Cover: Daniel Borstner in the clean room facility of JOANNEUM RESEARCH
MATERIALS in Weiz, performing microscope imaging
INNOVATION
Editorial
NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
In the realm of innovative and advanced materials, the pace of discovery is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. From materials enabling quantum computing to sustainable solutions for clean technologies (e.g., energy, mobility, electronics, construction, health), breakthroughs in this field are changing our world.
Unicorns and newsworthy CEOs are often in the spotlight, but behind them are strong teams: the scientists and researchers in the background, mostly at the beginning of their careers, chipping away at ideas until they bear fruit. These bright minds bring fresh perspectives, boundless creativity, and the boldness to challenge conventional paradigms. Their contributions are not just valuable — they are essential to the future of advanced materials research to enable innovation. Early Career researchers (ECR) occupy a unique position in the scientific ecosystem: they are more likely to explore unconventional approaches and embrace interdisciplinary thinking. This intellectual flexibility is particularly vital in the advanced materials field, where progress often hinges on integrating diverse fields such as chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering. Moreover, the ability of ECRs to adapt quickly to emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced characterization tools, gives them a distinct edge. Their readiness to learn and innovate ensures that the research pipeline remains dynamic and responsive to global challenges.
In this issue, BioNanoNet Association members nominated ECRs that are making a difference. As you will see in their interviews, the scientific topics they are contributing to are broad but there are many common threads — from passion for their subject matter to determination in the face of failures. In addition, we met several of them at the 2 nd BioNanoNet Association “Glühwein”-event, held on 29 th of November in our office courtyard in Graz. It was a downright jolly experience to meet new faces in our community and see them connect with each other.
At BNN, we are committed to spotlighting the achievements of ECRs to support their growth and foster dialogue across sectors, creating an ecosystem where they can thrive, contributing to a change of society to the better.
We thank all our members who nominated promising teammates and our nominees who took the time to give us a glimpse into their lives! You are shaping the future of science and technology, and we are proud to have you in the BioNanoNet community!
Enjoy this issue and happy holidays,
Andreas & the BNN Team
Infineon Unveils the World’s Thinnest
PLANETS, a Horizon Europe Project demonstrating Safe-and-Sustainableby-Design, launches in Grenoble
Unlocking Nanosafety with DIAGONAL Resources for SMEs and the General Public
Strategic Regulatory Consultation Support for the Development of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
Identifying and applying the right regulatory requirements during the development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices presents a significant challenge in the pharmaceutical sector in Europe, especially for young companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
To address this, JOANNEUM RESEARCH and BNN, represented by Karin Pickl and Daniel Garcia, respectively, have joined forces to of -
fer a specialized and comprehensive service. The support covers the guidance and advice on regulatory matters for the development of pharmaceuticals, nanomedicines, in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), and medical devices, including Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), focusing on providing tailored solutions to companies at various stages of the product development.
For pharmaceuticals, early strategic regulatory planning is key to gaining investor confi -
dence and advancing development efficiently. The support includes a broad variety of topics, from gap analysis and strategic roadmaps to identify regulatory and experimental requirements, ensuring alignment of milestones with time and cost projections, to facilitation of interaction with key regulatory authorities, such as the FDA, EMA, and European agencies, to validate and refine development plans.
For medical devices, the support addresses the complexities of compliance with the Medical Device Regulations (MDR) 2017/745, 746, and standards such as EN ISO 13485 and EN 62304 for SaMD. It offers foundational training through workshops and interactive sessions, helping startups and innovators understand the basic regulatory requirements, assess risk management, and classify products effectively. The service provides strategic support, including gap analysis, mock audits, quality management system implementation and guidance in technical documentation preparation. It also supports the execution of clinical studies, covering protocol design, data management, statistics, and medical writing, all in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
With extensive individual experience, this collaboration seeks to combine the knowledge and expertise of both organizations to offer a comprehensive service that ensures SMEs can effectively navigate complex regulatory environments.
Contact
JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH HEALTH
Karin Pickl karin.pickl@joanneum.at www.joanneum.at
Daniel Garcia daniel.garcia@bnn.at
BNN Contributes to Paving the Way for Improved Socioeconomic Aspects in Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design
BNN is proud to announce its active involvement in two research services funded by the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology (BMK), processed through the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). Both initiatives focus on advancing the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework, emphasizing the integration of socioeconomic aspects into sustainable innovation and have been kicked off in November.
PHASE5 addresses social considerations within the pharmaceutical industry. By partnering with the University of Graz and the Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering GmbH (RCPE), this project aims to explore how social impacts can be embedded into the early stages of pharmaceutical product design according to SSbD. Together, the consortium will assess the status quo, identify hotspots and develop methods that enable the pharmaceutical sector to adopt socially responsible innovations.
SESAM evaluates the social and economic impact of applying the SSbD framework in early stages of innovation. BNN is collaborating with JOANNEUM RESEARCH, Brimatech, Phornano and TU Wien to assess the practical application of SSbD principles with a particular focus on social Life Cycle Assessment (sLCA). As part of the interdisciplinary effort, the SESAM team will create a simplified framework for measuring social and economic impact that will help companies align their innovation strategies with broader societal goals.
Through these two initiatives, BNN and BioNanoNet Association members continue to demonstrate their leading efforts in SSbD research and innovation, fostering collaborations that bridge science, industry, and society.
Contact
Julia Voglhuber-Höller julia.voglhuber-hoeller@bnn.at
This work has received funding from the Federal Ministry of the Republic of Austria for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) through the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) (PHASE5 and SESAM, NanoEHS 2023 national).
BNN Designs SbD Concept for NanoPAT
In the EU H2020 NanoPAT project, BNN was responsible for devising and implementing the Safe-by-Design concept, generating a report as a confidential deliverable, with input from BioNano-Net Association member TEMAS Solutions GmbH. The report outlines the concept and explains the developed safety guidelines with a particular focus on nanosafety.
In this report, we explore Safe-by-Design from various angles, keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in the field: Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) and inherently safer design (ISD). Each approach offers unique perspectives, with SSbD, for example, taking a holistic lifecycle approach and ISD offering a specificity that is more attractive to mechanical, chemical and plant engineers. Partner TEMAS Solutions’ Blanca Suárez Merino provided a brief overview of risk assessment tools that are specifically tailored to the assessment of potential risks posed by nanomaterials. She also gave an exemplary detailed report on nanohydroxyapatite, demonstrating how TEMASOL applied two screening risk assessment tools (the Swiss Precautionary Matrix for nanomaterials and LICARA nanoScan).
Having set the stage, the report delves into a comprehensive analysis of the five NanoPAT case studies, namely, the production processes of (i) acrylate and urethane polymers, (ii) nanosilica, (iii) nanohydroxyapatite, (iv) zeolites, and (v) electroplating with nanoceramics. Each case study undergoes careful examination, assessing the chemicals employed in the processes and estimating their associated hazards. Subsequent discussions focus on product analysis, examining potential safety risks to workers and the environment and provides measures for reducing potential risks.
The original deliverable is confidential and can only be viewed by project beneficiaries.
Contact
Matiss Reinfelds matiss.reinfelds@bnn.at
www.nanopat.eu
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement n° 862583.
NanoTox 2024 Brings
230 Participants to Venice
The 11th International Conference on NanoToxicology (NanoTox 2024) took place from 23-25 September 2024, in the historic center of Venice at Centro Culturale Don Orione Artigianelli. The conference attracted more than 230 participants from research and academic institutions, as well as from industry, governmental agencies, and experts from 30 countries around the world.
The conference provided a valuable platform for convening leading experts focused on the challenges related to safe and sustainable multicomponent nanomaterials (MCNM) by developing novel tools for evaluating human and environmental hazards, alongside strategies for nanomaterial characterization, classification, grouping, and read-across for risk analysis and sustainability assessment.
NanoTox 2024 created an optimal environment for sharing developments in the areas of ecotoxicity and risk management of advanced nanomaterials. Key discussions centered on the latest research concerning hazard and exposure assessments, as well as innovative strategies for risk management and governance. The event emphasized the importance of grouping and read-across techniques, along with New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for enhanced risk assessments. Additionally, participants explored sustainability assessments through Safe(r)-by-Design (SbD) and Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) approaches, ensuring that safety is prioritized from the early stages of material development. The conference also examined the molecular mechanisms of toxicity, focusing on nanocell circuits that drive Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOP) and Modes
of Action (MoA), in conjunction with big data management and modelling solutions that facilitate these advancements.
The event featured a comprehensive series of 122 oral and 80 poster presentations highlighting, among others, key findings from the three EU H2020 organizing projects DIAGONAL, HARMLESS and SUNSHINE.
One highlight of the conference was the 24/7 poster pitch presentation session, moderated in part by BNN’s Susanne Resch, where poster authors got the chance to present their research in 24 seconds, followed by 7 keywords to highlight their work.
Special thanks to the four keynote speakers Sabina Halappanavar (Health Canada and University of Ottawa, Canada), Mark Wiesner (Duke University and University of Rennes), Chunying Chen (National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China), and Thomas Kuhlbusch (Federal Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Germany) for their inspiring and in-
sightful presentations, as well as to Georgios Katalagarianakis (formerly of the European Commission) for his encouraging summarizing words in the closing ceremony.
The scientific conference was followed by the highly successful NMBP-16 Final Public Event, where DIAGONAL, HARMLESS, and SUNSHINE presented their collaborations, mutual strengths, synergies and complementarities as well as their main results to a broad audience of stakeholders, fostering valuable discussions and insights.
One of the four Poster Prizes, kindly sponsored by CSBJ: Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Section and selected by the Scientific Committee as well as the conference participants, was awarded to BioNanoNet Association member PLUS Bio-Nano Interactions Lab for Lisa Kleon’s poster “How green zinc- and cerium-based nanomaterials relate to industrial benchmarks across safety and sustainability dimensions – identification of alternatives for potent antimicrobial agents”.
The NanoTox 2024 conference was jointly organized by the three EU-funded H2020 projects DIAGONAL, HARMLESS, and SUNSHINE, and supported by the EU NanoSafety Cluster. The project partners as well as the members of their External Advisory Boards were heavily involved in the Organizing and Scientific Committees.
The NanoTox 2024 overall program is available here , as well as a detailed agenda here . The Book of Abstracts is available here . A selection of photos of NanoTox 2024 is available here . BNN team members were heavily involved in the overall conference organization. Susanne Resch took a leading role in the coordination of the Scientific Committee and led the overall program development including the set-up of the scientific sessions. Beatriz Alfaro was part of the Organizing Committee and Andreas Falk was part of the Scientific Committee. Julia Voglhuber-Höller had a poster presentation on “The Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design approach for alternative metal-free wound dressings in NABIHEAL” and gave a 24/7 poster pitch.
It was a great conference and nice to meet many BioNanoNet members, the EU NanoSafety Cluster community, project colleagues and new collaborators!
Watch the impressions from NanoTox 2024!
Role of BNN in DIAGONAL
Mainstream Sustainability into Safety-by-Design, Liaison management, Stakeholder engagement, Communication & Dissemination
Role of BNN in HARMLESS
Safe Innovation Approach, Stakeholder engagement, Graphic Design, Communication & Dissemination
These projects have received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement n° 953152 (DIAGONAL), n° 953183 (HARMLESS), and n° 101092269 (NABIHEAL).
NMBP-16 Projects Hold Public Final Event in Venice
For the past four years, the EU-funded Horizon 2020 NMBP-16 projects DIAGONAL, HARMLESS and SUNSHINE, addressing the call topic “Safe by design, from science to regulation: multi-component nanomaterials”, have been working closely together on the challenges related to safe and sustainable multicomponent nanomaterials.
The three sister projects organized their Public Final Event on Wednesday, 25 September 2024, right after the NanoTox 2024 conference in Venice.
The dynamic 90-minute session showcased the ambitious goals and key achievements of the three projects. Attendees got an overview of the objectives and core elements of each one
of the projects, as well as their complementary perspectives. In addition, participants gained insight into key features, main results and special focus topics. Next to that, selected case studies of each individual project were presented and discussed. An open discussion with all participants on the legacy of the projects’ outcomes raised many ideas to ensure that all those results are available for ongoing/future projects and researchers.
These projects have received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement n° 953152 (DIAGONAL) and n° 953183 (HARMLESS).
BNN asks “How ‘nano’ is the world around you?” at
European Researchers’
Night
On 27 September 2024, BNN joined researchers across Europe for simultaneous public science events in dozens of European cities.
Under the title “Life is Science – in a world turned upside down”, the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (acib), St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, and University of Graz jointly organised this fantastic event (funded by the European Commission as a Marie Skłodowska Curie action) to present engaging, hands-on activities suitable for people of all ages, from children to students to adults, offering them a glimpse into the daily activities of several research institutions on the topics of Earth Explorers, Health Enthusiasts,
Tech Pioneers and Science Reporters. The event took place at the University of Graz RESOWI center – a dynamic venue on the campus of the main university of Graz.
Around 50 people stopped by the BNN booth “Wie nano ist unsere Welt?” At our table, students and adults were able to match microscopic images of nanomaterials to their reallife applications. Young visitors learned about nanostructures in nature, such as butterfly wings, the pearling of the Lotus Effect, or the dentine in our teeth. Even the youngest visitors loved using a pipette to create large and small water droplets on hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces!
Julia Voglhuber-Höller at the BNN booth at ERN 2024.
It was exciting to be surrounded by nearly 30 other presenters from the scientific community in Austria, complemented by a program of live shows such as a physics demonstration show by Bernhard Weingartner and the Science Slam Austrian finals.
BNN provided materials from our projects such as DeDNAed , DIAGONAL , HARMLESS , NextGenMicrofluidics , PHOENIX-OITB, NABIHEAL , and SSbD4CheM .
