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  • International Symposium on Continuous Real-Time Biomolecular Sensing & Final CONSENSE ITN Meeting!

    International Symposium on Continuous Real-Time Biomolecular Sensing & Final CONSENSE ITN Meeting!

    Next week, from August 26-30, the CONSENSE ITN will gather for an important milestone in the project: The First international Symposium on Continuous Real-time Biomolecular Sensing. The symposium, co-organised with SensUs 2024, marks the project’s final event. 

    The meeting hosted at the Eindhoven University of Technology will commence with our final in-person meeting of the CONSENSE project, where all ESRs will present updates on their research. This is an important opportunity to evaluate the progress made, foster collaboration, and ensure that the ambitious goals of the project are met as the CONSENSE draws to a close. From August 27-28, the CONSENSE final event will take place. The first International Symposium on Continuous Real-Time Biomolecular Sensing is a key dissemination activity designed to showcase the achievements of the CONSENSE project. By bringing together experts in biomolecular engineering, optical sensing, and cell biology, the event will highlight the latest advancements in continuous real-time biomolecular sensing and explore future applications in the field.

    We are excited to see the event come to live, present our progress and engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including the scientific community, industry professionals, and the public.

    Stay tuned for more updates! For more information about the symposium, click here. 

  • Follow up: 3rd CONSENSE week in Aarhus!

    Follow up: 3rd CONSENSE week in Aarhus!

    Hey everyone! We are very excited to share with you the highlights of the recent CONSENSE meeting in Aarhus, one of the oldest cities in Denmark. The program was packed with exciting activities, showing the contrast between rich history of city and the novel scientific breakthroughs carried within. Let’s dive in!

    Scientific talks: sharing the newest results

    The meeting kicked off with a series of captivating scientific lectures revolving around the topic of architectures and challenges of continuous sensing devices, such as:

    As a part of the “Wider Horizon” initiative, guest speakers Prof. Jørgen Kjems and Prof. Ebbe Sloth Andersen from Aarhus University gave lectures on the how RNA aptamers and RNA origami could be used as sensing devices. Afterwards, the students presented their recent updates in the projects of continuous biosensing, receiving feedback both from the peers and professors alike.

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    Workshops, social activities and more!

    The scientific program was followed by a series of interactive workshops, dedicated to career development and grant writing. Invited speakers shared insights on navigating academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, students tried their hand in assessing and evaluating their skills and expertise, which will be crucial in choosing the career path ahead. The workshop also included a visit to The Kitchen – a startup incubator of Aarhus University, where research discoveries can be turned into business ideas.

    Another highlight was the grant writing workshop led by seasoned researchers from Aarhus University. The students learned essential tips and tricks for crafting successful grant proposals, as well as intricacies of applying for postdoctoral research grants. 

    The ITN meeting would not be possible without some social, cultural and teambuilding activities. From the Old Town in Aarhus to Tropical Zoo in Randers, the students got to experience a small part of what Denmark has to offer!

  • CONSENSE celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

    CONSENSE celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

    As the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024, the CONSENSE ITN proudly stands alongside the global community in recognising the invaluable contributions of women and girls to the fields of science and technology.

    What is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and why is it important?

    The International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 serves as a global acknowledgment of the important contributions made by women and girls in the field of science and technology. It underscores the importance of gender equality and inclusivity in science, recognising the diverse talents and perspectives that women bring to the table.

    How does CONSENSE contribute?

    Within the framework of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, CONSENSE ITN actively supports Europe’s journey towards gender equality in research and innovation. Reflecting on the significance of this day, we’ve reached out to one of our CONSENSE ESRs, Emily, for her perspective:

    As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, CONSENSE shines the spotlight on the remarkable women scientists driving forward our project’s research initiatives. Watch them explain their projects and learn about their work below:

  • CONSENSE PRESENTS AT S3IC 2023!

    CONSENSE PRESENTS AT S3IC 2023!

