, and applying them to the emerging ultrasound applications.

My main research interests

Phased arrays
Beam focusing
Neuromodulation

I am looking for

Neuroscientists
Circuit designers

My expertise and technologies to offer

Focused ultrasound
High spatial resolution
Low off-target stimulation

Miriam Menzel

About my work

I am a physicist with background in neuroimaging and biomedical optics. My lab exploits the scattering of visible light to resolve complex fiber structures in biological tissues. In particular, we further develop Computational Scattered Light Imaging – a label-free imaging technique that resolves individual fiber pathways and their crossings with micrometer resolution. The technique can be applied to different kinds of fibrous structures (nerve/collagen/muscle fibers), and we are always looking for biological tissue samples and new (also clinical) applications.

My main research interests

High-resolution 3D-reconstruction of fibrous tissue structures
Non-invasive, label-free neuroimaging
Multi-modal imaging and cross-validation

I am looking for

Histo(patho)logy, biopsy tissue samples
Neurodegenerative diseases
Multi-modal imaging/microscopy

My expertise and technologies to offer

Neuroimaging & biomedical microscopy
Label-free, high-resolution visualization of dense/interwoven fiber structures (nerve/collagen/muscle)
Computational Scattered Light Imaging

Ana Somoza-Tornos

About my work

I work on developing Process Systems Engineering tools to address the closure of carbon cycles in the chemical industry via the introduction of carbon capture and utilization and chemical recycling technologies. My areas of expertise include process modelling and design, mathematical optimization, techno-economic assessment, life cycle assessment and circular economy.

My main research interests

Process Systems Engineering
Sustainability
Circular Economy

I am looking for

Biofuels
Biochemicals

My expertise and technologies to offer

Chemical process design
Mathematical optimization

Jana Weber

About my work

I am an environmental engineer with background in network science, machine learning, and optimisation. My work focuses on the development of systematic methods to navigate the (bio)chemical reaction space with respect to environmental performances. Specifically, I am interested in understanding multi-scale interactions between the choice of molecules/proteins, reaction pathways, and the technical realisation of bioprocesses.

My main research interests

Network/Complexity science
Machine learning
Sustainable bioprocesses

I am looking for

Biocatalysis
Bioprocess engineers
Biomass valorisation

My expertise and technologies to offer

Network science
Data analysis
Sustainability assessment

Baris Kumru

About my work

I have expertise on polymerization reactions, photoinduced chemistry, colloid chemistry and semiconductor modification. Here I want to design monomers and additives for aerospace applications. Sustainability will be given a prime importance, and novel high performance polymers will be formulated. Besides that, I am interested in nanoparticle reinforcement and photoactive materials. Valorisation and utilization of biomass derived molecules towards aerospace applications are governed.

My main research interests

Polymer materials
Sustainable chemistry
Polymer composites

I am looking for

Polymer engineering
Biorefining
Biobased products

My expertise and technologies to offer

Polymerization reactions
Photocatalysis
Carbonaceous materials

Qian Tao

About my work

I develop algorithms for understanding image and data using artificial intelligence. I believe artificial intelligence is the augmentation of human intelligence, with data, computation, domain knowledge, and intriguing research questions. My work focuses on for example accurate quantification of biomarkers from images and disentangling intrinsic relationships within data.

My main research interests

Biomedical image analysis
Machine learning
High-dimensional data visualization

I am looking for

Imaging scientists  
Biologists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Biomarker quantification
Data exploration by visualization

Marianne Bauer

About my work

I work on theoretical optimal coding schemes used in efficient sensing of transcription factor molecules, how these efficient sensing schemes could be implemented, and how specific biological constraints affect what optimal sensors look like. I am interested in data on genetic networks, noise in transcription and translation, spatial genome organization and its changes, and stochastic variability in processes where it is assumed that noise should be low. I am also interested in building sensors or gene regulating systems synthetically, especially for sustainable purposes, such as photosynthesis.

My main research interests

Gene regulation
Synthetic biology
Precision and noise in biological development

I am looking for

Biologists (molecular scale, especially gene regulation)
Engineers (for synthetic purposes on the molecular scale)

My expertise and technologies to offer

Stochastic processes/probability distributions/information theory
Simulations
Modeling of clustering and spatial inhomogeneities/patterns

Kateřina Staňková

About my work

I develop data-driven game-theoretical models of cancer and its treatment.  Based on these models, I propose evolutionary therapies that target therapy resistance and improve patients’ quantity and quality of life. I lead a number of projects, e.g. EU ETN ‘EvoGamePlus’ and the NWO KLEIN2 project “Understanding cancer through evolutionary game theory and dynamic systems theory”. I am a recipient of the 2020 NWO Stairway to Impact award for designing evolutionary therapies in metastatic cancer and bringing them to clinical trials.

My main research interests

Evolutionary game theory
Mathematical oncology
Evolutionary cancer therapy

I am looking for

Bioinformatics, especially omics
AI
Time-series data producers who want me to help to interpret them/use them for predicting therapy response through mathematical modelling

My expertise and technologies to offer

Mathematical models of cancer and its treatment
Fitting your data to the mathematical models to predict therapy response
Optimizing cancer therapies

Paddy French

About my work

I have worked in the field of sensors since 1982, and since 1999 with a focus of medical and environmental sensors.  In the last years the areas I have worked on include: tissue vitality, cochlear implants, catheter sensors, cancer detection, bone quality, etc.