Contact
Julia Voglhuber-Höller julia.voglhuber-hoeller@bnn.at
These projects have received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement n° 964248 (DeDNAed), n° 953152 (DIAGONAL), n° 953183 (HARMLESS), n°862092 (NextGenMicrofluidics), n° 953110 (PHOENIX-OITB), as well as the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement n°101092269 (NABIHEAL) and n° 101138475 (SSbD4CheM).
Exploring Safe and Sustainable Innovation: A Look at the 2 nd SSbD Boot Camp
From 22-25 October 2024, Matiss Reinfelds and Julia Voglhuber-Höller represented BNN at the 2 nd Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) Boot Camp in Thessaloniki, Greece. This event, organized under the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) initiative, provided an intensive, hands-on training experience with the SSbD framework and using the toolbox developed within PARC. It brought together experts, researchers, and professionals to advance the development of innovative, sustainable chemical and material solutions.
The boot camp aimed to deepen participants' understanding of the SSbD methodology, which integrates hazard, exposure, sustainability and socio-economic assessments into
the innovation process. Using tools from the PARC SSbD toolbox, attendees worked on real-life case studies, fostering collaboration and skill-building essential for creating ecofriendly and safe, yet efficient and functional solutions. It became clear that successful integration of SSbD into the innovation process is a team effort, which requires expert knowledge from different areas. Importantly, to ensure these efforts are successful, events like this are crucial to generate a common ground of understanding among cross-functional teams. Among the participants were also several members of the BioNanoNet Association, such as Stefanie Prenner from Brimatech and Blanca Suárez Merino from TEMASOL.
The event highlighted collaborative learning, emphasizing the practical application of theory to innovation challenges. Matiss and Julia also had the opportunity to share insights from their projects such as BREADCELL, ensuring their work continues to shape and be shaped by cutting-edge sustainability practices.
For more about the boot camp and the SSbD framework, explore the official website of PARC . Contact
Julia Voglhuber-Höller julia.voglhuber-hoeller@bnn.at
These projects have received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement n° 964430 (BreadCell) and from the European Union’s Horizon EUROPE Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement n° 101057014 (PARC).
Grüne Chemie – Zukunft:Chemie 2024
Discusses the Future of Green Chemistry
On 11 November 2024, the event " Grüne Chemie – Zukunft:Chemie " took place in the ceremonial hall of the Federal Ministry for Climate Action in Vienna. It brought together experts from research, industry, education, and policy to discuss the future of green chemistry.
After the welcome by Thomas Jakl (BMK) and introduction by Sabine Cladrowa (Environment Agency Austria), the event began with a dynamic moderation, which already offered the first networking opportunities for the participants. Flash news from Martin Wimmer (BMK) and Barbara Wetzer (Environment Agency Austria) provided exciting insights
into current developments and offered the ideal introduction to the thematic depth of the day.
One highlight was the presentation on SusChem-AT, the national technology platform for sustainable chemistry with strong European connections. Bettina Mihalyi-Schneider (SusChem-AT) and Andreas Falk (BNN) illustrated the added value of networking research, industry and regulation at an international level and especially highlighted also project IRISS as the international ecosystem for accelerating the transition to Safe-and-Sustainableby-Design materials, products and processes. Clemens Wolf (BNN, SusChem-AT) presented
Clemens Wolf presenting practical examples of SSbD
and
practical examples of how the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) concept can contribute to the further development and implementation of green technologies. This topic underlines the central role of regulations in the transformation of the chemical industry.
In addition to presentations on topics such as CO 2 conversion and defossilization, the event featured interactive formats like pitch talks and a marketplace that provided opportunities for discussion and networking. A panel discussion emphasized the importance of collaborative approaches in driving the industry's transition. The participants were able to take away concrete ideas and new contacts. The
final summary by Sabine Cladrowa (Environment Agency Austria) and Thomas Jakl (BMK) concluded the event with a clear focus on future steps. The platform continues to serve as a key catalyst for sustainable innovation.
Contact
Clemens Wolf clemens.wolf@bnn.at
IRISS has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon EUROPE Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement n° 101058245.
Andreas Falk, Andreas Haider (Wood K Plus)
Clemens Wolf
BNN Attends COMPAMED 2024
This autumn, BNN participated in COMPAMED 2024, collaborating with JOANNEUM RESEARCH, Inmold and BiFlow Systems GmbH on the Microfluidics Innovation Hub (MIH) booth as part of the project NextGenMicrofluidics.
Held annually from 11-14 November in Düsseldorf, Germany, COMPAMED is recognized as one of the leading international trade shows for medical device suppliers and developers. Co-located with MEDICA, the world's largest medical trade fair, COMPAMED serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing innovations ranging from high-precision components, microfluidics and materials to advanced modules and production technologies tailored for the healthcare industry. This year, a total of 5,800 exhibiting companies from 72 nations presented their expertise to some 80,000 trade visitors (from 165 countries) and provided an impressive overview of modern healthcare solutions for inpatient and outpatient care.
At the Microfluidics Innovation Hub (MIH) booth, BNN representatives Daniel García and Clemens Wolf engaged with attendees and shared their expertise on key topics such as strategic regulatory support, Safe-andSustainable-by-Design (SSbD) for advanced materials (AdMa), as well as science communication and branding strategies. Their contributions highlighted BNN's commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the medical technology landscape.
Contact Clemens Wolf clemens.wolf@bnn.at www.nextgenmicrofluidics.eu
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement n° 862092 (NextGenMicrofluidics).
Daniel Garcia and Clemens Wolf (BNN) with Kuntee Sirikrai (Inmold) at the MIH booth at COMPAMED.
Key Insights from esib 2024 and the Green Transition World Café in Graz
The European Summit of Industrial Biotechnology (esib) 2024 took place in Graz, Austria, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and innovators to explore the latest advancements in industrial biotechnology. As part of the conference, a standout side-event, the "Green Transition Experiences: Best Practices & World Café", was held on 13 November 2024. This dynamic session served as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering critical discussions on sustainability and innovation.
The Green Transition World Café –A Collaborative Dialogue
Designed to share experiences, lessons learned, and success factors for achieving a sustainable green transition, the World Café welcomed around 50 participants from diverse sectors, including HealthTech, Pharma, and
Biotechnology. The event was hosted by acib and HTS, creating an engaging and interactive atmosphere.
Interactive World Café: Hot Topics in Focus
The core of the session was the World Café, where participants engaged in three rounds of 15-minute discussions at topic tables. Each table was led by a host focusing on a pressing theme related to sustainability and innovation:
1. Arkeon : CO 2 as a Resource
Discussions explored the potential of CO 2 utilization for sustainable production processes.
2. BNN : Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD)
Participants delved into enabling sustainable innovation through the SSbD framework.
3. Bisy : Bio-based Products and Corporate Sustainability
Insights centered around bio-based innovations and strategies for achieving sustainability within companies.
4. PAYER : Circular Economy and Corporate Carbon Management
Key discussions focused on product innovation, waste reduction, and managing corporate carbon footprints.
5. ZETA : Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Manufacturing
Participants addressed strategies to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in production environments.
Key Takeaways
The session concluded with a wrap-up led by the table hosts, where the key outcomes and insights from the discussions were shared. Participants identified common challenges, opportunities for collaboration, and practical solutions to drive the green transition across industries. The Green Transition World Café was one of the many highlights of esib 2024, offering a valuable opportunity for sustainability facilitators and industry leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and inspire actionable strategies. The event emphasized the importance of collaborative dialogue and innovative approaches to achieving a sustainable and resilient future.
IRISS has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon EUROPE Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement n° 101058245.
This project is funded by the FFG.
Matiss Reinfelds and Susanne Resch from BNN
Reflecting on the JRC Nanobiotechnology Training and Capacity Building Week 2024
The Nanobiotechnology Training and Capacity Building Week, hosted by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), took place from 18–22 November 2024 at the JRC Nanobiotechnology Laboratory in Ispra, Italy. As part of the JRC’s Open Access Initiative, the week provided participants with a unique opportunity to access cutting-edge research infrastructures and gain hands-on experience in advanced nanobiotechnology methods. Susanne Resch from the BNN team was selected as trainee and had the privilege to move from her desk back to the bench for a week, spending a lot of time in the lab using various techniques and instruments that are crucial when working with nanomaterials, assessing their safety and studying their interaction with biological systems.
Program Highlights
The week was divided into three specialized topics, allowing participants to deepen their expertise in critical areas of nanotechnology:
1. Detection and Characterization of Micro(nano)plastics in Media :
Participants explored advanced techniques to identify micro- and nanoplastics in different media contributing to human exposure, such as food and drinking water.
2. Characterization of Nanomaterials and their Biological Interactions:
This track focused on analyzing nanomaterials in complex matrices (such as food) and understanding their interactions with biological systems, including cell models and organoids.
Attendees learned how to synthesize, detect and analyze nanomedicines, specifically lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and liposomal drugs which are central to RNA therapeutics and disease treatments.
Hands-on Training and Collaboration
Throughout the week, participants engaged in intensive hands-on training sessions led by JRC experts. Key activities included cell culture preparation for analytical methods, single-particle ICP-MS for nanoparticle detection, and advanced microscopy techniques such as SEM and TEM. In particular, the sessions on LNP synthesis and characterization, including DLS measurements and encapsulation efficiency analysis, provided valuable insights into RNA therapeutic delivery systems.
Other standout sessions included:
Hydrophobicity Index Measurement, following the OECD test guideline for nanomaterial characterization
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and EDX for imaging and analyzing nanomaterials
Workshops on intestinal organoid models, single-cell ICP-MS, and analytical ultracentrifugation
Participants also had the opportunity to work in groups, enhancing their practical skills and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The training week brought together scientists, researchers, and early-career professionals from institutions across Europe and beyond, including the UK, Austria, Turkey, Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Croatia.
Experts from the JRC’s Technologies for Health Unit led the sessions, sharing their knowledge and mentoring participants in State-of-the-Art methods and applications. The program emphasized practical applications of nanobiotechnology in environmental, biological, and medical fields, encouraging knowledge exchange and future collaborations among participants and trainers.
The JRC Nanobiotechnology Training and Capacity Building Week 2024 was a resounding success, offering participants invaluable experience and access to cutting-edge nanobiotechnology research tools, which we can integrate into projects such as HARMLESS, PHOENIX-OITB and NABIHEAL. The event exemplified the JRC’s commitment to fostering innovation, capacity building, and collaboration within the scientific community.
Contact
Susanne Resch susanne.resch@bnn.at
These projects have received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement n° 953183 (HARMLESS), n° 953110 (PHOENIX) and Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement n° 101092269 (NABIHEAL).
Interview with ERC Starting Grant Awardee David Clases
NanoArchive: deciphering information encoded on the nano scale
We sat down with David Clases, a chemist and Associate Professor from the University of Graz and a BioNanoNet Association member. David Clases recently won the prestigious ERC starting grant in the physical and analytical chemical sciences. His project is called “NanoArchive: deciphering information encoded on the nano scale.” Watch the interview on YouTube
Caitlin Ahern: David, thanks for sitting down with BNN. You received your ERC starting grant to track down nano particles in polar and glacial ice. What are you hoping to achieve?
David Clases: The first level is that we have to start developing the instrumentation and bring the technology into place, and this will take up most of the time for this project. Once we have accomplished that, we can use this technology to trace particles in different systems, including in ice, and then start seeing what they encode and what we can learn from them in terms of environmental processes and so on.
You call your project nano archive: what kinds of information can be encoded at the nano scale?
There are different levels of information that we have. Small particles themselves incorporate information, which stipulate their environmental behaviour and impact. This includes their molecular and elemental composition, their sizes and numbers. Interestingly, we can also use this information to go on the next level and actually investigate how particles were transported — through the atmosphere, for instance — and where they come from. And we can use that to reconstruct, for example, paleo-climatic conditi -
Caitlin Ahern interviewing
David Clases
ons, or find out about the emission of particles through past and current industrial processes. That means that the particles we investigate can help us to establish a larger understanding — a little bit like puzzle pieces creating a larger picture.
That's really exciting detective work you're doing! What led you to choose this area of research?
Overall, it's a lot of randomness. I don't think there's a very straight line. It's lots of trail forks and random meetings and acquaintances that led me down this path. I think one constant is that I was always fascinated by analytical chemistry and specifically by elemental mass spectrometry. In the very beginning, I was just testing different facets of the underlying instrumentation and techniques, and I got stuck with looking at nanomaterials and microparticles.
too warm to play with snow. I think the reason is that I was collaborating with an ice core scientist over the last couple of years, and he really sparked the interest in me and showed me what kind of mysteries are hidden in these kinds of specimens. But in regards to me becoming a scientist, I think I was always interested in the natural sciences, and I decided to pursue the sciences at school. That's why I chose my subject at university. And then, when I did my PhD, it became clearer and clearer that I wanted to do my own research.
Going back to your project, you received the ERC Starting Grant for 2024 — how far along are you now in the project timeline?
I was very intrigued by the idea of walking down an untrodden path and having the opportunity to make new discoveries.
I realized that a lot of interesting information and stories are hidden at the nano-micro scale, and it's basically a vast, uncharted dimension. Therefore, I was very intrigued by the idea of walking down an untrodden path and having the opportunity to make new discoveries. That's the reason why I chose it.
As a child you were probably playing with ice forts and in the snow, leading you to research nanoparticles in polar ice. Did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
Well, I'm from the northwest of Germany, so the winters there are a little bit too grey and
We are at the very beginning, actually. The funding is going to start in February, and at the moment, we are in the preparation phase, which means we are currently equipping the lab, building everything up, getting the infrastructure into place, and now we are also looking for the right people to join the team to kick things off.
It seems like an exciting time in the project, then! Taking a wider look, working in chemistry, what has surprised you in this field?
It's always a bit different from what you think initially. It's not much working with bunsen burners and these kind of things. Everyday life is basically working with big instruments and juggling challenges and issues associated with technology, software, methodology and, of course, the question at hand. Especially
The
in analytical chemistry and elemental mass spectrometry, we are looking at trace concentrations, which means that we try to uncover the role of particles which are too small to see. This requires a lot of diligence and skill and if done right, you can see the world at the smallest scales. This can be extremely rewarding and exciting but admittedly, you don’t see the big explosions, colours and violent reactions that you might imagine from the outside.