    As CONSENSE has recently crossed its midway point, our Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) are enthusiastic to share some scientific results that have emerged. Spreading and exchanging those discoveries are important, not only for scientific development, but also for personal and professional growth. From November 22nd to 24th, 2023, Anna and Livio participated in the Single-molecule Sensors and NanoSystems International Conference (S3IC) held in Barcelona.

    Anna presented a talk about her project: “DNA nanoswitches as an architecture for continuous biosensing with single molecule detection”.



    “I loved everything about this conference. Scientifically, I enjoyed learning about various systems, how single molecular resolution can be achieved. The conference was also very well organized, including a pre-conference online system and an on-site assistance. On top of that, it all took place in the amazing city of Barcelona!

    Looking forward to the next edition.”
    Anna Swietlikowska
    ESR 3

    Livio also presented an oral presentation entitled “Single molecule plasmonic biosensor for continuous biosensing”.



    “I had the opportunity to present my work for the first time at an international conference, and that’s awesome! It feels like there’s a new door that is full of learning opportunities. I saw various projects that are related somehow to what I am currently developing, and it was great seeing what people have been developing in terms of single molecule studies.”
    Livio Oliveira de Miranda
    ESR 9
  • Bridging Borders: Collaboration between AU and KU Leuven

    Bridging Borders: Collaboration between AU and KU Leuven

    International collaboration in academia is essential for tackling global challenges. In light of this, Andris Jeminejs and Emily Tsang – ESRs from Aarhus University, Denmark – have embarked on a secondment to KU Leuven, Belgium, to learn new skills and lend their expertise into the multidisciplinary field of continuous biosensing. They were hosted by the head of Biosensors group, professor Jeroen Lammertyn, as well as ESRs Claudia Scarpellini and Jalu Setiya Pradana.

    Before coming to Belgium, Andris had synthesized several custom molecules and DNA strands that could be used to improve the performance of fiber-optic surface plasmon resonance (FO-SPR) sensors. During his one-week stay, Andris had the opportunity to test them out and see their impact on gold surface functionalization.

    “Multidisciplinary research is an excellent ground for skill development. It was great to try my hand in something completely new, while also sharing the skills in return. Though one week may seem brief, the gained knowledge and connections can go a long way in the future. A huge thanks to the Biosensors group for creating a great environment for collaboration!”
    Andris Jeminejs
    ESR 6

    Meanwhile, Emily is continuing her secondment, where she combines the expertise in DNA origami with FO-SPR technology, creating assemblies of gold nanoparticles on the DNA and testing their role in sensor signal amplification.

    “Participating in the ITN’s international exchange program allows us to merge our expertise. This allows us to collaboratively work towards a product that would be much more challenging to develop independently. I look forward to seeing what we’ll achieve during my 6-week exchange!”
    Emily Tsang
    ESR 7

     

    Let’s wish both Andris and Emily the best of luck in their endeavors and stay tuned for more! 

  • Follow up: Consense meets at SensUs 2023!

    Follow up: Consense meets at SensUs 2023!

    Hey everyone! In the vibrant tech hub of Europe, Eindhoven, CONSENSE marks the beginning of September with an annual meeting at the SensUs competition. But this wasn’t your typical gathering; it was an explosive mix of brains from academia, industry, and innovation. As special guests invited to join the prestigious SensUs 2023 event, we embarked on a journey packed with mind-blowing science talks, eye-opening company tours, and awesome connections. Let’s dive in!

    Scientific Talks: Sharing the Knowledge

    During the scientific talks, the ESRs shared recent updates of their projects in continuous biosensing. This was followed by a number of different lectures: 

    • “Biomedical microdevices enabled by microfluidic technology” delivered by Prof. Jaap den Toonder (TU/e).
    • Recent advances in sensing technologies presented by Dr. Amani Hariri (Stanford University).
    • Group discussions “The future of continuous biosensing applications and societal impact” and “Technological state-of-the-art in continuous biosensing” conducted by Menno Prins (TU/e).
     