My main research interests

Biomedical sensors
Sensor technology and materials
Measurement systems

I am looking for

Biologists
Medics

My expertise and technologies to offer

Sensors
Sensor technology
Measurement

Justin Dauwels

About my work

My team develops novel types of machine learning algorithms that combine deep learning with symbolic reasoning. We also work on a variety of applications of machine learning, including machine learning approaches for assessing mental health, for automated analysis of EEG, and for monitoring clinical interventions in the operating room.

My main research interests

Application of machine learning to human behavioral analysis and physiology

I am looking for

Neurophysiologists
Psychiatrists
Surgeons

My expertise and technologies to offer

Machine learning
Signal processing
Computer vision

Michele Laureni

About my work

My core research interest is to understand how mixed microbial communities (microbiomes) assemble and function, and to translate this fundamental knowledge into ecologically-informed microbiome engineering principles. Specifically, by resolving how different metabolisms are selected and identifying the controls of labour division among community members, my goal is to find new ways to harness microbiomes immense metabolic capabilities into biotechnologies for (waste)water treatment and resource biorecovery. To this end, I integrate lab- and industrial-scale bioreactors with metagenomic and metaproteomics approaches, and mathematical modelling.

My main research interests

Systems microbiology
Microbial labour division
Nitrogen transforming microorganisms

I am looking for

Bioinformatics
Genome-centric metagenomics
Biochemistry

My expertise and technologies to offer

Bioreactors for highly-controlled enrichments
Mathematical modelling
Proteomic and genomic data integration

Yasmine Mosleh

About my work

I investigate ageing mechanisms (mechanical, environmental) in organic materials used in high performance engineering structures at different levels of material/structural hierarchy. These materials include polymers, adhesives, fibre reinforced composites, and wood. My aim is to introduce partially or fully bio-based polymers, and fibre reinforced composites for more sustainable engineering structures used in sectors such as civil engineering, aeronautics, wind energy, and automotive. Improving strength, toughness and impact resistance of structures through bio-inspired design is another focus of my research.

My main research interests

Bio-based materials and bio-inspired material design for engineering structures
Hierarchical materials
Ageing mechanisms and durability enhancement in materials

I am looking for

Material scientists
Biologists
Chemists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Accelerated ageing tests
Physical, chemical, and mechanical characterisation of polymeric and composite materials

Joana Martins

About my work

I explore the biotechnological potential of microorganisms for biodesign purposes. Specifically, I am interested to investigate the application of cyanobacteria and microalgae into design, contributing to ‘novel materials expressions’ and ‘sustainability’.

My main research interests

Microbiology
Biodesign
Living Materials

I am looking for

Material scientists
Biotechnologists
Organic chemists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Microbiology
Cyanobacteria/Microalgae
Biotechnology

Holly McQuillan

About my work

I develop woven textile systems (fibre, yarn, structure, form, system) that change form, shape, provoke interaction to suggest alternative models of production and end-user relationships.

My main research interests

Multimorphic textile structures
Animated Textiles

I am looking for

Anyone curious to explore the intersection of soft materials and structure.

My expertise and technologies to offer

Textile structures (weaving)
2D-3D form transformations
Designing with soft materials

Tomás Manzaneque

About my work

I develop microsystems that use mechanical vibrations to interact with living matter. These devices feature piezoelectric transduction to excite resonances or emit and receive acoustic waves within the chip or to the environment.  I am highly interested on the resonant characteristics of mechanical micro-structures to measure physical properties of single cells, such as mass, stiffness or viscosity. In addition, I am willing to explore the possibilities of acoustic waves to actuate on cell cultures or characterize them.

My main research interests

Resonant and acoustic microsystems
Physical characterization of single cells
Acoustics to interact with cell cultures or tissues

I am looking for

Cell biologists
Biophysicists
Problems involving mechanical vibrations and living matter

My expertise and technologies to offer

Micro/nano fabrication
Piezoelectric acoustic devices (SAW, PMUT, etc)
Sensors and actuators

Clementine Boutry

About my work

My research interests are focused on the development of biodegradable technologies and stretchable electronics for medical applications. Biodegradable sensors and actuators are designed to work for a defined period of time, and then reabsorb naturally without leaving a trace. They are completely degradable, including the electronics for sensor readout and power/data wireless transmission. Stretchable electronics allows a better integration of wearable patches and implants with the skin and organs. We develop soft biodegradable materials with tailored electrical, magnetic and mechanical properties, and their integration into organ-on-chips, biodegradable implantable sensors and robotic manipulators for medical applications.

My main research interests

Biodegradable sensors & soft robotics
Stretchable electronics
Wireless power/data transfer

I am looking for

Organic chemists
Surgeons

My expertise and technologies to offer

Biodegradable technologies
Stretchable electronics
Micro/nanofabrication, MEMS

Nergis Tömen

About my work

Many modern and successful computer vision models share fundamental principles with information processing in the brain, and it can be argued that there is still much to learn from biological systems, especially in terms of scale, speed, and efficiency. My research is thus positioned at the intersection of various fields including deep learning for computer vision, neuromorphic computing and neuroscience. Specifically, I am interested in biologically-inspired computer vision, deep network models of biological circuits and spiking neural networks.

My main research interests

Computer vision
Biologically inspired algorithms
Spiking neural networks

I am looking for

Computational neuroscientists
Computational biologists
Biological model systems capable of efficient computation

My expertise and technologies to offer

Computer vision
Machine learning and deep learning
Mathematical models of biological vision

Jan-Willem van de Kuilen

About my work

We study wood and biobased materials in sustainable engineering applications. Mechanics and physics of wood and biomaterials, long term behaviour, service life modelling, scanning and non-destructive testing.