And you probably spend a lot more time in meetings and on the computer.
Yes, that's becoming increasingly more common. It used to be a bit better when I was a PhD student and a postdoc, but I can feel now how the administrative and planning phase is becoming more and more time consuming.
We see this a lot in our interviews with our other members. So you're an early career researcher in the scheme of things, already having a really big achievement under your belt. But we also like to talk about failures in science. How do you think we should deal with negative results in the lab and in your research?
I think any kind of achievement is usually backed up by a long row of different failures. It's practically a necessity in the laboratory, especially when you're doing hypothesis-driven research. You have to risk and acknowledge that your hypothesis can be wrong, and in many cases, it is. So failure is there every day. I think we should embrace it, because there's always something that we can learn from it, and it's definitely nothing that we should be ashamed of.
That's a good mentality. I think that a lot of scientists are needing inspiration to get through daily life. Is there a scientist that is particularly inspiring to you?
Richard Feynman would be a good example. He was one of the earliest scientists who had a real vision for what to do with nanoparticles and nanotechnology. He famously said “There is plenty of room at the bottom.” And that's very true. Our problem is that this bottom of
elemental mass spectrometer (ICP-TOFMS) is prepped to find and decipher the information in single environmental particles.
the room in the environment is very uncharted, and at the moment, we still don't have the right technology to trace particles in the environment and to really understand them. While this can be frustrating, it can also be very exciting because you get to develop your own approach to tackle the problem. As a matter of fact, that’s what drives my research group.
So you have a lot of work ahead of you! Would you recommend a similar career path to a younger person interested in science?
I think that very much depends on the person. For somebody who's curiosity driven and likes experimenting, I think it's an interesting option that can be very fulfilling. But one has to be aware that there are many obstacles, roadblocks, lots of time and failure invested. If you don't mind dealing with that, I think it's a good choice.
That's a nice message. We would love to follow your research as this project continues. Where can we learn about what happens with your research in this ERC grant?
We're currently establishing some web presences and also other presence on social media, and until that's done, you can just follow me on LinkedIn and I’ll give you updates.
Thank you so much, David, for sharing your journey with the BioNanoNet community, and we look forward to hearing the results.
WATCH FULL INTERVIEW
The inductively coupled plasma can reach temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun. Anything introduced is destroyed into its atoms, which are then ionised and analysed.
Interviews with Early Career Researchers from the BioNanoNet Association
For this issue of the BNN QUARTERLY we are shining a spotlight on those who are often in the background. We asked our members to nominate early career researchers that we should keep an eye on. And our members did not disappoint! We received nominations of men and women early in their careers that are doing exceptional work to advance research in a variety of fields.
Our interviews with these nominees showed how, despite the isolation that researchers can often feel, we are more connected than we realized. Many of them commented on being surprised to see how collaborative and interdisciplinary their fields really were. Though
some had relatively linear career trajectories, more often than not they jumped around, always landing somewhere they never would have dreamed of at the beginning. All our nominees agreed that we have to be more open about sharing negative results in research, to avoid repeating mistakes and give a more complete picture.
Despite the amazing diversity of subject matter and tasks in the day of a researcher, one thing our days have in common: starting off with a good cup of coffee and a chat with our coworkers. Read on to find out more — and don’t forget to check our LinkedIn highlights in December and January!
Nihan Atak, JOANNEUM RESEARCH MATERIALS
Hanna Allerkamp
Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
I want to better understand how blood vessels function in pregnancy. Many pregnancy complications such as reduced fetal growth or preeclampsia are linked to compromised (utero-placental) vascular function. With a better understanding of how blood vessels work and adapt in normal pregnancy and of what goes wrong in complicated pregnancies, I aim to improve the detection and treatment of those complications.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
Currently I am working on a project that focuses on the function of certain mechano-sensitive ion channels in placental blood vessels. I investigate how they are involved in impaired vascular function in preeclampsia. To do this, I use placentas that are donated by patients at the clinics after giving birth. Of those I isolate blood vessels and endothelial cells. These can then be investigated ex vivo for example by using pressure myography or flow/shear stress assays. Computer models of the utero-placental circulation in physiological and pathological settings help to inform the conditions for those wet lab experiments.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
A typical day for me is a mix of lab work, meetings with students, collaborators, or colleagues, and some computer-based work (data
analysis, project and experiment planning, writing, reading). It might also involve listening to a talk or seminar on a topic I am interested in or some teaching of PhD or medical students. And if I am lucky, I manage to squeeze in a little run in the forest during my lunch break.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
By university training I am a vet and not a lab scientist. Although I liked the idea of working as a vet, I wanted to keep my options open. Therefore, I applied for veterinary doctoral theses with a clinical focus as well as for PhD positions with a basic science focus and ‘ended up’ with a PhD project in the area I always found interesting — female reproduction. Still undecided, alongside the PhD I also worked weekend shifts as a vet.
Around two years in I decided (at least for now) for science and from there on it went pretty straight forward into my first and
now second postdoc with my own funding.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
No, I don't think I had a good idea of what a scientist actually does or how to become a scientist. But since my teenage years I had wanted to study either veterinary or human medicine and could not imagine doing anything else. However, it probably wasn't until I was halfway through vet school that I started thinking about becoming a scientist.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
I was probably most surprised by the friendly scientific community in the placenta/reproduction field. My first conferences as a PhD student were focused on thrombosis and homeostasis, where the atmosphere was quite competitive. Our field is rather small and the community in general is really supportive and collaborative. Being able to push ideas forward with people who are passionate about the same things as me and meeting them all over the world is what I enjoy most about being a scientist in academia.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
To an extent, I enjoy having to be inventive to make science and ideas work, but of course it can be frustrating. When that happens, it often helps me to just call it a day, get out of the lab, and do some sport outside, preferably with friends, or spend time with my horse. I also believe it is important to share your failures. Science still creates the image that if
you are a good scientist, everything always goes to plan. But we can learn so much from our failures and mistakes – imagine how many resources would be saved if alongside a published paper we shared all the things we tried that did not work!
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
It depends. Although I was missing a lot of qualifications and skills that are needed for working as a wet lab scientist when starting my PhD, my vet background often allows me a broader view and a good understanding of the medical background. If you have a broad interest in biology and medicine (and like animals) this path is probably not too bad. But I think choosing a degree that is more specific to science and lab work will make you more competitive when it comes to applying for PhD programs (after that, no one seems to care too much).
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
Natascha Berger is a postdoc at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, where she is developing a specialized research focus on metabolic signatures in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatments. She is particularly interested in potential links between the metabolic profiles of these women and the physiology of ovarian follicles.
Charlotte Neumann is currently finishing her PhD at the Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine. She is investigating the human microbiome development from pregnancy to early infancy and is especially interested in the importance of complex microbial networks for human health.
Nerea Alonso Lopez
Assistant Professor, Medical University of Graz – Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
My research interest is understanding the molecular and metabolic alterations associated with musculoskeletal diseases, especially primary and secondary osteoporosis, to identify novel markers that can lead to precision treatments for these patients.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
I am currently working on two projects, both funded by FWF Austria:
One focuses on the role of CXCR4 in the response to teriparatide in osteoporosis. Teriparatide is an anabolic drug given to patients with established osteoporosis, but it shows a large variability in the response. We identified CXCR4 as a possible response gene to this drug in a GWAS analysis and now we want to investigate why CXCR4 is important in bone formation and loss and how it interacts with teriparatide to improve the response to treatment. To do so, we have a preclinical model where we modulate the levels of CXCR4 and we will look into tissue, cellular and molecular alterations after teriparatide administration. In this study, I collaborate with researchers from the Medi -
cal University of Graz, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Southern Denmark.
The second project aims to investigate the role of bile acids as metabolic regulators of bone loss. Here we analyse in deep the link between gut microbiome, liver, and bone by identifying metabolic markers associated with the bile acid pathway, using several preclinical models, osteoporotic patients, and human ex vivo tissues. Our results will help to develop novel pharmaceutical, nutritional and/or microbiome-based treatments to prevent or better treat osteoporosis. This is also a collaborative effort, involving other researchers from the Medical University of Graz, the University of Lyon and the University Jean Monnet (France).
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
Our results will help to develop novel pharmaceutical, nutritional and/or microbiome-based treatments to prevent or better treat osteoporosis.
My day-to-day includes a varied number of tasks, from administrative duties, supervision meetings, paper/grant writing, meetings with national/international collaborators, and committee meetings. If needed, I am also happy to give a hand in the lab, like helping prepare human or murine primary ex vivo cell cultures or establishing a new methodology.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
In general, I would say that my career path has
been linear: I did my PhD just after finishing my degree, and then I continued as a postdoctoral researcher to finally become a tenure-track assistant professor. However, I extended my postdoctoral experience for several years, which might not be strictly considered a linear path, first as a junior postdoc and then as a senior researcher with funded projects and student supervision, prior to seeking independence. In between, I even carried out a one-year postdoctoral visit to Erasmus MC in the Netherlands.
With time I became fascinated with the potential to help patients with many different diseases by understanding their bones.
tion with many other tissues, from liver, kidney, gut/microbiome, to heart or brain. These are bidirectional links, meaning that healthy bones could help prevent or better manage other diseases.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
Actually, yes. Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by science in general, from paleontology to genetics or astronomy, and how the great discoveries were made. It is said that all children are scientists, so I kept being driven by my childhood curiosity and made it a career (and a life).
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
I have been working in the bone field for long time, since I started my first postdoc, and I am always surprised to find out how complex the skeleton is. For many people bones are only a scaffold to keep us standing, or a tissue to store calcium, but the more we look into them, the more we find their connec-
I moved to the bone field from cancer research, so at first, I was not aware of the great importance the skeleton has in health, apart from the diseases that primarily affect the bones. With time, I discovered (and continue to) its endocrine role and became fascinated with the potential to help patients with many different diseases by understanding their bones.
How
do you deal with failures in science?
As a scientist, one learns that failure is part of the path to gaining knowledge. I take it as a learning experience and try to build on it.
Failed experiments help to understand better the process we investigate, what we can or cannot do, which methodology to use better, which limitations we have and think about how to overcome all this. Failed grants or rejected papers show gaps we might have not thought about, which could be even more interesting than the initial research question. Without doubt, the path is often more fascinating than the final result.
To date, negative results are not well considered, and many times difficult to publish and communicate to the scientific community. This leads to many researchers repeating failed experiments they are unaware of, resulting in wasted resources and time. I am in favour of sharing negative outcomes, since they could help researchers to focus their questions towards meaningful targets, with a true benefit for patients.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
I very much enjoy my scientific career and how I have advanced in my research. All the decisions I took at every step fitted my per-
sonal circumstances, and had pros and cons, but they always kept my passion for science. There are many ways to be a scientist, but my recommendation to younger people is that whatever they decide, they need to feel passionate about what they do and keep their curiosity alive.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
The European Calcified Tissue Society, the umbrella for the scientists working in the bone field, has created the ECTS Academy, which brings together the most talented young scientists in bone research in Europe. Its members are, indeed, worth keeping an eye on.
Kostas Kanellopulos
Project assistant in Nanomechanical Sensing, TU Wien
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
I explore the phenomenon of resonance in tiny mechanical elements to explore the nanoscale and beyond. These elements are the core of nano-electricomechanical systems (NEMS) and work much like a musical instrument, such as a guitar: by listening to how the harmonics of our "nanoguitar" shift in response to external stimuli, we can gain insights into the surrounding environment. Specifically, I focus on how these mechanical resonances change with temperature variations. These variations can be induced by the optical absorption of a single molecule, protein, or nanoparticle interacting with our system. Overall, nanomechanics offer us incredible tools for sensing.
of single proteins by detecting the frequency shift of a mechanical resonance caused by probing optically a protein landed on the sensor. This shift can be measured with high precision, providing valuable information about the protein. Specifically, I am optimizing our state-of-the-art sensor designs to establish a robust platform for next-generation proteomics.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
One of the great advantages of my job is that every day is different and full of surprises!
The blend of hands-on experimentation and theoretical exploration is what makes my work so engaging and dynamic.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
Currently, I am focusing on using our NEMS sensors for single-protein analysis. Proteins are essential to cellular function, driving all the processes necessary for life. Cataloging the protein content of individual cells could revolutionize fields such as gene therapy, cancer treatment, and medical diagnostics. My work leverages NEMS sensors to develop a tool able to provide direct measurements
Some days are fully dedicated to experiments. After a good cup of coffee, I spend the morning and early afternoon preparing the experimental setup. This involves aligning lasers to probe our targets (nanoparticles and molecules) and configuring the electronics to transduce mechanical signals into electrical ones. Once everything is ready, measurements are ready to start!
Other days are focused on data analysis and diving deeper into the underlying theory. The blend of hands-on experimentation and theoretical exploration is what makes my work so engaging and dynamic.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
My career path has been anything but linear — much like the nonlinear phenomena we study!
Twists and turns are an integral part of research, making it feel like an adventure.
There have been many times when I spent countless hours tackling a single problem, feeling stuck and frustrated when no solution was in sight. Often, I would set the problem aside and shift my focus to something else. This ability to work on multiple things simultaneously, and the possibility to work with other smart and amazing people, has frequently led me to stumble upon solutions in unexpected places. These "aha" moments — where understanding clicks into place — remind me why I like my job: the joy of discovery while exploring different facets of physics and engineering.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
As a child, I had a love for mathematics. Its purity, elegance, and the concept of demonstration captivated me and played a significant role in my early studies. I didn’t initially think about becoming a scientist, but I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to something intriguing and challenging — something where I could prove myself. Physics turned out to be exactly that!
