Dr. Andreu Blanquer is a Researcher at the Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, specializing in biomaterials for regenerative medicine. His work bridges materials science and cell biology to develop implant-compatible solutions and wound healing technologies. Primary research focuses on Cytocompatibility (27% of output), Wound Healing (17%), Biomaterials (10%), and Cell Biology (5%), with additional expertise in In Vitro Assays and Regeneration Therapy . Current projects emphasize nanofibrous membranes for skin repair and surface-modified alloys for medical implants. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal strong interdisciplinary trends: 60% target wound healing applications, 30% explore alloy biocompatibility, and 10% investigate photo-activable therapies. All studies involve international collaboration, particularly with European materials science teams. Dr. Blanquer maintains an extensive research network with 141 co-authors including Carme Nogués (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona) and Baran Sarac (Erich Schmid Institute). His work consistently appears in high-impact journals like Advanced Science and Nanoscale , demonstrating methodological rigor in cytocompatibility testing and biomaterial design.
Prof. Marc Tornow holds the Professorship for Molecular Electronics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), within the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology . His research focuses on electronic transport in molecular, memristive, and superconducting quantum systems. He employs advanced thin-film technologies and self-assembly methods to develop novel electronic systems, including neuromorphic components and superconducting qubit devices. Key achievements include investigations into long-range charge transport in proteins and strategies to enhance quantum device performance. Prof. Tornow earned his physics doctorate in 1997 at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (University of Stuttgart), followed by postdoctoral research at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel). He led a BMBF junior research group at TUM’s Walter Schottky Institute from 2001–2006, completed his habilitation in experimental physics at TUM in 2007, and served as a professor at TU Braunschweig until 2013. Since 2013, he has been a full professor at TUM and a department head at the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Microsystems and Solid State Technologies (EMFT). His research interests span molecular electronics, quantum technology, and biohybrid systems. Notable contributions include studies on self-assembled monolayers, nanogap electrodes, and memristive devices. Awards include the Morris Belkin Visiting Professorship (2025–2026), BMBF Young Investigators’ Group Competition (2003), and the Hans Jensen Scholarship (1997). Prof. Tornow collaborates closely with industry (e.g., Infineon Technologies) and academic institutions, advancing applications in neuromorphic engineering and quantum computing. His lab develops scalable nanoelectronic platforms for biosensing and high-performance computing. Current projects emphasize biomolecular interfaces and nanoscale device fabrication techniques.
Dr. Michael Hirtz is a Group Leader at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Institute of Nanotechnology since 2010, with ongoing honorary faculty status at the Centre for Nanotechnology at IIT Guwahati (2021-ongoing). His research focuses on surface functionalization and bioactive nanopatterning using dip-pen nanolithography, polymer pen lithography, and fluidFM techniques. Habilitation in Nanotechnology & Biomedical Tech (KIT, 2023) Habilitation in Physics (WWU Münster, 2017) PhD in Physics (WWU Münster, 2009) His work bridges nanoscale fabrication and biomedical applications , particularly in circulating tumor cell detection , lipid membrane engineering , and antifouling surface design . Recent publications highlight applications of large language models in materials science , 3D nanolithography , and bioinspired surface modification . Scientific accolades include the NEULAND Innovation Contest 2nd Prize (2022), HGF ERC Recognition Award (2020), and multiple ERC-funded grants. He serves on editorial boards for Polymers (MDPI) and Scientific Reports (Springer Nature).
Dr. Ulrike Kraft leads the independent Lise Meitner Research Group 'Organic Bioelectronics' at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research under the Max Planck Society's excellence program. Her interdisciplinary work bridges chemistry, physics, and materials science to develop novel organic electronic materials and devices. Her research focuses on organic semiconductors including (semi)conducting polymers and molecules for flexible/stretchable bioelectronics. Key application areas include Wearable sensors for long-term diagnostics Biodegradable electronic components Printable electronics matching biological tissue properties Functional additives for performance enhancement Her publication trajectory shows consistent advancement from fundamental material studies (2015) toward medical applications (2024), particularly in biosensing and sustainable electronics. Major recognitions include: Minerva Fast Track Fellowship (2019) Feodor-Lynen Research Fellowship Lise Meitner Excellence Program appointment Kraft's academic journey includes doctoral research at Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (Stuttgart) and TU Bergakademie Freiberg, followed by postdoctoral work at Stanford University (Bao/Murmann groups) and University of Cambridge (Sirringhaus group). Her current group investigates operational stability of polymer transistors and environmentally friendly electronics development.
Luisa Torsi is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Bari, Italy, and holds an adjunct professorship at Abo Akademi University. Her research spans advanced materials and bioelectronic sensors, with a strong emphasis on organic field-effect transistors and their application in medical diagnostics and ultra-sensitive detection platforms. Research Interests: Development of novel organic and printable electronic materials Design and optimization of analytical and biosensors Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) for bioelectronic applications Single-molecule detection technologies High-performance, low-cost diagnostic devices Reproducibility and scalability in sensor fabrication Her recent publications highlight a consistent trajectory in pushing the limits of detection sensitivity, particularly through transistor-based platforms like SiMoT, enabling breakthroughs in viral RNA and biomarker sensing. The integration of plasmonics, statistical design methods, and enzyme-based systems underscores a multidisciplinary approach to solving analytical challenges. Scientific Awards: H.E. Merck Prize (first woman recipient) Distinguished Women Award by IUPAC Wilhelm Exner Medal (2021) Torsi has secured over 26 million euros in research funding from European and national grants, supporting her innovative work in bioelectronics and sensor technologies. She actively mentors researchers and collaborates with a broad network, including key co-authors such as Eleonora Macchia, Paolo Bollella, and Gaetano Scamarcio. Her work bridges fundamental science and real-world applications, with potential impact in healthcare and environmental monitoring. She leads a dynamic research team focused on next-generation sensing platforms and is recognized as a role model for women in science, even being featured in the Italian Disney comic Topolino as "Louise Torduck" to inspire young scientists.