My main research interests

Engineered wood and biomaterials
Structural applications and service life
Mechanics and physics of wood and biomaterials

I am looking for

Microbiologists
Sensors, Imaging and Non-destructive testing
Sustainable design

My expertise and technologies to offer

Modelling of performance
Ageing
Structural applications

Richard Hendriks

About my work

I develop model based signal algorithms for biomedical applications. In particular, this includes the estimation and detection of biomedical aspects based on data measured using sensor arrays. I often follow a model based approach, starting from the biomedical and physical models, and adapting these in order to combine them with state-of-the-art signal processing algorithms. Among others, examples are cardiac applications (ECG and electrogram-based data) and models that can explain the understanding of speech.

My main research interests

Cardiac signal processing (ECG, EGM)
Signal processing inspired modelling of biomedical processes
Modelling of speech intelligibility

I am looking for

Biomedical problems and data
Experts on modelling/simulating (electric) cell behavior
Cardiac applications

My expertise and technologies to offer

Array processing
Signal processing inspired modelling
Parameter estimation

Mathias Peirlinck

About my work

My research focuses on the long-life health of the cardiovascular system through improved diagnosis, prognosis and risk assessment. I develop tools to provide an increased understanding of the multiscale behavior of the cardiovascular system, bridging the cell, tissue and organ scale. Using numerical modeling and machine learning techniques, I integrate multifaceted experimental and clinical imaging data into computer models that simulate the (patient-specific) biophysical behavior of the heart and arterial system.

My main research interests

Cardiovascular biomechanics and electrophysiology
Machine learning
Digital twins of soft organs

I am looking for

Experimental mechanical and electrophysiological testing
Multiscale/multimodal/medical imaging experts
Biologists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Soft tissue biomechanics and electrophysiology
Data-driven modeling of soft tissue behavior
Multiscale modeling

Jasmijn Baaijens

About my work

I am a mathematician turned bioinformatician working on genome reconstruction and analysis for viruses, bacteria and yeasts. More specifically, I develop algorithms and software for reconstruction of microbial genomes from sequencing data, and apply these methods to characterize pathogen diversity in patient or community samples. For example, we can use such algorithms to track mutations or subpopulations over time using wastewater sequencing. Also interested in phylogenetics and outbreak reconstruction.

My main research interests

Sequencing data analysis
Wastewater-based epidemiology
Microbial evolution

I am looking for

Microbiologists
Genome sequencing
Epidemiologists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Sequencing data analysis
Algorithm development
Microbial genomics

Robin de Kruijff

About my work

In my work, I focus on the use of radionuclides for medical applications. This includes developing new production routes for radionuclides using our nuclear reactor, investigating their potential as radiopharmaceutical for cancer therapy, and using radionuclides to study the bioavailability and metabolism essential minerals. As such, I aim to (1) develop (radio)isotopes for disease diagnosis or treatment, (2) obtain a better understanding of human and animal metabolism, and (3) evaluate the uptake, distribution, intercompartmental kinetics and excretion of metals.

My main research interests

Radionuclide production
Microfluidics
(Radio)tracers

I am looking for

Metalloproteomics experts
Nutritional researchers
Radiopharmaceutical development physicians

My expertise and technologies to offer

Isotope separation technologies
Non-destructive isotopic analysis based on neutron activation
Radiotracer development

Gerard Verbiest

About my work

My aim is (i) to develop revolutionary ultrasound technology to study the subsurface structure of samples with an atomic force microscope and (ii) to investigate ultrasound waves in 2D materials for unraveling their heat and sound transport. The goal of these developments is to provide key technologies for the future of electronics, material science and cell biology.

My main research interests

Nano acoustics
2D materials
Atomic Force Microscopy

I am looking for

Microbiologists
Nanofabrication
Surface chemists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Ultrasound
Atomic Force Microscopy
2D materials

Sid Kumar

About my work

My group focuses on merging classical physics-based modeling and new AI techniques for understanding the physics of complex materials and designing new materials with tailored, unusual, and beneficial properties. Some of the current applications that we are working on include inverse-designed and biomimetic scaffolds, constitutive model discovery for soft-tissues, nature-inspired impact absorbing materials, among others. We are a computational modeling, design, and optimization-focused group and keen to explore new and diverse applications.

My main research interests

Materials by design
Computational mechanics
Artificial intelligence

I am looking for

Biomedical engineering
Bio-inspired design
Additive manufacturing

My expertise and technologies to offer

Architected and designer metamaterials
Physics-informed AI for design and optimization
Multiscale modelling

Jochen Cremer

About my work

I develop AI-based algorithms that can monitor and control physical systems, mainly focusing on energy systems. In energy systems, the challenge is the high-dimensionality and computational complexity of physical phenomena rendering many conventional approaches from control theory unsuitable for the operation of such systems. I focus on those challenges and derive novel Machine Learning methods that enrich control theory with data to train surrogates from both, the system theory, and studied data.

My main research interests

Systems biology
Energy systems
Supervised learning

I am looking for

Microbiologists
System biologists
Experimental designers

My expertise and technologies to offer

End-to-end analysis of simulations and experiments
System theory
Physics-informed machine learning
Theoretical modelling and analysis of systems

Johan Dubbeldam

About my work

My work focuses on complex networks and dynamical systems. Specifically, I am  interested in the properties and dynamics of networks, which includes epidemics on networks, ecological networks and, most recently, gene regulatory networks. I develop simple network models to investigate how network topology and dynamics on the network correlate. This touches on concepts like robustness and resillience of networks. I am also interested in how game theory can be combined with network dynamics  to predict the evolution of a system.