One aspect of physics that especially fascinated me was the revolutionary shift it introduced, marking a departure from Aristotle's
understanding of nature to the approach of modern physics: the use of measurement instruments. The ability to build increasingly complex tools to probe and understand the world around us inspired me to follow the path I am on today.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
One of the first things that surprised me was the capability we already have at hand for making increasingly sensitive devices for a variety of target and applications. The advancements in nanofabrication we have seen in the last decades have opened up a new era of scientific instruments. NEMS are among them. The possibilities they offer have far exceeded what I imagined at the start of my career. Today, research with NEMS spans from diverse fields, from biomedicine and chemistry to quantum computing — and we’re only scratching the surface of their potential!
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
This is a fundamentally important question. When faced with failures in science, I do my best to rethink the problem from scratch. A critical step in this process is conducting an
honest and thorough review of previous work in the field to identify details I may have overlooked in my own experiments. In this regard, maintaining constant and meaningful contact with the global scientific community is invaluable. Conferences, in particular, provide an excellent opportunity for reflection, allowing me to discuss challenges with experts in the field and gain fresh perspectives that often lead to new insights. The world is full of brilliant individuals who are willing and eager to help!
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
Honestly, I would recommend a scientific ca reer to those who are not looking for an easy path to success but are ready to embrace challenges and push their own boundaries. It’s a journey for those who find deep satis faction in understanding even the smal lest details of the problems they work on. If you have curiosity, and a passion for discovery, this path can be incredibly rewarding.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
I can’t think of a better answer than the people I’m fortunate
enough to work with! I’m part of an incredible team — the Micro- and Nanosensors group at TU Wien — filled with passionate and talented researchers dedicated to advancing NEMS technology. I’m confident that each of them will make meaningful contributions to the field and to society as a whole.
Thomas Altendorfer-Kroath
Scientist, JOANNEUM RESEARCH HEALTH, Institute for Biomedical Research and Technologies
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
The brain is protected from the internal environment (e.g. blood) by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB regulates the homeostasis of the brain tissue by actively and passively managing the transport of nutrients and metabolites. Moreover, it prohibits xenobiotics, which are circulating in the blood stream, from entering the brain. However, the BBB also impedes the access of drugs to the brain in the case of diseases of the central nervous system (e.g. Alzheimer’s, brain cancer). At JOANNEUM RESEARCH – HEALTH we provide unique methods to investigate the transport of drugs over the BBB and develop models for testing new drugs and treatments.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
Currently my focus lies in investigating brain cancer, more specifically, glioblastoma. I’m interested in the blood-tumor barrier and the tumor microenvironment. We developed a novel model that allows the monitoring of molecular processes (tumor cell metabolism, drug transport) in an in vivo model along the progression of the tumor. This model allows testing the distribution and efficacy of novel drugs in a living organism. Moreover, the model will give us insights into the
communication between the tumor and the brain environment and thus possibly identify biomarkers and target structures for the development of more effective drugs and treatment strategies against glioblastoma.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
We start at 8 a.m. with a cup of tea/coffee and a little chat about the world. I usually start with a short project jour fixe to discuss ongoing projects in the lab with my colleagues. I spend most of my time preparing study protocols, reports and data analysis as well as project management tasks. Two days a week, I try to read publications, but most of the time I am happy if I can do
week. When I'm writing new publications, I try to stay in my home office because I have the environment there for undisturbed writing. My day ends usually at around 4:30 p.m.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
No, my professional career has been more like a rollercoaster ride, with ups and downs. I started an apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer, where I drew technical plans for steelworks. After my apprenticeship, I started evening classes at BULME Graz-Gösting in electrical engineering and automation. After graduating from high school, I studied electrical engineering at Graz University of Technology. In the second stage of my studies, I decided to specialize in biomedical engineering, as I was fascinated by the multidisciplinary nature of this field. Because of these twists and turns, my journey was longer than usual, but I was able to gain many different skills that are of great use to me in my current field of work.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
To be honest, I didn’t really know what I wanted to be. My parents were non-academics, therefore science was always a kind of black box for me. However, I was a very curious child who constantly “annoyed” my parents with questions. So perhaps, without being aware of it, I always wanted to be a scientist.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
What perhaps surprised me the most was that working in the scientific field has little to do with the image of the nerd, and more to do
with organizing funding and building networks as soon as you start as a post-doc.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
Negative results are part of the game and everybody has to deal with that; it is the nature of science. Unfortunately, hardly anyone is reporting negative results, although these have the same value as positive results – at least for other scientists to avoid making the same mistakes again. Scientists are caught in the success trap, because only if they are reporting positive results are they eligible for further funding opportunities.
In my opinion, it is a general problem in society that failure is not accepted, although this happens much more often than the other way around.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
No, not the way I did it. What I would recommend to a young person is to follow his or her interests and not the money or the path their parents set. Because work is only fun if someone is absolutely convinced of what he or she is doing. Also, don't be afraid to take the wheel in a completely different direction if you feel like you're at an impasse.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
Dr Linda Waldherr from Medical University Graz and Laura Wiltschko (she will receive her PhD in two weeks!) from the University of Graz.
Nihan Atak
PhD student, JOANNEUM RESEARCH
MATERIALS and TU Wien Cell Chip Groups
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
I am working within an EU project NextGenMicrofluidics, where we are trying to produce large-scale foil-based microfluidic devices, specifically designed for neuron cell culture. The aim is to separate the neuron cell bodies from their extensions which is called neurite and investigate effects of drugs as well as some chemical compounds.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
Currently, I am working on validating the foilbased microfluidic devices with different neuronal cell lines. We have integrated electrode layer for electrical stimulation of the neuron cells which is the way they communicate with each other in human body. Part of my focus these days is optimization of the parameters to stimulate neurons electrically.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
Since I enrolled at TU Wien and am working at JOANNEUM RESEARCH at the same time, my day shapes according to needs of my experiment plans. For example, if I need to prepare microfluidic chips for cell culture test, I spend my day in a Chemistry laboratory with surface functionalization devices.
On the other hand, if I need to do cell tests in my foil-based microfluidic chips, I will be in the cell culture laboratory working in sterile conditions most of the day to split and seed my
cells into the devices. At the end of the experiments, I stain my cells with fluorescence dyes and image them with a fluorescence microscope, which personally is one of my favourite activities in the lab.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
I cannot say it was always linear, but I’ve worked in the same area the whole time. I studied Bioengineering and that’s where my passion for animal cell culture and their applications started. Since then, I did my bachelor thesis, my internships and my master thesis in that research area. However, I studied Pharmaceutical Engineering in my master’s degree at TU Graz, but since the project I am working on currently is related with drug testing, I cannot say it was a plot twist.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
Absolutely yes. It was clear to me that I was going to become a scientist. Since I was a kid, I was always watching documentaries about the human body and mostly biology-related topics. Then I started leaning more into human physiology and especially the brain. In fact, my favourite subject in high school was biology and I was always asking ‘Why?’ throughout my childhood.
In middle school, we had a biology class where we looked at the onion membrane under a microscope and I guess it was the moment I fell in love with the microscopy and imaging. Since then, every time I read or watch anything related with science, I feel huge excitement and curiosity.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
When I was studying, the common belief was the better your grades, the better your career path could be, working at better research groups. Though grades are important at the beginning of our careers, the way we think and our talents can be different than the subjects we have to study to pass exams.
Another point I want to mention is I learned that I should always mention both positive and negative results even if they are small achievements. Mostly people think that if something fails, it is not worth mentioning which I was educated in that direction too, but I had to change my mindset.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
In science I don’t believe there are any “negative results”. There are only results that you were not expecting to see, excluding some failures like contamination.
One of the most important things in science is learning from experiences. When something doesn’t work out, instead of seeing it as a failure, we should see it as finding out what is not useful for our research. Eliminating parameters that don’t work is crucial, especially in recently developed research areas like microfluidics as well as drug testing and development.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
100% yes. There is a need for young researchers in science because the technology and our knowledge are changing even faster these days, therefore we need more young brains and their way of seeing things differently. They should keep in mind that they will encounter many failed experiments and obstacles, but at the end when everything works out, the satisfaction is undefinable.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
There are many early career young researchers in EU and US, mostly PhDs. You can follow them on LinkedIn and check their achievements.
Moritz Blumenthal
Postdoctoral researcher, Institute of Biomedical Imaging, Graz University of Technology
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
The overall goal of my work is improving Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRI is a powerful but inherently slow imaging modality which makes it expensive and can cause patient discomfort and motion artefacts in the final images. I’m working on reducing the data required to reconstruct MR images which in turn reduces the measurement time. We do this by advanced MR reconstruction algorithms which exploit accurate physics modelling and combine this with learned prior knowledge about the structure of MR images.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
As part of my PhD I implemented a deep lear ning framework in the BART toolbox for MRI reconstruction. In my current project, we want to apply this framework to a new dataset to quantify magnetization transfer (a quantitati ve tissue property). Here, the current chal lenge is the memory (>100GB) required for reconstructing one volume, which needs to be reduced to make training of neural networks feasible on GPUs.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
Every day starts with coffee and chatting with colleagues. Most of
my research work is about coding new algorithms or improving old ones so I spend most of the day in front of my computer. A good thing about our group is that we all work on very similar topics also glued by our BART toolbox. So the plain programming is often interrupted by many fruitful discussions, often accompanied with some coffee. Besides that, a good portion of my work is teaching, whether preparing and giving lectures or supervising theses.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
On the one side, it was quite line -
directly after finishing school and just had a short internship between my master’s degree and starting the PhD in mathematics. On the other side, the topics of research changed quite drastically, from solid state physics in the bachelor's to particle physics in the master's. After that, I knew that I wanted to work on more applied topics, and I did an internship in machine learning. It was then quite random that a friend heard about a PhD position on machine learning for MRI reconstruction in the lab of Martin Uecker, probably one of the best coincidences concerning my career as a young scientist.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
No, I wanted to become a train driver or a knight. Still, my decision to start studying was not driven by the aim of becoming a scientist. I was fascinated by engineering and natural sciences and wanted to learn more. I decided to study physics as I thought it is more general and I could specialize later, which eventually become true when I started to work on MRI.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
I think a big surprise was how large the field of MR research is. People often ask “Why are you doing research on MRI, MRI scanners are
already working?” In contrast, when you go to a conference, you learn about so many new methods or contrast mechanisms that you feel what is available in today’s clinical MRI is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what will be possible in the future.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
I don’t regret any decisions concerning my studies or my PhD and I’m happy that I could do what I liked to do. Nevertheless, I don’t feel experienced enough to give advice to younger scientists.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
Without naming people, we have a winner of the Stefan-Schuy award in our group!
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
My work at JOANNEUM RESEARCH mainly focuses on fabricating microstructures by means of UV-nanoimprint lithography, which is a time- and cost-efficient patterning method to make structures using polymeric materials. What are you working on specifically at the moment?
Currently, I am mainly involved in fabricating microfluidic chips used in medical diagnostics. A part of the work is dedicated to finding the right materials for the UV-imprinting process. Many components need to be optimized according to the desired properties, which mainly consist of tuning the polymeric resin formulation as well as optimizing the fabrication process on a lab scale.
ments. Depending on the results, I try to plan the next steps for the rest of the week.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
In my case, the path I have chosen was quite linear. I always wanted to study chemistry and work in a research lab as a scientist.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
The opportunity to travel to other countries, mainly related to project meetings and scientific conferences [is an unexpected benefit]. As much as I like being in a lab, traveling is a nice change.
When I was younger, I used to play with science kits, where I could do my own experiments, such as growing a simple crystal. During school, my favourite subjects were mainly physics and chemistry, which had a large impact on the career path I have chosen to this day. Everything that involved science in one way or another was always fascinating for me and always will be.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
First thing in the morning, I usually check my emails and discuss certain topics and tasks with my colleagues. Then I spend most of my time doing the activity I like most, which is working in the lab and conducting my experi -
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
Many people think that as a scientist, you only work in the lab every day. However, there is much more happening outside of the lab. When I started, I did not realize that I would have the opportunity to travel to other countries, which
is mainly related to project meetings and attending scientific conferences. As much as I like being in a lab, traveling is a nice change.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
Failures in science are common. As a scientist, I try to learn from the negative results and to find another way of achieving the results I desire. It is also important to note that not every negative result is detrimental. Maybe the findings could be beneficial in another field, which is why, in my opinion, it is also necessary to share the results with other group members. They could not only give you advice but also learn from your results.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
I would definitely encourage younger people to consider the path of a scientist. Apart from having a huge variety in topics when it comes to science, also having the freedom to make your own decisions and to work independently on a topic of interest is a large benefit, in my opinion. The best part is that you will never stop learning new things.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
My colleague Laura Angermann-Krammer is a chemist who is currently doing her PhD thesis in the same field as me.
Tom Distler
Senior researcher, Wood K plusKompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
The aim of my current project is to produce bacterial cellulose from waste streams for use in electrical components, such as bio-based batteries. Bacterial cellulose is a fascinating material with unique properties, including high crystallinity, a high degree of polymerization, and excellent mechanical stability. These characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from the fashion and packaging industries to medical technology and, in this case, electrical components.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
At the moment, I’m focusing on optimizing dif ferent reactor types to achieve higher yields of bacterial cellulose. Specifically, I’m working on improving the aeration system in our rot ating disc reactor — a specialized setup de signed to enhance cellulose production. This reactor also allows for simultaneous functio nalization of the cellulose by adding specific substances during fermentation, tailoring it for various applications, such as use in electrical components.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
As a senior researcher, my work is less about hands-on lab tasks and
more about coordinating projects and planning experiments. A typical Tuesday starts with checking emails and reviewing data from ongoing experiments. I spend time analyzing results, discussing progress with colleagues, and outlining new experiments. After lunch at the cafeteria, I check on the lab’s ongoing work, consult with my team leader about priorities, and dedicate time to reading relevant scientific literature to stay informed.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
My career path has been fairly linear. After finishing school, I
immediately started my studies and completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees without delays. I conducted my bachelor’s and master’s theses, as well as my dissertation, within the Wood K plus Biotechnology team. Following my PhD, I transitioned directly into my current role as a senior researcher.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
No, not always — although my parents claim they always knew I’d end up in the natural sciences. During school, there was a time when I considered pursuing a career in banking or finance. However, in my final years of school, I realized how much more fascinating science was. Subjects like biology and physics especially captured my interest, which ultimately led me to study biotechnology.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
Failures in science can be frustrating, but I try to approach them constructively. I focus on extracting any valuable information that could inform future experiments or adjustments. Negative results are still results, and they can provide crucial insights. I also believe they should be documented properly, as they contribute to the overall body of knowledge and might prove useful for others facing similar challenges.
