Category: Training

  • EU funds H2020-MSCA-ITN CONSENSE

    EU funds H2020-MSCA-ITN CONSENSE

    The EU-funded Innovative Training Network (ITN) CONSENSE was funded under the H2020 MSCA call 2020.

    The CONSENSE project is developing a new sensor technology suitable for measuring biomolecules important for monitoring disease status and treatment efficacy. A generic technology that enables continuous measurement of a wide range of biomolecular parameters could revolutionize patient monitoring and enable truly personalized therapy with better outcomes.

    CONSENSE brings together internationally leading pioneers in biomolecular switch engineering with research groups that have an excellent track record in biosensor development using advanced optical approaches, including two high-tech companies that have spun out from these groups. The consortium is completed by a strong network of partner industries and organisations, including four large medical technology companies, clinical experts, and six SMEs providing specific technological expertise and training. The consortium will provide exceptional training to 15 ESRs, allowing them to develop professionally and perform world-class research that will fundamentally advance the field of continuous biomolecular monitoring for healthcare.

    The consortium is already looking forward with great anticipation to the imminent start of the project and is excited to be contributing to an important research effort in biomolecular switch engineering together with a strong network of partner industries and organisations.

  • CONSENSE meets for the first time in the Netherlands!

    CONSENSE meets for the first time in the Netherlands!

    The first meeting of CONSENSE has taken place in a hybrid form to allow everyone to join despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Being the first meeting of the consortium, Professor Prins gave a short introduction regarding the principles behind an International Training Network (ITN) and the aims of CONSENSE.

    The program continued with three lectures about the challenges in different areas relevant for our projects in continuous biosensing. The first one was given by Professor De Jonge regarding clinical patient monitoring. The main take-away of this lecture was to underline two areas where continuous biosensing is crucial: in the intensive care unit (ICU) to provide a prompt intervention and in diseases requiring a personalized treatment, for example those occurring with a dysregulated response to infection. For the second lecture, Professor Merkx focused on nanoswitches, highlighting the state-of-the-art and reminding the most important requirements for a continuous biosensor. Lastly, a lecture regarding optical detection technologies, that is the readout method chosen for the CONSENSE project, was held by Professor Lammertyn.

    CONSENSE ESRs in Netherlands

    After, each of the ESRs introduced themselves and their respective projects, typically including the previous work done by the research group and the main concept to develop during their PhD. Each presentation was followed by questions and suggestions coming from all the people involved: other ESRs, PIs or members of the partner organizations. The opportunity to have feedback from people belonging to different backgrounds and experiences is a part of what makes ITNs so special because it allows the researchers involved to grow, develop scientific criticism and find ways of collaborating.

    The scientific program was then concluded with a tour of the laboratory facilities at TU/e, which was particularly interesting to foresee collaboration opportunities and possible secondments.

    The social activities during the CONSENSE introduction days was the first opportunity for the ESRs to get to know each other. The PhD students working at the host institution typically organize some activities to have fun together and we have to say that the ESRs from Tu/e really did a great job! Among the several activities, we visited the Philips Museum with the special guide of a passionate former employee and we had a day trip to Den Bosch. There, we walked around the city, hometown of the painter Bosch until we reached a cafeteria, where we participated in a workshop and had the chance to decorate the typical dessert of the city disguised in the funniest way.

    Many thanks to Anna, Helen, Livio and Sebastian (ESRs at TU/e) for organizing this fantastic introductory meeting. We are looking forward to the next conference in early 2022!

    Authors: Claudia Scarpellini and Emily Tsang

  • CONSENSE Introduction Days

    On 24-25 November 2021, the CONSENSE ITN has its first in-person meeting since the start of the project. Hosted by the CONSENSE coordinator TU Eindhoven, this will be an opportunity for the early-stage researchers to have a broad introduction into the CONSENSE project and to get to know their fellow researchers across the different partnering universities and companies involved.

    During the two-day event, ESRs and supervisors will be following a number of lectures on biosensing technology, and the different ESRs will present their research projects to the rest of the network. In addition, visits will be planned to the biosensor labs at TU Eindhoven.

  • Open Positions for Innovative Training Network CONSENSE!

    Open Positions for Innovative Training Network CONSENSE!

    Are you interested in joining the CONSENSE team as a early stage researcher (ESR)?

    Two beneficiaries have open positions at the moment. Find out more about the individual open positions and how to apply. We are looking forward to receiving your application!

    Open Positions

    Find out more about the open positions and how to apply!