My main research interests

Complex (adaptive) networks
Regulatory networks
Critical dynamical systems

I am looking for

Biologists
Expertise on gene networks
Application of evolutionary game theory

My expertise and technologies to offer

Constructing mathematical models
Investigating stability of network models
Applying evolutionary game theory to network models

Guido de Croon

About my work

I work on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) of small, light-weight flying robots such as the 20-gram flapping wing drone called the “DelFly Explorer”. Such drones form an extreme challenge to AI, because of the strict limitations in onboard sensors, processing, and memory. To tackle this challenge, I draw inspiration from biology, and in particular from flying insects. I study topics such as swarm intelligence, optical flow control, and neuromorphic sensing and computing.

My main research interests

Insect-inspired Artificial Intelligence
Swarm robotics
Neuromorphic sensing and processing

I am looking for

Insect flight behavior
Insect brains

My expertise and technologies to offer

AI for drones (learning, vision, control)
Bio-inspired drones (flapping wing drones)

Hylkje Geertsema

About my work

I perform single-molecule imaging and super-resolution microscopy to obtain spatiotemporal information on biological processes in eukaryotic cells, especially in the nucleus. In specific, my interest lies in understanding how DNA replication is initiated and how it is regulated in space and time during the cell cycle. I focus on single proteins, e.g. PCNA, within the DNA replication machinery by imaging single proteins that are genetically fused to a fluorescent protein in vivo or by super-resolution microscopy with DNA-PAINT in situ.

My main research interests

Super-resolution microscopy
Single-molecule imaging
DNA replication

I am looking for

Cell biologists
Biological processes in the nucleus
Cellular labelling methods

My expertise and technologies to offer

Single-molecule imaging
DNA-PAINT
Cellular labelling methods

Urs Staufer

About my work

I design and fabricate instruments and elements of instruments for scientific research in the bio/health field. This involves individual sensors, entire systems like organ-on-chip devices or instruments for in- or ex-vivo measurements. I develop the processes needed for building these instruments.

My main research interests

Micro and Nano Fabrication
Organ-on-Chip

I am looking for

Cell biologists
Polymer scientists
Surface functionalisation

My expertise and technologies to offer

3D Micro and Nano fabrication
Atomic Force Microscopy

Aimée Sakes

About my work

My research is focussed on the development of innovative soft medical devices for minimally invasive surgery. Specifically, I am researching how to design ultra-slender, and untethered, tools that can be used to safely reach deep inside the body to perform surgery. I take inspiration from nature to find solutions to current healthcare challenges and translate these mechanisms into medical devices. Currently, I am exploring integrating tissues into mechanical structures to create biohybrid devices that combine the best of both worlds.

My main research interests

Bio-inspired technology
Soft Robotics
Biohybrids

I am looking for

Zoologists
Material Scientists
Roboticists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Bio-inspired Technology
Medical Device Design
Soft Surgical Robotics

Paul Breedveld

About my work

Collaborating with biologists, medical companies and (academic) medical centres,  the research within my research group BITE (Bio-Inspired Technology) has resulted in a great number of innovative medical devices, such as multi-steerable instruments and catheters inspired by anatomy of squid tentacles, high-precision biopsy harvesters inspired by chewing organs of sea-urchins, mechanical follow-the-leader instruments inspired by snakes, self-propelled steerable needles and tissue transporters based on ovipositors of parasitic wasps, and integrated-assembly 3D-printed instruments and prostheses designed for low-cost use in developing countries.

My main research interests

Biomimicry
Soft robotic medical devices
Non-assembly 3D printing

I am looking for

Biologists
Designers
Material scientists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Biomimicry
Medical devices
3D printing

Ulf Hanefeld

About my work

I am an organic chemist with a keen interest in catalysis, and in particular biocatalysis. My expertise lies in C-C bond forming enzymes and hydrolases. In collaboration, I am looking for experts on enzymes in unusual locations, and with strange applications. Computational screening for enzymes and their structures, immobilisation and application in continuous reactions, and people working with reaction design and reactor design would be interesting partners to me as well.

My main research interests

Green chemistry
Catalysis
Flow chemistry

I am looking for

Materials scientists
Reaction designers

My expertise and technologies to offer

Carbon carbon bond synthesis
Enzymes in continuous reactions

Artur Schweidtmann

About my work

I am a chemical engineer with background in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and optimization. For example I design algorithms for automated experimental setups for the optimization of yield and selectivity.

My main research interests

Machine learning
Artificial intelligence
Optimization

I am looking for

Interesting research collaborations that have a positive impact on our society.

My expertise and technologies to offer

Data analysis
Optimization
Self-optimization with automated experiments in the loop

Cees Haringa

About my work

I assess bioprocesses from the cellular point of view: how do cells experience (varying) environments, and how does this affect their response and overall process performance. My expertise is the use of computational fluid dynamics, coupled with cell-response models, to gain insights in industrial processes. These models can be applied towards several goals: process scale-down, strain screening/optimization under industrially representative conditions and process improvement, as well as towards development of new process control tools and digital twins.

My main research interests

Bioreactor hydrodynamics
Scale-down
Process modelling

I am looking for

Microbiologists
Bioprocess engineers
Analytical experts

My expertise and technologies to offer

Computational fluid dynamics
Transport phenomena
Scale-up/scale-down

Rinke van Tatenhove-Pel

About my work

My main areas of interest are interactions between cells, strains and species, and the development of high-throughput screening and selection systems. My research combines defined synthetic consortia, predictive models and laboratory experiments, to gain knowledge and insight that I use to improve biotechnological processes. I often work with water-in-oil emulsions as a screening and selection tool.