Science is a challenging yet deeply rewarding field where you can contribute to meaningful progress.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
My experience of working in this field has been pretty much what I expected, but I've been really surprised by the variety it offers. There's a great balance between time spent in the office and hands-on work in the lab, which keeps things fresh and interesting.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this path. Science is incredibly fascinating, and research plays an important role in building a sustainable future. It’s a challenging yet deeply rewarding field where you can contribute to meaningful progress.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
One young researcher to watch is my former master’s student, Eldin Grabus. He’s incredibly dedicated and has shown exceptional engagement and potential in his work. Also my colleague Raphaela Süss, who is an expert in Lignin, its modification and application.
Philipp Eibl
CTO / Co-Founder, SimVantage GmbH
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
My team and I are working on novel approaches to simulate all the necessary physics in bioprocessing production equipment in order to better understand why the development of these processes oftentimes doesn’t yield the desired output, takes longer than expected or simply fails. Specifically, we are using GPU-powered algorithms to quantify the environment of each individual microorganism within a biotechnological reactor. This allows us to address bottlenecks on the productivity of such processes with far more certainty than any experiment could tell you.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
Since we are closely working together with industry, we receive a lot of feedback and ideas on what we could work on – one topic in particular which is currently in the pipeline is the prediction of the bubble dynamics at the interface between gas and liquid in stirred tank reactors. In some cases, gas bubbles get sucked in from the air above the liquid and this can account for a significant amount of dissolved gases, which are then metabolised by the microorganisms within the liquid.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
If I’m not busy at conferences or at events, a typical day starts off with a coffee together with the team. While there’s a lot of “off-topic” chat at first, we also discuss some interesting work-related results and upcoming meetings –
which are plentiful if you work very closely with industry. Oftentimes we discuss details on the code we are developing, help our master’s or bachelor’s students and work together with industry partners on our projects. While everyone has their specific projects and the team can get quite busy, for us it’s always important to come together for lunch and a barista-style coffee from our own machine afterwards. It’s a tradition in our group to bring some coffee beans from wherever your business trips or conference trips lead you.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
In hindsight it seems far more linear than it really was. I’ve been working in the field since my bachelor’s thesis, did my master’s thesis and PhD on this subject and co-founded a university spin-off from this project — but neither the idea of doing a PhD, nor the idea of a spinoff existed when I initially started out. If you simply do what you like, take risks, and continue to grow, you will suddenly see yourself somewhere you never thought you could be. And if you ask me, in the long run the most important thing is to have the right people near you — mentors, colleagues, professors, friends and networks who support you and know your worth.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
Actually no, I grew up in a non-academic family with only few contact points to academia. I only knew that I liked all things technology, especially computers. I tore apart and rebuilt PCs, grew interest in software from a young
age and even won a computer contest when I was around 12 years old. In an alternate universe, however, I would be an Industrial Designer, which is something I somehow always admired.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
One thing that really surprised me going from bachelor’s, to master’s, to PhD was how the field narrowed along the way in terms of the number of people working in that discipline. It of course makes sense that as you get more specialized, fewer and fewer people work in comparable fields. But the scale at which the globe seemed to narrow down to a small fa mily of people still surprised me nonetheless.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach nega tive results overall?
Over time, you just accept negative results as a thing that happens along the way, although it is of course disappointing at first. I think, however, in the scientific community there is way too much emphasis on making positi ve results as visible as possible while hiding negative results. Accepting negative results more visibly would not only encourage more young researchers, but also lead to less wasteful “double-research” due to hidden work that never made it public.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
I wouldn’t tell anyone which specific field to choose — there are just too many interesting options. I would, however, strongly recommend young
people to live out their bold visions, take risks while you have minimal responsibilities and stick to what feels right. Don’t accumulate “what-if’s” in your 20s — instead, try to work them out.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
This is actually a very tough question because there are so many good people working on so many different subjects. Do I have to name one?
Vera Lambauer
Postdoctoral researcher, Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology GmbH (acib)
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
I work for acib as a scientist in biotechnology and biochemical engineering. I am using bacteria to convert CO 2 into new valuable products. As simple as it sounds, it is actually quite difficult. Bacteria need a lot of energy to “eat” (convert) CO 2 and make something more useful. In my case, we made the bioplas tic PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) out of it, a sto rage material that the bacteria produce natur ally. Usually the bacteria use it as an energy source for bad times (like how our body stores fat). The energy needed for the CO 2 conver sion comes from hydrogen and oxygen. As oxyhydrogen (also known as “Knallgas”) is a really explosive gas mixture, we need strict and well-enforced safety regulations, which were implemented at TU Graz during my PhD thesis.
Now we can study how bacteria and even yeast or archea are capable of using carbon dioxide as a sole carbon source. Thereby new products like the bioplastic, but also food and proteins or some chemicals can be produced.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
Since I have a strong industrial cooperation, I cannot share any details about what I am working on at the moment.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
In science there are no typical days. Usually each day and week is different, depending on the work you need to do. I think this makes it really special. Sometimes you are work-
computer, writing papers or analysing data, while on other days you are working in the lab to grow your bacteria, do different kinds of analytics to determine specific values of your samples or prepare everything for your new experiment. But of course, each day starts with coffee.
I always advise students to pursue what they genuinely enjoy, rather than focusing on what might look impressive on their CV.
your interest, and where you want to deepen your expertise. I always advise students to pursue what they genuinely enjoy, rather than focusing on what might look impressive on their CV. Achieving your goals takes time and effort — if you're not passionate about your topic, staying motivated to complete your studies can be challenging.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
Overall, I would say that my path was quite linear. I finished my bachelor's degree in 4 years, my master’s in two and my PhD in three and have stayed in science until now. I was really lucky and this was really quick in my field!
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
Over the years, of course, my “dream job” has changed but in most of my dreams it had to do with biology, science, medicine and teaching. For me, working in biotechnology feels like the perfect blend of all these fields.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
When you begin your studies, it's hard to predict where your journey will take you. This field is especially diverse, offering paths into many different disciplines. Your direction depends on what fascinates you, the subjects that spark
How do you deal with failures in science, and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
Failures are part of science and are necessary. Each result, even a negative one, gives you new insights. Sometimes you learn from them more than from positive ones. But of course, this is not easy. If you need to spend weeks or months on an experiment, only to face unexpected setbacks, it can be very frustrating.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
I really enjoyed my studies at TU Graz. If you are interested in molecular biology and biotechnology, I would definitely recommend studying in Graz.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
Jasmin Zuson and Nina Grujicic from the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology at TU Graz.
Christian Neuper
R&D Manager, BRAVE Analytics GmbH; PhD student, Graz Centre for Electron Microscopy
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
My current research focuses on developing a technology that integrates the chemical analysis capabilities of Raman spectroscopy with the size and concentration measurement precision of BRAVE Analytics' OF2i technology at the single-particle level. The goal is to enable dynamic and automated analysis of environmental samples, such as wastewater and soil, for contaminants — particularly microplastics — with high statistical reliability and minimal sample preparation.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
Currently, I am working on the analysis of ice samples from Greenland that are between 70,000 and 80,000 years old. These samples are being examined for climatic changes based on their particle composition. Additionally, I am analysing soil samples for contamination by microplastics.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
I am either working on further developing the dynamic Single-Particle-Raman-Spectrometer to push its size resolution even lower, or I am measuring various samples from the medical or environmental fields and analysing them for their material composition.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
Not at all. Since I financed my life until my 35 th birthday through professional and semiprofessional soccer, my scientific career only began after I joined the start-up BRAVE Analytics shortly after completing my diploma in Technical Physics. From that point on, things progressed relatively quickly: I was entrusted with prototyping a laser-based measurement device for characterizing individual particles in liquids. Shortly thereafter, the opportunity arose to develop the device further as part of a PhD project, enabling it to determine not only the size and concentration of individual particles but to extend it to analyse the material composition of these particles.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
Just recently, my mother showed me an essay I wrote in elementary school, where I described
my dream of becoming a professional soccer player and a scientist. It seems that childhood dreams can come true, and I am more than grateful to have been given so many opportunities in my life.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
I was surprised by how well the scientific community collaborates across different universities and countries and by the passion everyone brings to driving progress together.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach nega tive results overall?
I always see mistakes as opportunities for learning. Beyond personal growth, an aspect of "making mistakes" has always filled me with curiosity, anticipation, and excitement. This aspect lies in the fact that "mistakes" have often led to significant progress in my work. They frequently reveal unexpec ted insights and provide me with a new perspective on problems and their solutions. Therefore, I view mistakes as something very important in research. In my opinion, only those who try a lot and consequently make mistakes advance in research — or at least progress more quickly.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
Very much.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
David Clases, Harald Fitzek, Marko Šimić, Nikola Šimić, Matthias Elinkman, Manuel Candussi, Raphael Hauer
Nele Pien
FWO post-doctoral fellow, Ghent University
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
My work blends materials science, engineering, and cell biology to develop new solutions addressing biomedical challenges via biofabrication strategies. I design and characterize photo-crosslinkable biomaterials, both natural and synthetic, and use advanced fabrication techniques like extrusion-based and light-based (bio)printing. This interdisciplinary approach allows me to create tubular scaffolds for vascular wall modeling and tendon repair, as well as gradient scaffolds for interface tissue engineering, particularly focused on tendon-to-bone regeneration. By combining material design, precision proces sing, and biofabrication, my research aims to advance regenerative medicine and to improve tissue engineering strategies.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
Currently, I’m developing gradient scaffolds using light-based fabrication techniques like digital light processing and volumetric ad ditive manufacturing. The goal is to stimulate tendon-bone regeneration by mimicking the complex mechanical and biological features of the tendonto-bone interface. I’m also studying the behavior of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within these scaffolds to better understand their therapeutic potential in tissue repair.
My work brings together biomaterials, stem cell science, and high-precision manufacturing to create innovative approaches serving regenerative medicine.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
I usually arrive in Ghent around 7:40 AM, start with a coffee, and check my emails while reviewing my weekly schedule. Then I head to the chemical lab to conduct synthesis, characterization, or processing, or to the cell lab to care for my cells. I meet with students to discuss their progress and troubleshoot any challenges with my colleagues. Some days I focus on reviewing publications, drafting grant proposals, processing data, or writing
tific articles. Every day brings something new, but it’s all about balancing research, coaching, and collaboration.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
My career path has been anything but linear, since I also combined my PhD and post-doc trajectories with playing rugby at the highest level (national Belgian rugby sevens team, European vice-champions 2024). While I started with a focus on biomedical engineering, numerous collaborations over the years have introduced new directions and opportunities. Research stays with international partners (University of Minho – Portugal, Osaka University – Japan, Université Laval – Canada, Würzburg University – Germany) led to bright ideas and changes to my initial project paths. These collaborative environments exposed me to different scientific perspectives, enhancing my work in materials science and biofabrication. Each twist along the journey has enriched my skillset, driven innovation, and underscored the value of adaptability. I’ve learned to embrace this dynamic nature of science, as it continually shapes my approach to solving complex challenges in regenerative medicine.
Working at the intersection of materials science, engineering, and biology allows me to create solutions that can make a real-world impact, which keeps me excited about my research every day.
as a scientist. My fascination with materials and technology grew over time, leading me towards biomedical engineering. I enrolled for the Master in Biomedical Engineering, which touched upon multiple topics in the biomedical field. What I love about this field is its interdisciplinary nature — it constantly challenges me and fuels my curiosity. Working at the intersection of materials science, engineering, and biology allows me to create solutions that can make a real-world impact, which keeps me excited about my research every day.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
I was surprised by how collaborative the field is and how much I rely on teamwork and interdisciplinary input to push my projects forward. I also didn’t fully appreciate the complexity of biological systems and the technical hurdles involved in replicating or repairing them. Another pleasant surprise has been the rapid pace of technological advancements, especially in biofabrication. The field is evolving so quickly, and it’s exciting to see how these new tools continuously evolve. It’s more dynamic and rewarding than I had expected when I first started out.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
As a child, I was curious about how things worked and I enjoyed building and problemsolving, though I didn’t always envision myself
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
Failure
is an inevitable
part of science, and I
try to treat it as an opportunity to learn and improve. When things don’t go as planned, I reflect on what went wrong and use it to refine my approach. Negative results should be shared openly — they add valuable insights to the scientific community and prevent others from making the same mistakes. I think it’s important to approach setbacks with resilience and curiosity. Creating an environment where failure is seen as a stepping stone, not a roadblock, helps drive scientific progress.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
Absolutely! If you’re passionate about discovery and innovation, a career in biomedical research and biofabrication can be incredibly rewarding. It’s not easy — it requires resilience, creativity, and a willingness to face challenges head-on — but the impact you can make on human health is huge. I’d recommend embracing an interdisciplinary approach, building strong collaborative skills, and being prepared for unexpected detours. This field offers endless
opportunities for growth, and for those willing to persevere, it can lead to meaningful contributions to science and medicine.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
Dr. Lana Van Damme, MD, PhD, is an exciting young researcher and the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at 4Tissue, a spin-off company from Ghent University. Her research focuses on regenerative therapies, particularly for soft tissues like breast reconstruction, using advanced biomaterials and stem cell technologies. At 4Tissue, she’s leading efforts to develop personalized treatments for tissue regeneration, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world clinical applications. Last week, she received the Early Career Investigator Award from the International Society of Biofabrication. Her innovative approach and leadership in the field of regenerative medicine make her someone to watch in the years to come.