    The ESRs also actively engaged in intra- and inter-work package discussions, with a particular emphasis on the exchange of ideas and cultivation of future collaborative endeavors. Furthermore, they openly discussed the many challenges that come with pursuing a Ph.D., engaging in open discussions with CONSENSE-associated supervisors, who then generously shared valuable advice on how to tackle them effectively.

    SensUs 2023 student competition

    At the SensUS competition, the ESRs delivered 1-minute pitches about their continuous biosensing projects, setting the stage for an engaging poster session. This session offered an excellent opportunity for the competition participants to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and pose questions to the ESRs.

    Company Visits: Diving into the Tech Scene

    Eindhoven isn’t just a hotspot for science geeks; it is also a breeding ground for innovation and cutting-edge companies. As part of the CONSENSE meeting, we visited companies and startups in the region, such as Siemens Healthineers, Imec and StentIt, the ones leading the biosensor and health tech revolution. We also had an amazing opportunity of heading to Nijmegen to visit Radboud UMC and Future diagnostics – places where science from the lab and turned into real-world solutions that were changing healthcare as we knew it.

    As we look ahead, we can’t wait to see what springs from the connections we made and the ideas we shared at CONSENSE. We’re stoked to be part of this wild ride and here’s to more adventures and discoveries in the future!

  • CONSENSE ESRs present their work at SensUs 2023

    CONSENSE ESRs present their work at SensUs 2023

    Curious to find out about the latest findings and research done within CONSENSE? Then meet us at SensUs 2023!

    During this year’s SensUs event, all CONSENSE ESRs will present their projects and showcase their work in the form of short science pitches and poster presentations. The CONSENSE pitches and poster presentations will take place on August 29, 2023, from 16:00-18:00 (CEST).

    This marks the second year of CONSENSE’s presence at SensUs. The event offers a fantastic opportunity for the exchange of ideas, insights, and collaborations in the realm of biosensing technologies.

    Leading up to the event, our CONSENSE ESRs Anna and Sebastian already shared some insights into their work in a SensUs interview, read the full article here.

    CONSENSE at SensUs 2023

    When? August 29, 2023. 16:00-18:00 CEST

    Where? Auditorium of Eindhoven University of Technology.

    What? 1-1.5 minute science pitches and poster presentations by all CONSENSE ESRs.

    For more information on SensUs 2023, click here.

    Stay tuned for our event recap and updates or see you there! 🚀🔬🌍

    Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay up to date.

  • CONSENSE presents at BIOSENSORS 2023!

    CONSENSE presents at BIOSENSORS 2023!

    A month ago, Andris Jeminejs and Emily Tsang attended the 33rd Anniversary World Congress on Biosensors in Busan, South Korea. At this conference, they reported on the recent progress of their PhD projects and took the opportunity to see how other researchers are advancing the field of biosensors. 

    Emily presented her research with the poster titled “DNA Origami Compass”, showcasing the application of large, switch-like DNA origami structures in biosensing of small molecules.



    “It was truly awe-inspiring to witness the latest advancements in biosensing technology and connect with passionate individuals who are driving innovation in this field at the BIOSENSORS2023 conference. I am feeling grateful for the knowledge gained and the amazing community I’ve become a part of. “
    Emily Tsang
    ESR 7

    Meanwhile, Andris gave an oral presentation about his findings in the field of bioconjugation – the science of connecting different biomolecules together into more complex structures. In his talk, he demonstrated different techniques that could be used in the assembly of continuous biosensors. 

    “It was an enormous honour to present my own project at the BIOSENSORS 2023! The conference brought together so many great minds from all over the world, paving the way for many scientific discussions, new connections and possible collaborations. It was also an eye-opening experience to see so many excellent talks and posters, showcasing the recent advances in the biosensor field, blending chemistry, physics, biology and engineering. However, the most valuable aspect for me was the opportunity to exchange the expertise with fellow attendees, providing input to others and receiving their feedback in return.”
    Andris Jeminejs ESR 6
  • Introducing ESR9!