My main research interests

Defined microbial consortia
High-throughput screening
Evolution of microbial interactions

I am looking for

Enzyme assays
Microfluidics
FACS

My expertise and technologies to offer

Selection in water-in-oil emulsion
Flow cytometry (microbial)
Synthetic consortia

Kristin Grußmayer

About my work

Quantitative information at the molecular level, ideally in a physiological context, is key to understanding the physical principles that underly cellular organization and (dys)function. In my group, we combine label-free and single molecule super-resolution fluorescence readouts. We develop smart adaptable microscopes & analysis tools and establish new classes of fluorescent probes to enable e.g., quantification of protein clusters, identification of protein interactions and the assessment of mobility & mechanical properties.

My main research interests

Super-resolution microscopy
Optical engineering
Protein oligomerization & self-assembly in neurodegenerative disease

I am looking for

Neurobiology
Machine learning/ Image processing
Bio-applications for advanced imaging

My expertise and technologies to offer

Single-molecule based (super-resolution) imaging and photophysics
3D quantitative phase imaging
Multiplane imaging

Ruud Kortlever

About my work

Our group works on electrocatalytic processes where we can convert small molecules, such as CO₂, N₂ and water, into fuels and chemical building blocks with the use of electricity. Specifically, we are interest in obtaining molecular understanding how these electrocatalytic reactions proceed, developing new electrocatalytic materials and processes and building prototype electrochemical devices that can showcase the developed technology.

My main research interests

Electrochemistry
Electrocatalysis
Material science

I am looking for

Material scientists
Biochemists
Surface chemists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Electrochemistry
Electroanalytic chemistry
Spectroelectrochemistry (FT-IR and Raman)

Frank Hollmann

About my work

We use enzymes as catalysts for chemical transformations as they have a lot to offer to the chemist in terms of mild reaction conditions and selectivity. Particularly, we are interested in enzymatic oxyfunctionalisation reactions, i.e. hydroxylation of non-activated C-H bonds or epoxidations of C=C bonds.

My main research interests

Biocatalysis for chemical synthesis
Enzymatic oxyfunctionalisation reactions
Peroxygenases

I am looking for

Bioinformatics
Protein engineering
Reaction/Reactor engineering

My expertise and technologies to offer

Biocatalysis
Synthetic organic chemistry

Lisanne Rens

About my work

I develop computational models for single cell migration and collective cell migration. I am interested in the interactions with cells and the extracellular matrix. In particular, I study the role of forces (cell traction forces, cell-cell adhesion, extracellular matrix mechanics) on (collective) cell behavior. I also use models of GTPase signaling within the cell and study its effect on migration. I am interested in all kinds of applications, such as blood-vessel formation, embryogenesis, wound healing, cancer metastasis.

My main research interests

Cell migration
Collective cell behavior
Mechanobiology

I am looking for

Cell biology
Biophysics
Development

My expertise and technologies to offer

Cell-based modeling
Computational biophysics
Systems biology

Sophinese Iskander-Rizk

About my work

My research is dedicated towards (1) the development of imaging solutions for medical problems and (2) advancing medical technology solutions. I have worked on spectroscopic and intravascular/intracardiac photoacoustic imaging of (1) atherosclerosis, (2) radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation and (3) flow. I have also worked on super-localization photoacoustic imaging of optically contrasting objects. I research fundamental science/physics of wave and light-tissue interaction phenomena to develop better models and thus engineer better treatment, diagnostic and management tools for the medical field.

My main research interests

Minimally invasive instruments
Cardiac arrhythmia surgical guidance and monitoring (imaging)
Microscopic and macroscopic multimodal medical imaging

I am looking for

Tissue/cell electrical activity
Pressure sensor (high bandwidth, high sensitivity)
Computer science/ artificial intelligence

My expertise and technologies to offer

Photoacoustic & ultrasound imaging systems
Photoacoustic & ultrasound catheter design

Hanieh Bazyar

About my work

I develop novel membranes for different separation applications ranging from wastewater treatment to gas separation. Specifically, I’m interested in understanding the fundamental governing mechanisms as well as the interactions between different species and the membrane material. I focus on investigating potential applications of new bio-based polymers/materials for advanced membrane separations such as stimuli-responsive membranes. Actuation/sensing applications of such materials as well as the biomedical applications (e.g. drug delivery) are also of interest.

My main research interests

Membrane separations
Bio-based polymers
Stimuli-responsive materials

I am looking for

Biomedical engineers
Bio/polymer chemists
Microbiologists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Interface science and wetting properties
Membrane separations
Microfluidics

Boris van Breukelen

About my work

We perform research to the innovative and sustainable use of the subsurface environment and specifically to climate adaptation technologies that store and abstract water and (geo)thermal energy. Our focus is on water quality treatment (e.g. nutrients, metals, organic micro-pollutants, and pathogens) in aquifers and sand filters. To this end, we combine field research to pilots, field and lab experiments, and coupled physical-chemical-microbiological modelling.