Carolin Tetyczka
Senior
Scientist, Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering GmbH (RCPE)
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
Currently most nano drug delivery systems or nanopharmaceuticals are produced using batch-based manufacturing. In this case, the quality is often inconsistent which means that if you produce something, it might have to be discarded because of quality issues. My work focuses on improving the manufacturing of nano drug delivery manufacturing. This includes, for example, obtaining a good process understanding of the used process and combining different unit operations to achieve continuous manufacturing instead of batch-based manufacturing. In addition, we want to make the process faster by implementing measurement and control strategies to investigate critical quality attributes directly during manufacturing of nano drug delivery systems, thereby increasing the quality of the products and efficiency.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
Together with the project team and consortium we are working on the establishment of a continuous nanomanufacturing line that includes real-time quality measurements and control integrated in the process. In this way, we aim to achieve a more controlled and thus more efficient nano-manufacturing.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
Usually, I have some internal or external meetings – that’s daily life for most researchers nowadays! When I meet with current or future clients, we talk about running projects or plan a potential collaboration, for example how new projects could look like. Performing project work is one task, but I also spend time writing proposals for service or funding projects, supervising master’s students in the lab and writing, literature research and writing publications, planning experiments, a bit of project
management, and supporting the team. Overall, a typical day is quite diverse and exciting because it is never the same.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
It has definitely had twists and turns, because I had never really planned to stay in science when I studied pharmacy. I was doing my diploma thesis in pharmacy in Graz and planned to return home to Carinthia, but then I got the opportunity to return to university on a project as a research scientist for two years.
It turned out that I liked the lab work and team and decided to stay. At the time there were only short-term contracts. Then after some time, an opportunity arose to do my PhD on a project at the university, which I finished in the middle of the pandemic. The timing was difficult as we couldn’t always be in the lab or at university in general. But I finished, and right after I got the chance to start as a senior scientist at RCPE. It’s now been a bit more than 3 years since I started working here as part of the “Next-Generation Manufacturing” Area.
chemistry and physics, too. In my last year we took a class trip to Hamburg and visited labs and the DESY-Synchrotron – that’s when I started to think I might move away from languages into natural science. I thought pharmacy would be interesting because I could learn more about medications and work as a pharmacist – and that’s what I planned to do during my studies. Neither of my parents had studied, and it was never my plan to get a PhD. Even studying at all was a big step in my family. I was only the 3rd one in my extended family to get a degree.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
I finished my PhD in the middle of the pandemic. The timing was difficult as we couldn’t always be in the lab or at university in general.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
Not at all. After finishing elementary school, I went to a “Gymnasium” [secondary school] focused on languages. Of course, we also had
I was surprised at how little time you spend in the lab! When you’re studying, you spend so much time in the lab, but once you are getting your PhD and start working as a senior scientist this changes drastically. I usually only spend time in the lab when something goes wrong [laughs]! Or for supporting and training colleagues and students. I sometimes miss it in my daily life. When you are performing the experiments yourself you know where the issue comes from if something is not working as it should.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
It’s true that you always try to present what worked nicely and not what didn’t. Publications are more likely to be accepted when you only describe what worked well. Why not describe what did not work? On the other hand, in projects you have to tell clients directly what went wrong and what you did to overcome the problem, which I think is a better approach.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
For people who are interested in science, I would definitely recommend that they study and get a PhD. However I wouldn’t necessari ly recommend staying in academia. What was hard for me at university were the short-term contracts. This is mentally very tough, becau se you can’t plan when you don’t know when the next project will start. It’s a lot easier to work at a company.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
From RCPE Selma Celikovic. She is a senior scientist I work with quite closely together in one of my projects. She works in implementing control concepts and digitalization in different manufacturing processes. I think her field of automation is very cool – especially in the pharma sector, digitalization and automation will play a huge role in the future.
I would also watch Yan Wang: she is an application scientist at InProcess-LSP, a company from the Netherlands that has developed a unique device to measure nanoparticle size in-line. She’s a great scientist and we can all learn a lot from her path of growing up in China and coming to Europe to study and work.
Magdalena Pöttinger
Research engineer, Competence Center CHASE GmbH
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
My current role is in applied research. This involves industry partners approaching us with specific challenges, and we assist them in finding solutions. This might include conducting measurements and carrying out fundamental research. My responsibilities also include disseminating the findings through publications, including conference presentations and journal papers.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
My work is focused on the digitalisation of processes within the plastics industry. My ob jective is to integrate cutting-edge technolo gies in order to enhance efficiency and sus tainability, and to enable real-time monitoring and optimisation.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
My typical day is a combination of office work and experimental measurements. My computer-based tasks include preparing experimental measurements, analysing measurement results, and pursuing advancement and optimisation of processes. The measurement phase includes analysis of different types of materials and experiments on polymer proces -
sing machines. The latter investigations are performed inline with the machinery, enabling real-time data acquisition.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
I attended a school with a focus on music; however, since I have always been passionate about technology, it was clear to me that after graduation I wanted to pursue something technical. I chose polymer engineering for my bachelor's degree and in my master's degrees I focused on management in polymer technologies be -
sents the perfect combination of innovation and technical expertise for me. Following that, I pursued a doctorate in technical sciences, which provided an even broader perspective on technical processes. Furthermore, I gained the tools to bridge the gap between the theory and practical applications.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
No – growing up in a rural area, I was not even aware that such opportunities existed! As a child, especially in school, there was little to no exposure to this field. However, there are fantastic programs, such as "Children's University," where children can step into the role of a scientist and gain insights. I believe I would have enjoyed participating in such an initiative.
In science, failures are often not openly acknowledged. However, it is crucial to discuss and share unsuccessful or negative results as well. Doing so allows others to build on this knowledge and avoid repeating the same mistakes. Transparent communication about failures support a more efficient and collaborative scientific community, ultimately driving progress by learning from all outcomes — both successful and unsuccessful.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
Transparent communication about failures support a more efficient and collaborative scientific community.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
I couldn't imagine what it would be like to work in this area beforehand. This field requires critical questioning and structured work. These qualities fit my approach perfectly and were easy to integrate into my working style as they have always been part of my mindset.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
Yes, definitely. Being open-minded and interested in various fields of study is essential to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the bigger picture. This holistic approach not only enriches personal knowledge but also promotes innovation and deeper insights across disciplines.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
Keep an eye on anyone who is not afraid to take on challenging tasks, while also bringing strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and maintain a goal-oriented approach.
Katrin Tiffner
Deputy head of research group Biomedical Tissue Monitoring, JOANNEUM RESEARCH HEALTH –Institute for Biomedical Research and Technologies
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
As deputy research group leader, I can roughly split my work into two areas. On one hand I am responsible for a wide range of management tasks, including controlling, staff management and handling day-to-day business activities. On the other hand, I lead scientific projects with a particular focus on tissue monitoring. I mainly work with the in-house developed open microperfusion catheter (OFM), which enables us to collect interstitial fluid from various tissues and allows us to conduct a wide range of investigations. These include examining whether a drug reaches the target tissue in sufficient quantities and investigating its local action.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
I am currently preparing documents such as the statistical analysis plan and laboratory manual for a clinical study that will be conducted in January as part of an FDA-funded research project. In this FDA-funded project, we are further developing our OFM method for bioequivalence testing of topical products such as creams. For creams and gels, it is extremely difficult to prove that a generic product is as effective as the originator product. The main reason for this is that routine blood measurements, as used for oral drugs such as
pills, cannot be used to prove bioequivalence because the site of action in this particular case is the skin. With our innovative OFM method, we are able to measure the concentration of the drug directly at the site of action, in the skin. This allows us to compare whether the generic drug is reaching the skin at the same concentration as the originator drug, giving us a simple way to prove whether they are bioequivalent.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job. What does a typical Tuesday look like?
To be honest, there is no typical workday. The only routine I have is having a cup of coffee in the morning and sitting down in front of my computer. So my main area of work is in front of my computer and consists of writing study plans, statistical evaluation and interpretation of results, also budgeting and project management. Sometimes I make plans in the morning that are thrown out the window a few minutes later as soon as an emergency arises in my research group and I have to step in as problem solver or trouble solver. But I love this varied working environment and can't see myself in a routine job.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
I started as a master’s student at J OANNEUM RESEARCH and then continued as a PhD student. After finishing my PhD, I took on the position of deputy head of the research group. So not a lot of twists and turns. However, I was first offered the position of deputy head of the research group while I was still finishing my PhD. It was a tough decision for me, but at the
time, finishing my PhD was more important to me so I turned it down. But I was lucky: I was offered the deputy position a second time and then I took it!
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
No, I couldn't even imagine going to university until I was 16, and now I have a PhD. The future always turns out differently than you think.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
When I first started working as a scientist everything was overwhelming and all other scientists were “the experts” knowing everything better. But after a while I learnt that ot hers are still putting their pants on one leg at a time. We all have so much to learn.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach nega tive results overall?
Failures are part of a scientific life and dea ling with mistakes must be learnt. We have been taught since school that making mista kes is a bad thing, but as scientists, negati ve results are a huge source of knowledge and you have to realise that first. Everyone has their own coping strategy for dealing with mistakes, and usually only negative feelings are associated with them. As a scientist, however, I had to learn to see the positive aspects of negative results, and one of the things that helped me the most was discussing the negative results with colleagues at work so that I could breathe easy again.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
Yes, I would definitely recommend it. All you need is a passion for your research and a willingness to learn. The ability to think creatively also helps you to solve problems and not get discouraged. But it is always a personal decision whether you want to work in research and development.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
Sonja Lackner, a senior lecturer at MedUni Graz.
Marko Šimić
Postdoctoral researcher, Institute of Physics – Division of Experimental Physics – Optics of Nano and Quantum Materials (OpNaQ), University of Graz
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
After completing my PhD thesis in cooperation with BRAVE Analytics GmbH on OF2i, I began my postdoctoral research at the University of Graz within the framework of the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Structured Matter Based Sensing, as part of the Optics of Nano and Quantum Materials (OpNaQ) group led by Prof. Peter Banzer. My current research focuses on the development of novel sensor technologies based on structured light and structured matter, which is a central focus of the CD Laboratory and closely aligns with the research topics of our group, known for its long and rich history in this field.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
My ongoing research is dedicated to photonic chips built on integrated photonic circuits. This cutting-edge technology enables applications that go far beyond the capabilities of a conventional camera, providing simultaneous access to the intensity, phase, and polarization of light. This allows for the generation and sensing of higher-order light modes, such as vortex beams with a doughnutlike shape. Building on this platform, I am currently working on novel applications with future directions in optical imaging
and manipulation, supported by a theoretical framework that combines precise modelling of light fields with inverse design tools.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
A typical Tuesday usually starts with a hot cup of coffee and our OpNaQ group meeting. It’s when the whole group comes together to discuss everything from administrative tasks to publications, upcoming conferences, and highlight recent achie -
on research projects, exchanging ideas and addressing any challenges in an open and relaxed atmosphere. Afterward, I usually return to my desk or the lab, to focus on my research and move my work forward.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
I’d say my path so far has been a mix of both. While I’ve always had a general direction in mind, certain opportunities have taken me in directions I didn’t initially foresee. Along the way, I’ve also had the chance to work for some years in industry, which offered a different perspective and valuable experience. As is often the case in life, things were not always easy, and there was even a moment during my very early studies when I thought about giving up. Thinking about what I could have missed, I’m deeply grateful to those who helped me stay the course.
trying to figure out what each component’s task was. Thinking about it now, I can see that it was curiosity that eventually set me on the path to science.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
One of the aspects I enjoy the most: sharing ideas, being part of discussions, and learning from others’ perspectives.
What has surprised me the most about working in my field is just how unpredictable and dynamic it can be. I initially imagined many problems could be solved like a puzzle, step by step, but in reality, it often takes a lot of trial and error when things don’t work as expected. I also didn’t anticipate how collaborative science is, which has become one of the aspects I enjoy the most: sharing ideas, being part of discussions, and learning from others’ perspectives.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
I wouldn’t say I always had the image of a scientist in my mind as a child. Like many kids, I dreamed of being something like a pilot or firefighter. However, looking back, I’ve always been deeply curious. I loved taking things apart, or sometimes breaking them, to see what was inside and understand how they worked. I still remember very well how I took apart my first PC once it stopped working,
From my personal perspective, I don’t believe there’s such a thing as 'failure' in science. Instead, I see it as a question of how closely the outcomes align with my expectations. Of course, making mistakes or "failing" can be frustrating at times. However, I believe these moments are an essential part of the scientific process, just as important as discovering what works. In hindsight, it was often the hurdles and mistakes that forced me to rethink and explore new approaches, and those were the
moments where I learned the most. Still, the feeling when things finally work out is absolutely priceless.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
Absolutely, and for many good reasons! When I left school, I had no idea what the future held for me. At university, I soon found myself surrounded by brilliant colleagues who shared my passion for science. Also, over the past years, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to numerous conferences and countries, meeting fascinating people along the way — experiences my younger self could only have dreamed of. Of course, this required stepping outside my comfort zone many times, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I absolutely recommend
this path to any young person playing with the idea of getting into science.
Who are other young researchers we should be keeping our eyes on?
The first person who comes to mind is Nikola Šimić, who is currently in the final stages of his PhD project, which is being carried out at the FELMI ZFE. Not only is he my brother, but he is also a brilliant mind and an exceptional colleague. He is at the beginning of a highly promising journey and is already holding some remarkable achievements. Most importantly, I had the privilege of studying physics alongside him for many years, and it would be a true joy to see him featured in the BNN QUARTERLY as well one day!
Michael Wenninger
Senior Researcher / Project leader, Competence Center CHASE GmbH
Can you briefly describe the overall aim of your work?
Overall we collaborate with various industry and research partners and address specific issues or research questions to find solutions. For me, specifically, this is in the field of polymer recycling and additive manufacturing. My responsibilities also include dissemination through publications, including conference presentations and journal articles.