    Introducing ESR9!

    WHO AM I?

    Hey! I appreciate your time reading my blog piece! I’m Livio. I’m a very simple guy who loves travelling, music, cinema…Arts in general I’d say…I like learning and discussing the social and political constructs we have built as a complex society.

    MY NOT-SO-STRAIGHT JOURNEY IN SCIENCE

    I have a very interesting academic and professional pathway. During my Materials Science and Engineering bachelor’s in Brazil, I had the amazing opportunity to have an exchange year at the University of British Columbia in Canada (which was one of the most exciting moments I’ve ever lived during my bachelor’s times). After that, I worked with corporative data analysis in two multinational companies, and at some point, I was missing…SCIENCE…Then I decided to turn around and pursue a career shift. It wasn’t an easy decision, and I’m still consolidating this trajectory, but I started it by getting a Master’s in Physical Chemistry / Material Science and Engineering.  

    WHAT NOW?

    I joined CONSENSE in October 2022 at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in Eindhoven (The Netherlands), and I’ve been discovering the impressive world of light-matter interactions using microscopy. More specifically I study ways to overcome optical limitations of the human eye, or even of a microscope. I use metallic nanoparticles that are able to focus light on their surface, and I use such properties to do biosensing of very small biomolecules using a conventional microscope. If you have an interest in discussing further this fascinating topic, you can reach me on my LinkedIn profile, and I’d be glad to explain more in-depth what we are doing at TU/e.

  • It’s all about me, ESR13!

    It’s all about me, ESR13!

    Hello everyone, welcome to this page which will talk about me – Jalu Setiya Pradana or Jalu (ESR 13).

    About me

    I was born and raised in a small village in Java, Indonesia. Since elementary school, I have been interested in natural sciences and wanted to know the answers or reasons behind natural phenomena. I decided to dive deeper into the topic of natural science as it allows me to continue learning and discovering new things. I find it exciting as science will always continue to develop and raise many questions.

    My Academic Journeys

    Growing up as a child who had a very strong interest in science, I aspired to study more about science, especially physics. This is what led me to major in physics at one of the best universities in Indonesia. Over time, my perspective on physics became wider and I became interested in the application of physics in the medical field so that I took many courses related to the medical/biological field. On the other hand, I also have a very high passion for optics and photonics which inspired me to be directly involved in the development of biosensors by utilizing the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) phenomenon which is considered capable of detecting up to a single molecule in real-time measurement and has high accuracy. Therefore, I chose to conduct my bachelor thesis research with the theme of exploiting the SPR phenomenon for biomedical applications under the supervision of Dr. Rahmat Hidayat. After earning my bachelor degree, I had the opportunity to continue my research at ITB as a research assistant. Here, I assisted my supervisor in continuing the study on fabrication, characterization, and simulation of 1-D and 2-D grating nanostructures to see their SPR effect. Furthermore, my ‘thirst’ for knowledge led me to take a master’s program in applied physics in Japan, under the supervision of Prof. Yoshihiko Takeda. From this experience, I was able to further my skill and understanding of the characteristics and applications of the localized SPR phenomenon from metal nanoparticles in various fields, especially in nonlinear optics.

    Joining CONSENSE

    Driven by my lifelong interest in photonics and the desire to develop photonics for biomedical applications, I am honoured to join a prestigious consortium, CONSENSE. I am currently working under Fox Biosystems and joining KU Leuven‘s MeBios group as a PhD student to develop an FO-SPR biosensor system integrated with DNA nanoswitches.

    Apart from Academia World

    Besides research and academic activities, I am very interested in entertainment. On several occasions, I have been the MC of several music festivals and radio broadcasters in Indonesia.

    Now you know a lot about me, I can finally say thank you so much for reading this article!