My main research interests

Reactive (biogeochemical) transport modelling
Field research to nature-based solutions for water storage and treatment
Integrating (ground)water flow, biogeochemistry, and microbial ecology 

I am looking for

Microbial ecologists
Molecular microbiologists
Biofilm and genome-scale metabolic modellers

My expertise and technologies to offer

Reactive (biogeochemical) transport modelling
Field demos/pilots on subsurface water and thermal energy storage/abstraction
Environmental water quality monitoring and modelling

Angelo Cervone

About my work

I have 20 years expertise in space propulsion at all scales (from large rocket engines to miniaturized thrusters) and, more recently, in the design of small satellite missions for exploration of the Solar System. One of my main challenges in the development of miniaturized propulsion systems is the design of heat exchangers of optimized performance, and embedded MEMS sensors and actuators (micro-valves, micro-pumps). On these topics, I believe that there is very good potential for synergies with the bioengineering community.

My main research interests

Space micro-propulsion
Green propellants
Small satellites for terrestrial and interplanetary missions

I am looking for

Microbiologists with research interest in embedded sensors/actuators
Surface chemists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Miniaturized heat exchangers
Integrated MEMS sensors and actuators
Micro-pumps, micro-valves

Matin Jafarian

About my work

My research aims at contributing to the mechanistic understanding of human cognition, in particular memory and learning, as well as taking inspiration from the obtained insights to solve engineering problems. I am interested in mathematical models of dynamic neuronal networks underlying cognition, as well as analyzing the local and global behavior of such models.

My main research interests

Memory, plasticity, and learning
Nonlinear, hybrid and stochastic dynamical systems
Complex networks in bio-inspired engineering

I am looking for

Neuroscientists
Biologists
Bio-inspired engineering applications

My expertise and technologies to offer

Modelling and analysis of dynamic networks
Nonlinear, hybrid, oscillating, and stochastic dynamical systems
Coordination and control of dynamic networks

Sjoerd Stallinga

About my work

My research focuses on the intersection between the fundamentals and engineering of optical imaging systems and image processing algorithms ("computational imaging"). This combination makes it possible to see what cannot be made visible with conventional optical imaging instrumentation. We apply this to super-resolution microscopy to achieve nanometer resolution, and to develop automated slide scanning solutions for digital pathology.

My main research interests

Computational imaging
Optical engineering
Super-resolution microscopy

I am looking for

Microbiologists
Nanofabrication
Surface chemists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Optical design and modeling
Image analysis

Brian Tighe

About my work

I aim to understand the mechanics of soft solids, thick fluids, and phase transitions between the two. My research combines theory and simulations to develop models that can predict deformation and flow in foams, emulsions, fibrous networks, and other complex fluids with practical applications.

My main research interests

Amorphous solids
Complex fluids

I am looking for

Rheologists
Theorists who can translate biological problems to stat phys/soft matter

My expertise and technologies to offer

Modeling of soft solids and complex fluids

Dante Muratore

About my work

I design integrated circuits and systems for biomedical applications. Specifically, I am interested in making smarter implantable devices by bringing processing power closer to the sensor with the goal of improving the overall system efficiency and capabilities. I focus on mixed-signal application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for bidirectional, single-cell resolution brain-machine interfaces. I am also interested in edge machine-learning circuits for biomedical applications.

My main research interests

Integrated circuits and systems
Brain-machine interfaces
Hardware-algorithm co-design

I am looking for

Neuroscientists
Microfabrication of electrodes
Biosensors

My expertise and technologies to offer

Integrated circuits
Low power electronics
Neural signal acquisition

Marieke Klijn

About my work

My research is focused on implementing analytical techniques in upstream bioprocesses to determine the relation between raw materials, production, and product quality via data analytical frameworks. I am interested to contribute to forward/backward process control and (near) real-time release strategies for a variety of biotechnological processes (industrial, environmental, electrochemical, food, biopharma).  

My main research interests

Data analytics
Process analytical technology
Upstream processing

I am looking for

Microbiology
Emerging bioprocesses
Sensor development

My expertise and technologies to offer

Protein and bioprocess analytics
Data analysis and visualization
Automation and control

Frank Gijsen

About my work

I focus on image-based biomechanical modeling of the cardiovascular system. My interests include the influence of blood flow induced wall shear stress on atherosclerotic plaque progression, composition and rupture. I also study plaque biomechanics in order to assess the mechanical stability of plaques. Finally, I recently developed a strong interest in intracranial thrombus mechanics. I combine state of the art finite element analysis of both the blood flow, plaque and thrombus mechanics with the latest clinical imaging modalities and in vitro experimental techniques.

My main research interests

Cardiovascular blood flow mechanics
Atherosclerotic plaque mechanics
Multiscale modelling of thrombus failure

I am looking for

Failure mechanics experts
Multiscale imaging of biological tissues
(Micro)mechanical evaluation of local material properties

My expertise and technologies to offer

Computational Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics
Experimental methods for mechanical evaluation of soft biological tissues
Clinical imaging of the cardiovascular system

Sepideh Ghodrat

About my work

I develop and design shape morphing objects with shape memory materials. Shape memory materials are a specific category of smart materials which give free rein to designers’ creativity to make interactive objects which have a dynamic relation with users. Shape morphing objects can be used in many domains such as healthcare, biomechanics, robotics or personalized products. A number of good practices have been made such as deployable structures, self-sizable adaptable shoes, self-sizable grips, self-regulating jackets and soft mobile devices.