What are you working on specifically at the moment?
Currently I am working on various projects in the field of polymer recycling and additive manufacturing. The goals are to increase efficiency, re-/upcycle waste streams, investigate disturbances and combine process data and measurement systems with machine learning algorithms or approaches.
Tell us about “a day in the life” at your job.
A typical day starts with a coffee and morning
chat at around 06:45 with colleagues in the office. Afterwards I take a look at the upcoming meetings and prepare presentations for internal or external discussions. On a regular basis, discussions with project members/company partners or student workers take place and the project progress is monitored. In the time left, I focus on the specific research topics I am actively working on in the projects as a researcher.
Has your career path been linear, or has it had a lot of twists and turns?
I would say quite linear from school to university to employment without longer interruptions.
When you were a child, did you always know you wanted to be a scientist?
Not really. I have always been personally interested in technology, so it was quite clear that I wanted to work in that field in any way.
What has surprised you about working in your field? Is it similar to what you expected when you started out?
Actually I did not have many expectations beforehand.
How do you deal with failures in science and how do you think we should approach negative results overall?
I would say, generally speaking, we learn the most from our failures: therefore they should be openly discussed. Doing so allows ourselves (but also others) to build on this knowledge and to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Would you recommend a similar path to a younger person?
Yes, because overall I really enjoy working in this environment, having similar minds around me (that all have their special expertise). Especially transdisciplinary research/ projects are very enriching and exciting from my personal point of view.
Member Updates
Member Presentation of SimVantage
SimVantage has developed advanced software to simulate and optimize gassed or stirred bioreactors — essential for producing pharmaceuticals like antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies, and vector vaccines. These bioreactors also enable innovations in clean meat, food additives, and precision fermentation.
Our software leverages physics-based first principles to model and simulate critical processes within bioreactors, such as fluid dynamics, mixing, and gas exchange. These precise insights enable users to optimize bioreactor performance across scales, from laboratory to production. By accelerating the transition from lab research to large-scale manufacturing, our software reduces time-to-market, lowers costs, and ensures faster access to lifesaving therapies and innovative products.
With a user-friendly interface and validated accuracy across all reactor scales, SimVantage empowers companies to innovate smarter, faster, and sustainably — shaping the future of bioprocessing.
Member Interview with Christian Witz, CEO
BNN: Why did you decide to become a BioNanoNet member and what do you expect from the membership?
We believe that innovation thrives through collaboration. Much like a biotope, where different elements create balance and foster growth, partnerships in networks like BioNanoNet spark transformative ideas. By joining, we hope to exchange expertise, collaborate on bioreactor challenges, and contribute to a thriving ecosystem of biotech innovation.
Sustainability is a core value of BNN. What strategies have you implemented to improve your organization’s sustainability?
Sustainability at SimVantage is rooted in reducing waste and resource consumption. Our simulation software eliminates the need for countless physical experiments, saving time, materials, and energy. A great example of our impact: in collaboration with Novartis, our si -
mulations achieved a 20% reduction in stirrer energy consumption, which was also published. This demonstrates how simulation can contribute to greener and more efficient bioprocessing.
Our Focus Topic of this issue is on early career researchers. How does SimVantage promote researchers starting out?
We’re passionate about equipping young researchers with tools that simplify complex bioprocess challenges. Our software removes technical barriers like parameter fitting, empowering early-career scientists to focus on innovation. We also provide training, internships, and real-world applications to help them grow into industry leaders.
What led you to your profession?
The realization that engineering principles can unlock biological potential and that tackling these challenges often requires interdisciplinary teamwork. Biotech innovation is never a solo effort, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
What does your typical workday look like?
It’s a mix of brainstorming with customers about their unique bioreactor challenges — whether it’s optimizing mixing efficiency, troubleshooting scale-up, or enhancing tech transfer — and collaborating with our team to refine our software and explore new applications. We’re also frequently attending conferences or leading workshops, sharing insights and learning
from others in the field. No two days are alike, but every day feels productive and full of opportunities to make an impact.
What’s the best aspect of your job?
Seeing our work create real-world impact — when a customer cuts weeks off their development timeline or solves a long-standing process issue thanks to our software. It’s rewarding to know that what we do accelerates innovation across biotech.
What would you advise a young person considering working in your field?
Be curious and open to interdisciplinary learning. This field sits at the crossroads of biology, engineering, and computation, so success often means building bridges between these areas. And don’t forget: the best ideas often come from collaboration.
Who
are people in your field that inspire you?
One person who inspires me greatly is Johannes Khinast, who built RCPE (Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering) from scratch. His work has earned him immense respect in both Europe and the US, and I feel privileged to have had him as my PhD supervisor and mentor. Another key figure is Alois Jungbauer, a highly active professor in the field of bioprocessing with a truly global network. We are proud to have him as our advisor: his expertise and dedication to advancing bioprocessing continue to be a valuable source of inspiration.
5-second answers
Christian Witz, CEO SimVantage GmbH
What was your dream job when you were a kid?
Train conductor, like my grandfather.
If you could study anything (new) right now, what would it be?
Physics! I’m fascinated by the basic principles of nature.
Office, home office or hybrid?
Hybrid — with plenty of traveling.
Which book have you most enjoyed reading lately?
The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin. Highly recommended!
If you could make any activity an Olympic discipline, in which would you win a medal?
Explaining complex topics in simple ways.
What is your motto?
Make bioreactor simulation accurate, fast, and easy.
Contact
SimVantage GmbH
Christian Witz christian.witz@simvantage.com www.simvantage.com
MEMBER INTERVIEW
Member Presentation of Silicon Austria Labs
Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a leading research center specializing in electronics and software-based systems (ESBS). This application-oriented center conducts cooperative research across three locations: Graz, Linz, and Villach. SAL focuses on pioneering research areas including Microsystems, Sensor Systems, Intelligent Wireless Systems, Power Electronics, and Embedded Systems.
In the field of Photonic Systems, SAL is dedicated to advancing sensor development, photonic-microfluidic sensors, optical sensors, and spectroscopy, with applications, among
others, in the bio-medical and chemical fields. Their work aims to develop novel and disruptive technologies and applications. Researchers at SAL utilize photons across the full optical spectrum, with a particular emphasis on the UV to mid-IR range (200 nm to 25 µm).
SAL collaborates with key players from industry, science, and research, pooling valuable expertise and know-how. They conduct cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects, co-financed by SAL, facilitate a swift and efficient project start.
Cristina Consani at Silicon Austria Labs
Member Interview with Cristina Consani, Silicon Austria Labs
BNN: Why did you decide to become a BioNanoNet member and what do you expect from the membership?
Several research and scientific foci developed at Silicon Austria Labs (SAL GmbH) show significant overlap with the focus areas of the BioNanoNet Association, particularly in the field of microfluidics and sensor development. We at SAL see a mutual benefit in joining the BioNanoNet Association. On the one hand, we would like to foster our current research topics by creating new collaborations and synergies and by expanding our research network to include additional relevant players in the field. On the other hand, we believe that other network members could strongly benefit from both our existing network and from our technologies and long-term experience, particularly in the field of sensor development, photonic-microfluidic sensors, optical sensors and spectroscopy, towards the development of novel and disruptive technologies and applications.
Sustainability is a core value of BNN. What strategies have you implemented to improve your organization’s sustainability?
Sustainability is a fundamental topic nowadays – fortunately not only is there a general awareness about sustainability, but more and more countries, companies and individuals are active in the field. Sustainability is particularly important for an organization like SAL that contributes to the development of the next generation sensor systems. Particularly, SAL is engaged towards the development of sensing elements having a low environmental
footprint and impact throughout their whole life cycle. Sustainability is considered in our project and, whenever possible, solutions with positive or neutral environmental impact are favored.
Additionally, several good practices are implemented in our organization to minimize waste and boost reuse of resources in our daily work. Despite the high energy consumption of some of our equipment, sustainable lab practices have been introduced to minimize energy consumption to the minimum required, as well as to minimize waste. SAL also supports emobility and the use of public transportation through benefits for its employees.
Our Focus Topic of this issue is “Researchers on the Rise: Young Minds in Research & Development in the BioNanoNet Community”. Does SAL address this topic?
Of course, at SAL there are many young scientists, and SAL supports them in multiple ways throughout the steps of their career. One of the most prominent actions was the recent establishment of the Silicon Austria Labs –Doctoral College (SAL-DC). The SAL-DC is a doctoral training program for researchers focusing on the field of electronics and software based systems. In the SAL-DC young researchers benefit from SAL’s research network and cooperation with industry, academic and scientific partners on a regional, national and international level. Fellows benefit from the training in a highly international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral setting, are offered possibilities for short- to mid-term internships at academic or industrial partner organizations and are able to benefit from intersectoral professional training to develop and
enhance their professional skills and network for future career prospects. SAL-DC is internationally recognized, and currently hosts the CRYSTALLINE program, co-funded by a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND grant.
What led you to your profession?
Curiosity. At the beginning, a deep scientific curiosity and desire to understand what is at the basis of the very basic mechanisms that lead to molecular function and molecular processes. I loved the challenge of getting an always deeper knowledge and understanding of physical processes. Later, I also became more and more interested in the challenge of exploiting new technologies for applications with a direct outcome for industry and society.
What does your typical workday look like?
No working day is equal to another one in research. Most of my work activities are dedicated to several industrial projects. Besides project management activities and meetings, I also engage in research activities including optical and system design, experimental proof-of-principle in the laboratory, data interpretation and analysis, and of course dissemination activities. Additionally, I take care of acquisition of new projects and writing proposals.
What’s the best aspect of your job?
The best aspect is the possibility of developing novel concepts and technologies as well as working on innovation with impact on reallife application.
What would you advise a young person considering working in your field?
I would advise this young scientist to gain international experience in renowned institutions and look for funding opportunities from the early career years because this is the key to boost research independence.
Who are people in your field that inspire you?
I think the physicists from the past whose work and personality have been the most inspiring for me are Marie Curie, Michael Faraday and Erwin Schrödinger. During my life I met two scientists, Prof. Fulvio Parmigiani and Prof. Majed Chergui, who then happened to be my Master thesis and PhD advisors, who were for me a source of great inspiration both for their scientific work and on a personal level.
What was your dream job when you were a kid?
Nothing like a physicist, actually. I was undecided between paleontologist and school teacher.
If you could study anything (new) right now, what would it be?
Molecular biology and genetics
Office, home office or hybrid?
Hybrid
Which book have you most enjoyed reading lately?
Hyperion by Dan Simmons
If you could make any activity an Olympic discipline, in which would you win a medal?
Laser alignment
What is your motto?
Never give up!
Contact Silicon Austria Labs Cristina Consani cristina.consani@silicon-austria.com www.silicon-austria-labs.com
lixtec wins “Zeig-Profil-Award“ in the category “Innovation”
The "Zeig-Profil-Award" was awarded for the first time on 27 November 2024 at the Atelierhaus der bildenden Künste in Vienna. The winners were selected from more than 30 finalists in the categories Society, Creative Industries, Sustainability, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the special category for oneperson companies.
Günther Spath, CEO of lixtec GmbH, received the award for the "Innovation" category from Bernd Vogl, Managing Director of the Climate and Energy Fund. In the future, the company
will be supported in its growth and expansion by Business Angel Berthold Baurek-Karlic, CEO of Venionaire Capital AG.
“We would like to thank everyone who voted for us,” said Günther Spath. “Our simple but effective solution, which uses radar sensors to enable dynamic lighting in public spaces, saves huge amounts of CO 2 and energy costs. We are delighted that our pioneering technology has been recognised.”
Read the whole article here .
BRAVE ANALYTICS GMBH
BRAVE Analytics obtains patent for Raman analysis module
Besides particle counting and sizing, BRAVE Analytics has been developing an in-flow Raman analysis module. As the BRAVE approach to Raman analysis is unique and groundbreaking, an Austrian patent has been granted and the PCT phase for the EU has now started.
The BRAVE B-Elementary Raman device provides:
Continuous analysis in-flow directly in liquids
With minimal or no sample preparation required
Ideal for high-throughput screening
Automated analysis with minimum user interaction
Results even when fluorescence is present (sample-dependent)
Exact measurement of particle size, par-
ticle size distribution as well as particle concentration available simultaneously
Automatic cleaning cycle that saves time and effort
Raman analysis even on ultra-low concentrations
Future implementation into production processes as a PAT sensor (work in progress)
The setup will be used for the detection and identification of microplastics in water, identification of unwanted aggregates during the production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), non-targeted screening, identification of contamination in production plants, quality control on ultra-pure water, research into e.g. soil composition, vaccines and nanocarriers and for wastewater analysis.
Read the whole article here .
Infineon Unveils the World’s Thinnest Silicon Power Wafer, Pushing Technical Boundaries and Improving Energy Efficiency
Infineon first to master handling and processing of ultra-thin 20-micrometer power semiconductor wafers
Reducing wafer thickness cuts substrate resistance in half, enabling power loss reductions of over 15 percent
New technology for various applications including Infineon’s Powering AI roadmap
Ultra-thin wafer technology already qualified and released to customers
After announcing the world’s first 300-millimeter gallium nitride (GaN) power wafer and
opening the world’s largest 200-millimeter silicon carbide (SiC) power fab in Kulim, Malaysia, Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) has unveiled the next milestone in semiconductor manufacturing technology. Infineon has reached a breakthrough in handling and processing the thinnest silicon power wafers ever manufactured, with a thickness of only 20 micrometers and a diameter of 300 millimeters, in a high-scale semiconductor fab. The ultra-thin silicon wafers are only a quarter as thick as a human hair and half as thick as current state-of-the-art wafers of 4060 micrometers.