    See Open Positions
  • CONSENSE meets in Israel

    CONSENSE meets in Israel

    After five months since the last meeting, the CONSENSE network met up again at The Weizmann Institute of Science (WI) in Israel. Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions the conference took place in a hybrid form so all members of CONSENSE could participate.

    The program commenced with a lecture from Professor Fleishman regarding reliable computational optimization of enzymes and binders. Professor Johnsson then presented the use of semi-synthetic protein sensors and lastly, Professor Gothelf shared his expertise in assays for the quantification of small molecules.

    As all members of CONSENSE come from a wide variety of backgrounds, these lectures open up great opportunities for expanding our knowledge in relevant methods and technologies as well open up chances for collaboration and discussions with other members of the network.

    CONSENSE ESRs in Israel

    As with the first meeting, ESRs then presented an update on their research projects. This was followed by questions, discussions and helpful suggestions from the other members of the network.  One major aim of CONSENSE is to train early-stage students and mold them into a new generation of professional researchers, specializing in the field of biosensing.

    To fulfil this aim, a number of workshops took place during this meeting in Israel, not only to develop scientific skills but also transferrable skills. Firstly, Professor Merkx discussed how to effectively publish research papers into journals; a valuable talk specially aimed at the ESRs who may not have yet published work of their own. Next, Miss Strehler and Miss Ciscato (accelCH) carried out a workshop on science communication and how to successfully target a particular audience. Lastly, Marc Scherer (ESR at WI) organized a workshop which provided an introduction on AlphaFold2, PROSS and FuncLib webservers for use in protein optimization. Although not all students are working with protein optimization, it was an eye-opening workshop and gave insight into the type of work Marc carries out on a daily basis. To complete the scientific program of this conference, the ESRs were given a tour of the laboratory facilities at WI.

    For the next few days during the social program, ESRs explored Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv. We enjoyed seeing the difference in culture, architecture and landscapes, and enjoyed the hot weather before returning to Europe. This conference was a fantastic scientific and cultural experience!

    Thank you, Marc, for organizing this unforgettable trip. Until next time!

    Authors: Emily Tsang and Claudia Scarpellini

  • 1st CONSENSE Week

    1st CONSENSE Week

    The first CONSENSE Week is taking place from 25-30 April 2022 in Rehovot, Israel. The event is hosted by CONSENSE beneficiary WI. Organised in a hybrid format, the ESRs will receive training on various scientific and transferable skills, as well as provide a presentation to the network about the progress of their individual research projects.

  • Follow up: Consense meets at KU Leuven!

    Follow up: Consense meets at KU Leuven!

    Hey everyone! Last week was the 2nd Consense Week in Leuven, Belgium, where we had an incredible opportunity to learn new skills and share our progress. We heard cool talks about the latest research in the field of photonic plasmonic sensors and ESRs shared their own projects in continuous sensing. Plus, we had an awesome workshop on how to make eye-catching graphics and visuals! Let’s dive in!

    Science

    During the scientific talks, we learned about the newest discoveries in the field, like how photonic plasmonic sensors can help us monitor the environment and diagnose illnesses. It was really interesting to see all the different applications of this technology! The lectures covered a range of topics:

     

    This showcased the latest advances in the field, challenges, and opportunities for future research and applications, providing a comprehensive view of the field.

    But the best part was definitely the student presentations, where we got to hear about what our fellow researchers are working on. We gave each other feedback and shared ideas, which was super helpful! On top of that, this was the first meeting with all 15 ESRs physically present, and also the first one for our newest member Daniil who just started his PhD in EPFL, Switzerland.

    Transferrable skills

    In addition to learning scientific disciplines, ESRs have to acquire skills to effectively communicate their research findings and bring their ideas to life. For this, we had Filip Delport (FOx) and Menno Prins (TUE / HELIA) sharing their experiences “from academia to the spin-off”, followed by “An Introduction to Patents: System, Procedures, Rights” delivered by European Patent Attorney, Ivo De Baere (KUL). It was really insightful to hear about how researchers can turn their ideas into real-world applications.

    Finally, we had a workshop on visual communication, where illustrators and former scientists Luk Cox and Idoya Lahortiga from Somersault1824 taught us how to make amazing posters, infographics, and presentations. It was hands-on and fun, and we all got to show off our new skills.

    Overall, Consense Week was a great opportunity for us to learn, share, and connect with each other. We can’t wait to see what amazing things will come out of this field in the future! Do not miss out!

  • 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!