My main research interests

Smart, novel, stimuli-responsive materials
Soft and smart actuators
Shape morphing objects

I am looking for

Biomaterials
Materials testing
Advanced Materials Manufacturing (Additive Manufacturing)

My expertise and technologies to offer

Shape memory materials (alloys, polymers, composites)
Mechanics of materials, testing, characterization techniques
Manufacturing, 3D printing

Alina Rwei

About my work

My work merges the two pillars of healthcare technologies: diagnostic systems and therapeutics, with the goal of achieving a closed-loop therapeutic system, in which therapeutics can be release based on real-time physiological states of a patient. More specifically, the diagnostic systems I am focusing on are soft, miniaturized wearable and implantable electronics; the therapeutic systems I focus on are actively-triggerable smart drug delivery systems, such as light- and ultrasound-triggerable release of local anaesthetics to achieve on-demand pain relief.

My main research interests

Smart drug delivery systems
Wearable and implantable soft bioelectronics
Pain therapy

I am looking for

Computational modelling
Machine learning
In vivo imaging

My expertise and technologies to offer

Drug-encapsulating particles
Stretchable sensors

Andres Hunt

About my work

I investigate 'smart' material sensors and actuators. These are material level transducers that couple the electrical and mechanical energy domains. My research addresses their manufacturing, improving their performance, and their utilisation in applications. Current and potential application studies include microfluidics, soft robotics, metamaterials, and (spatially) distributed sensing and actuation. I am looking for open problems and collaborations to improve the materials and to create innovative and high-impact applications.

My main research interests

Smart material sensors and actuators
Manufacturing and prototyping
Metamaterials

I am looking for

Biology and medical specialists
Materials scientists
Open problems and design collaborations

My expertise and technologies to offer

Smart material sensors and actuators
Manufacturing
Soft robotics

Ali Akyildiz

About my work

Improved diagnosis and prognosis of diseases, and developing effective preventive strategies and therapies can only be achieved if the healthy tissue mechanics and multifactorial mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of the related pathologies are elucidated. I perform computational and experimental studies to understand healthy and diseased cardiovascular tissues and organs (e.g. vessels, heart) using continuum mechanics approach.

My main research interests

Cardiovascular tissues/organs
Multiscale modelling
Soft tissue failure

I am looking for

Mechanobiologists
Microscale imaging physicists
Cell experimentalists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Soft tissue mechanical experiments
Computational modeling
Clinical & preclinical imaging

Mohammad J. Mirzaali

About my work

My main research interests concern using biomimetics approaches (e.g., functional gradient, hierarchy) in the design and fabrication of bio-inspired, multi-functional, smart materials. That involves understanding, learning, and mimicking the mechanics and characteristics of natural materials in artificial bioengineering materials. In particular, my research focuses on finding the essential features existing in the design of extreme natural hard-soft connections (such as bone-tendon tissue interface) and developing novel methodology to solve challenges in the field of tissue interface engineering.

My main research interests

Computational modeling
Tissue Interface Engineering
Biomimetics

I am looking for

Sensor implementation
Cell mechanobiology
Bioelectronics

My expertise and technologies to offer

Computational modeling
Multi-material 3D printing
Biological tissue characterization

Kunal Masania

About my work

We shape matter at multiple length scales using bottom up self-assembly with top down shaping freedom of additive manufacturing. We like to apply bio-inspired design principles to fabricate useful multifunctional materials with applications ranging from energy, biomedical, filtering/catalysis to aerospace.

My main research interests

Bio-inspired composites
Fabrication using living matter
Data-driven digital design

I am looking for

Synthetic biologists
Plant scientists
Biohybrid specialists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Materials science
Additive manufacturing
Mechanics of materials

Sabina Caneva

About my work

I develop novel nanodevices and measurement techniques to manipulate and image DNA and protein nanomechanics. Using a combination of DNA origami nanotechnology, 2D material nanophotonics and acoustofluidics, I work both on fundamental light-sound-matter interactions at the nanoscale and on applications of acoustophotonic devices for molecular diagnostics and delivery in clinical applications.

My main research interests

2D materials nanodevices
Acoustic tweezers
DNA origami nanotechnology

I am looking for

Biochemists (labelling, surface functionalization)
Synthetic biologists
Image processing

My expertise and technologies to offer

Nanofabrication/nanodevices
Acoustofluidic devices (Surface acoustic wave, bulk acoustic wave)
DNA origami design and assembly

Gijsje Koenderink

About my work

We study the material properties of living cells and tissues. Living matter is unique in its ability to combine mechanical strength with active force generation and autonomous change shape. We aim to understand the physical mechanisms that underlie this striking active mechanical behavior. We combine concepts and techniques from soft matter physics, biophysics, synthetic biology, protein engineering, and mechanobiology. We furthermore develop advanced measurement techniques that combine quantitative imaging with force measurements across length scales ranging from the cell/tissue level down to molecular scales.

My main research interests

Cell biology
Mechanobiology
Active soft matter

I am looking for

Advanced microscopy
Tissue engineering
Microfluidics

My expertise and technologies to offer

Rheology
Self-assembly
Advanced microscopy

Borbála Hunyadi

About my work

I develop signal processing and machine learning solutions for biomedical problems, to unravel healthy and pathological physiology. More specifically, I discover hidden patterns in multichannel and/or multimodal datasets using both supervised (e.g. classification) and unsupervised (e.g. blind source separation) techniques. In order to tackle high-dimensional and higher order (3D+) data, I often use tensor-based techniques. I have many years of experience in epilepsy research using EEG, fMRI and wearable monitoring. I am also interested in ECG and (functional) ultrasound applications.