“The world's thinnest silicon wafer is proof of our dedication to deliver outstanding customer value by pushing the technical boundaries of power semiconductor technology,” said Jochen Hanebeck, CEO at Infineon Technologies. “Infineon’s breakthrough in ultra-thin wafer technology marks a significant step forward in energy-efficient power solutions and helps us leverage the full potential of the global trends decarbonization and digitalization. With this technological masterpiece, we are solidifying our position as the industry’s innovation leader by mastering all three relevant semiconductor materials: Si, SiC and GaN.”
This innovation will significantly help increase energy efficiency, power density and reliability in power conversion solutions for applications in AI data centers as well as consumer,
motor control and computing applications. Halving the thickness of a wafer reduces the wafer’s substrate resistance by 50 percent, reducing power loss by more than 15 percent in power systems, compared to solutions based on conventional silicon wafers. For highend AI server applications, where growing energy demand is driven by higher current levels, this is particularly important in power conversion: Here voltages have to be reduced from 230 V to a processor voltage below 1.8 V. The ultra-thin wafer technology boosts the vertical power delivery design, which is based on vertical Trench MOSFET technology and allows a very close connection to the AI chip processor, thus reducing power loss and enhancing overall efficiency.
BDI supplies SynCycle chemical recycling plant to GREENERTIS in Tarragona, Spain
With a contract to build an innovative SynCycle plant, the Styrian plant manufacturer BDI-BioEnergy International GmbH (BDI) is taking on a key role in the sustainable transformation of the plastics industry. The project constitutes an important milestone for BDI, as it is the first reference plant on an industrial scale to use SynCycle technology. BDI offers an efficient solution for the chemical recycling of plastic waste with its innovative SynCycle technology. The plant isolates polyolefin plastics from waste streams and converts them to pyrolysis oil. This technology makes it possible to convert plastic waste that would otherwise be incinerated or landfilled, into valuable intermediate products for the chemical industry.
The feedstock pre-treatment and other parts of the deliveries are executed with BDI’s partner HydroDyn Recycling GmbH and Next Generation Recycling GmbH (NGR).
Efficient recycling of plastic waste: The SynCycle plant isolates polyolefin plastics (poly -
ethylene, polypropylene) from waste streams that were originally destined for incineration or landfilling, and converts them into valuable pyrolysis oil that can be recycled into new plastics. This not only saves the carbon contained in the waste from being burned, but also reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
Conservation of resources and CO 2 reduction: Returning pyrolysis oil to the plastics industry and using it to substitute crude oil-based intermediates results in a significant reduction in CO 2 emissions. This avoids the incineration of plastic waste that can no longer be recycled by conventional means, while also reducing the demand for crude oil.
Milestone project – 1st industrial reference plant: This project marks the first phase of the GREENERTIS Tarragona site’s expansion into a center for decentralized chemical recycling, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Read the whole article here.
Project Presentations & Updates
HARMLESS Releases Factsheet on Catalysts Case Study
The EU H2020 project HARMLESS develops a novel, multifaceted Safe Innovation Approach to complex multi-component nanomaterials and High Aspect Ratio Nanoparticles (MCNM & HARNs) by integrating a toolbox of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), which can test key properties according to latest scientific insights into MCNM & HARNs. To ensure that industries operating at differing scale, including SMEs, pick up HARMLESS’ approach, the project has created a user-friendly decision support system (DSS) which is validated iteratively at scale in different case studies, which allows the testing, verification and improvement of the HARMLESS’ Safe-by-
Design and Safe Innovation Approaches (SIA) in different industrial sectors.
HARMLESS has created a factsheet summarising the key facts of the case study on Catalysts (Material: Oxide-perovskites for automotive catalysts), including an explanation of the material, its functionality and application, the objectives of the case study, how the case study was implemented, outcomes of the case study, as well as the partners involved in the case study.
The majority of chemical processes are based on catalysts. Innovation in the chemical industry is predominantly driven by catalyst
research and development. The multi-component nature and high internal porosity (related to nanostructures within a composite material) contribute to the performance of heterogeneous catalysts.
The HARMLESS industry partner BASF coordinates the case study on perovskite. They employ catalysts in more than 80% of their own production facilities.
Read the factsheet here .
Role of BNN in HARMLESS
Safe Innovation Approach, Stakeholder engagement, Graphic Design, Communication & Dissemination
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement n° 953183.
NABIHEAL and PHOENIX Join Forces for Regulatory Workshop
On 29 October 2024, BNN had the pleasure of participating in an insightful workshop online and in Barcelona at the CSIC - Residència d´investigadors facilities. The workshop focused on the regulatory framework for health products containing nanomaterials. The event provided a valuable opportunity to discuss with key stakeholders from the EUfunded projects NABIHEAL and PHOENIX, as well as featured important contributions from BSI and the Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA).
During the workshop, participants reviewed and discussed major regulatory processes and guidelines for the approval and commercialization of medical devices and medicinal products that incorporate nanoparticles. Furthermore, the applicability of additional guidelines for other nanomaterial-containing products, including chemicals, food, and cosmetics were also explored and presented.
From BNN, Daniel Garcia gave a key presentation on strategic regulatory components for
health products containing nanotechnology to reach the EU market.
Role of BNN in NABIHEAL:
SSbD concept & guidelines, Dissemination, Communication & Stakeholder Involvement
Role of BNN in PHOENIX:
Business Development and overall sustainability of the OITB, Graphic Design, Communication & Dissemination, Regulatory Support
Contact
Daniel Garcia daniel.garcia@bnn.at
www.phoenix-oitb.eu
www.nabiheal.eu
These projects have received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement n° 953110 (PHOENIX) and from the Horizon EUROPE research and innovation programme under grant agreement n° 101092269 (NABIHEAL).
Members of the NABIHEAL & PHOENIX-OITB consortia in Barcelona (plus some attending online), including BioNanoNet Association members IMI & CIBER-BBN.
PLANETS, a Horizon Europe Project
demonstrating Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design, launches in Grenoble
BNN joined members of the scientific community from 18 partner organizations in Grenoble, France, from 26-27 November 2024 to launch the Horizon Europe project PLANETS.
PLANETS stands for “Plasticizers, fLame-retardants and surfactANts: new alternatives validating the safE and susTainable by deSign approach” and is funded under the Topic HORIZON -CL4-2024-RESILIENCE-01-24.
The consortium will receive 14.5 million Euros from the European Union’s research and innovation programme to demonstrate the applicability of the SSbD Draft Framework published by the JRC while technically developing alternatives for 3 of the most important classes of molecules in chemical industries: plasticizers, flame retardants and surfactants.
The new molecules and products developed by PLANETS will be significantly safer to workers and consumers and will have considerably lower environmental impact, while ensuring economic viability and social awareness.
This ambitious project, coordinated by Commissariat a l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), which hosted the Kick-Off
Meeting, brings together 18 complementary partners from 7 countries, including 7 large industry partners (BASF, Chemische Fabrik Budenheim KG, ELKEM Silicones, Greenchemicals Srl, Steinbacher Dämmstoff GmbH, SYENSQO, Wacker Chemie AG), 3 SMEs (RINA Consulting, STERNA, QSAR Lab), 5 RTOs (AIMEN Technology Center, CEA, TNO, IPC, Fraunhofer ICT) and 3 non-profit research organizations (BioNanoNet Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Radboud University). These partners bring the expertise required for the entire project development, including:
Development of safer and more sustainable alternatives through SSbD assessments in a tiered approach
Demonstration of the integration of the new molecules for the manufacturing of new products for various applications (coating, insulation foams and childcare articles)
Social sciences and humanities
Business plans and market uptake approaches
Digital Product Passport
PLANETS consortium members at the Kick-Off Meeting in Grenoble in November 2024.
Identification of new skills and training
Interactions with appropriate stakeholders and citizens and feedback to JRC and the EC.
In this project, BNN leads the work package on Stakeholder Engagement, Communication and Dissemination, and contributes to tasks related to SSbD and training.
PLANETS aims to significantly contribute to paving the way for the adoption of the SSbD framework while proposing a roadmap towards industrialisation and market uptake of the alternative solutions. We are proud to be part of these solutions!
Follow the progress of PLANETS via the website , launching in 2025 and on LinkedIn .
Role of BNN in PLANETS:
Stakeholder Engagement, Communication and Dissemination, SSbD and training
Contact
Matiss Reinfelds matiss.reinfelds@bnn.at
PLANETS project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement n° 101177608.
Resources for SMEs and the General Public
The Horizon 2020 project DIAGONAL (Development and Implementation of Safeby-Design Tools and Guidelines for Multicomponent Nanomaterials and High Aspect Ratio Nanoparticles) has come to an end, but to ensure the legacy lives on, BNN in collaboration with other partners including BioNanoNet Association members BRIMATECH, NovaMechanics and ICCRAM have created a series of resources to ensure the safety of nano-enabled products while advancing sustainability. Here’s an overview of the resources available via DIAGONAL:
SSbD Decision Support Tool
This digital tool helps industries, researchers, and regulators select the best Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) strategies for handling nanomaterials. It integrates methodologies developed by DIAGONAL’s partners, ensuring effective risk assessment and governance for nanomaterials, particularly highaspect-ratio nanoparticles (HARNs) and multicomponent nanomaterials (MCNMs). This tool simplifies decision-making, aligning innovation with safety requirements.
SMEs Nano-awareness Survey
This survey is tailored to assess the awareness levels and challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) regarding nanotechnology safety. By participating, SMEs gain insights into regulatory compliance and best practices, empowering them to adopt nanotechnology confidently and responsibly.
SSbD Resources for SMEs
Aimed at supporting SMEs, these resources include guidelines, case studies, and training modules to foster nanosafety. They address practical challenges, such as meeting EU regulations like REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals), while encouraging innovation in nano-enabled products.
How “Nano” is the World Around You?
This outreach initiative demystifies nanotechnology by highlighting its presence in everyday life. The interactive format educates the public and stakeholders about the benefits and risks associated with nanomaterials, promoting informed decision-making and trust in nanotechnology applications.
These resources reflect DIAGONAL’s commitment to bridging the gap between innovation
and safety, ensuring that nanotechnology serves societal needs without compromising health or the environment.
To view them yourself, visit DIAGONAL website and click on “Resources”.
Role of BNN in DIAGONAL:
Mainstream Sustainability into Safety-by-Design, Liaison management, Stakeholder engagement, Communication & Dissemination
received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement n° 953152.
DIAGONAL has
Outlook
BNN EVENTS & EVENTS SUPPORTED BY BNN
acib Minisymposium “Enhanced Sustainability in Pharma”
13 January 2025 | 13:00-17:00
Kuppelsaal TU-Wien, Karlsplatz 13, Vienna
BioNanoNet Association members acib and TU
Wien are organizing this event in which leading pharma companies in Austria reveal their best sustainability practices and challenges,
while academic experts suggest cutting-edge solutions for driving sustainable product and process design in the pharma and biotech sector to next levels. BNN will be leading a table discussion on SSbD with Florian Part (BOKU), and PHOENIX-OITB will be represented.
More information
ATIMA workshop & BNN Networking Event
3 March 2025 | TUtheSky, Vienna
Save the date for our next networking event, held together with a workshop for the ATIMA project! The topic is: Advanced Materials Ecosystem
The Next Generation of Microfluidics: linking expertise across Europe, coordinated in Austria (Satellite Event of Health Tech Hub Styria)
26 March 2025 | 14:00 Medical University of Graz, Austria
As the NextGenMicrofluidics OITB project comes to a close, we invite you to a final event as a satellite of the Health Tech Hub (HTH)
Styria at the MedUniGraz. The afternoon will showcase technological breakthroughs from the NGM project and Microfluidics Innovation Hub, and bring together experts from the field of microfluidics. A hands-on demonstrator showcase and networking event “MicroFluids and MicroBites” will allow participants ample time to learn about this dynamic community. Contact: caitlin.ahern@bnn.at
More information
SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting
11
– 15
May 2025 | Vienna, Austria
Join us from 11–15 May 2025 in Vienna, Austria, for the SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting — Europe's premier event in environmental toxicology and chemistry. This can't-miss event brings together more than 2,600 environmental professionals and students from around the globe and offers a unique platform to exchange, discover and discuss cutting-edge research while allowing you to connect within our global community and collaborate to enhance Environmental Quality Through Science®.
You can look forward to five days packed with onsite (poster and platform) presentation ses -
sions, keynote lectures, satellite meetings, student mixers, and exhibitor and networking events. Registration for the event opens at the beginning of February. Make sure to benefit from early bird fees and register by 12 March. After this date, late registration fees will apply. Don’t miss the opportunity to benefit your career development, which will also reflect on your organisation, and join onsite.
Additionally, the SETAC Europe Annual Meeting can be a smart investment for your company, as it offers an excellent opportunity to gain visibility amongst a diverse group of environmental professionals worldwide. Have a look at the sponsorship opportunities .
More information
13 th Venice Training School
“Innovating with Purpose: A Hands-on Journey into Functional, Safe and Sustainable Advanced Materials”
9 – 13 June 2025 | Venice, Italy
Following a long tradition, the prestigious Venice Training School celebrates its 13 th edition in June 2025!
Co-organized by several EU-funded projects, it marks one of the key events on safe and sustainable advanced materials next year.
During the Training School, we will take an in-depth look at the application of Safe-andSustainable-by-Design in early, mid and late stages of innovation — and what it takes to put theory into practice.
Save the date and stay tuned for news early next year!
More information
Finally
We hope you enjoyed reading our BNN QUARTERLY! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any suggestions or feedback!
Our next BNN QUARTERLY will be published in March 2025 and will focus on the topic “ Collaborate to Innovate: Success stories from scientific cooperation ”.
BioNanoNet members are welcome to send their contributions regarding this focus topic as well as articles about their scientific research by 5 March 2025! Articles on other topics can be published any time on the BNN website.
Contact info@bnn.at
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from the author or publisher. To request permission, contact info@bnn.at.
The BNN team from left to right: Clemens, Matiss, Christina, Julia, Susanne, Barbara, Caitlin, Johanna, Andreas, Daniel, Angelika, Christine and Beatriz