My main research interests

Biomedical signal processing
Brain connectivity
Clinical decision support

I am looking for

Bioelectrical sensors
(Neuro)imaging
Personalized medicine

My expertise and technologies to offer

Signal processing, in particular multi-channel
(Tensor-based) blind source separation
Pattern recognition

Tiago Costa

About my work

I develop micrometre and millimetre scale integrated circuit chips with monolithically integrated transducers for minimally invasive neuromodulation. Specifically, I am exploring miniaturized focused ultrasound devices for high spatial resolution neuromodulation of the nervous system, either non-invasively (peripheral nerves) or minimally invasively (brain). I am also interested in magnetic neuronal interfaces, and on augmenting integrated circuits chips with novel materials for biomedical applications.

My main research interests

Integrated circuits and sensors/actuators
Ultrasound neuromodulation
Magnetic neuronal stimulation and recording

I am looking for

Functional imaging experts
Neuroscientists
Material scientists

My expertise and technologies to offer

Integrated circuits
Miniaturized smart transducers
Ultrasound neuromodulation

Anne-Catherine Dieudonné

About my work

My research focuses on assessing the impacts of environmental (biological, chemical, thermal, hydraulic) loads on the behaviour of geomaterials and on the performance and resilience of geotechnical structures. I aim to develop new fundamental understanding of multi-physical processes in geomaterials using state-of-the-art imaging, experimental testing and numerical modelling techniques.

My main research interests

Bio-cementation of soils
Self-healing materials
Discrete element modelling

I am looking for

Environmental microbiology
Microfluidics
Imaging techniques

My expertise and technologies to offer

Mechanical testing of geomaterials
Numerical modelling of multiphysics processes

Sebastian Weingartner

About my work

We develop novel methods in Magnetic Resonance Imaging physics to depict previously undetectable properties on the micro-, meso- and macroscopic scale in-vivo. This spans work on signal modelling, quantitative imaging biomarkers, as well as novel imaging techniques for functional brain imaging. Most of our experiments are done on clinical MRI machines at field strengths 1.5T – 7T, enabling the direct application to human subject.

My main research interests

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Functional neuroimaging
Imaging of cellular properties in-vivo

I am looking for

Neuroimaging
Tissue/animal models

My expertise and technologies to offer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
In-vivo imaging
Functional neuroimaging

David Maresca

About my work

Visualizing cellular processes occurring deep with living organisms is essential to our understanding of biology and disease. To address this challenge, we pursue fundamental advances at the interface of ultrasound imaging and molecular engineering, taking advantage of the discovery of acoustic biomolecules to interface ultrasound waves with cellular processes.

My main research interests

Biomedical ultrasound imaging
Ultrasound imaging of neural activity

I am looking for

Protein engineering
Synthetic biology

My expertise and technologies to offer

Biomolecular ultrasound imaging
Hemodynamic functional ultrasound imaging of neural activity
Genetically encoded acoustic biomolecules (also known as gas vesicles)

Julia Gebert

About my work

I investigate sediment organic matter and the role of biological organic matter degradation for sediment rheology, contributing to an new definition of the nautical depth and to an improved management of sediments in ports and waterways. Further, I focus on the beneficial use of dredged material as construction material, e.g. in dikes, to achieve circular economy goals. A newly granted project will research methods to stabilise landfilled wastes to reduce future liability for society and create a sustainable environmentally safe situation.

My main research interests

Greenhouse gas release from riverine sediments
Beneficial use of dredged material
Stabilisation of wastes

I am looking for

Microbiology
Population analysis (DNA/RNA profiling)
Water chemistry

My expertise and technologies to offer

Microbial carbon turnover
Microbial methane oxidation
Biogeochemical soil ripening processes

Jeroen Kalkman

About my work

I am fascinated by optical tomography and making cool imaging tools. My focus is on label-free imaging in 3D with optimal imaging performance (resolution, speed, and volume) and quantification of sample parameters. Besides a focus on quantitative zebrafish imaging, we also measure the composition of flowing (bio) suspensions,  biofilm growth, plant morphology, and tissue morphology.

My main research interests

Optical tomography
Optical signal processing
Zebrafish

I am looking for

Life scientists with challenging imaging problems

My expertise and technologies to offer

Optical tomography
Optical signal processing
Microscopy

Valeria Garbin

About my work

I study soft and biological materials under flow and deformation, particularly the extreme deformation conditions of cavitation (high strain and high strain rate). Extreme deformation conditions due to cavitation are encountered at the tissue level for instance in blast traumatic brain injury; and at the cell level in bioprocessing. In my group we have developed experimental techniques to characterize the coupled fluid dynamics and soft/biological material deformation at high strain rates.

My main research interests

High-strain-rate deformation of soft/biological materials
Cell rupture due to ultrasound and cavitation
Mechanical phenotyping of cells in microfluidics

I am looking for

Microbiology
Bioprocessing
Tissue engineering

My expertise and technologies to offer

High-frequency rheology of soft materials (e.g. hydrogels)
Interfacial rheology (e.g. lipid or protein monolayers, lipid bilayers)
Ultrasound, cavitation and bubble dynamics

Amir Zadpoor

About my work

We develop biomaterials with impossible properties (meta-biomaterials) through advanced geometrical designs, multi-material 3D/4D printing techniques, and origami/kirigami methods. Biofabrication at different scales, shape-shifting biomaterials, and embedded functionality are at the core of our expertise. From the clinical viewpoint, we focus on the improved treatment of complex skeletal diseases including large bony defects, implant-associated infections, and multi-tissue lesions (e.g., osteochondral defects). Our ambition is to some day be able to print functional living materials and interface them with their non-living counterparts.

My main research interests

Bioprinting
Implant-associated infections
Soft robotics

I am looking for

Microbiology
Embedded printable electronics
Big data