Susanne Bippus is a researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, affiliated with the Institute of Biological Information Processing and the Bioelectronics (IBI-3) department. Her work focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology and electronic systems, contributing to advancements in bioelectronic technologies and their applications in life sciences. Institution: Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH School: Institute of Biological Information Processing Department: Bioelectronics (IBI-3) Contact: s.bippus@fz-juelich.de | +49 2461/61-2331
Dr. Ipsita Chakraborty is a Researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich's Institute for Biological Information Processes (IBI), specifically within the Bioelectronics department (IBI-3). Her work is centered at the intersection of optical physics, biomedical engineering, and diagnostic technology development. Based in Building 02.4u / Room 99 at Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße 52428 Jülich, she maintains an active research profile with continuous publication output through 2025. Her research focuses on surface plasmon microscopy and refractive index-based sensing for biomedical applications, with particular emphasis on Malaria species detection and quantification through hemozoin crystal analysis Non-invasive diagnostics using saliva biomarkers for diabetes and liver cirrhosis Birefringence characterization of biological and synthetic materials Optimization of plasmonic substrates for enhanced sensing capabilities Her technical approach integrates optical physics, materials science, and clinical diagnostics to develop label-free, high-sensitivity detection systems. Analysis of her publication record (2017-2025) reveals consistent innovation in plasmonic sensing methodologies, with increasing clinical translation focus in recent years. Her work spans fundamental optical physics (birefringence analysis, refractive index dynamics) to applied diagnostics (malaria, diabetes, liver disease), demonstrating strong interdisciplinary connectivity between physics, engineering, and medicine. The progression shows movement from material characterization toward clinical applications, particularly in point-of-care diagnostic development. Her technical expertise encompasses phase-shifting interferometry, focused surface plasmon sensing, polymer thin-film engineering, and super-resolved microscopy techniques. The research has significant implications for resource-limited diagnostic settings due to its label-free nature and potential for miniaturization.
Valeria Criscuolo is a PostDoc researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich, affiliated with the Institute for Biological Information Processes (IBI), specifically within the Bioelectronics group (IBI-3). She is based in Building 02.4v, Room 207, at the Jülich campus in Germany. Her research focuses on the interdisciplinary field of bioelectronics, integrating biological systems with electronic devices to develop advanced technologies. Key interests include biosensors for real-time medical diagnostics, neural interfaces for brain-computer communication, molecular-scale electronic components, and bio-inspired computing systems. Her work bridges physics, biology, and engineering to address challenges in healthcare and biomedical technology. The Bioelectronics group (IBI-3) operates within Forschungszentrum Jülich's Helmholtz Association framework, collaborating on national and international projects to pioneer innovations in bioelectronic applications and fundamental biological information processing.
Dr. Francesca DElia is a PostDoc Researcher at the Institute for Biological Information Processes (IBI) , specifically within the Bioelectronics (IBI-3) department at Research Center Jülich GmbH. Her research focuses on In-vivo neuromorphic probes , bridging neuroscience and bioelectronics. Contact: +49 2461/61-5909 Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Building 02.4v / Room 207
Viviana Rincón Montes serves as Junior Group Leader of the In vivo Neuroelectronics - IvN group at Forschungszentrum Jülich's Institute of Bioelectronics (IBI-3) and has been an associated scientist of RWTH Aachen's Graduate College InnoRet Vision GRK2610 since October 2021. Since January 2024, she holds a Visiting Research Fellow position at the University of Cambridge's Bioelectronics Laboratory. Her academic qualifications include: Bachelor of Science in Electronic and Computer Engineering (2013) with honors from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (2016) from RWTH Aachen University Doctor of Engineering (Dr.-Ing.) summa cum laude (2021) from RWTH Aachen/IBI-3, dissertation: Development, Characterization and Use of Intraretinal Implants Rincón Montes pioneers implantable stealth neurotechnology to restore lost neural functions, with translational applications in vision restoration and pain management. Her current Cambridge research focuses on biohybrid neurotechnologies for central nervous system applications, while her Jülich lab develops intraretinal interfaces. She co-founded an in-vitro diagnostics spin-off recognized by the 2022 NRW Innovation Award. Key recognitions: Borchers Medal of RWTH Aachen (2022) Innovation Award of North Rhine-Westphalia (2022) As GRK2610 associated scientist, she mentors doctoral candidates in neuroengineering. Her In vivo Neuroelectronics group at IBI-3 integrates neurotechnology development with clinical translation, notably through the award-winning in-vitro diagnostics collaboration with Dr. Gabriela Figueroa Miranda.
Dr. Francesca D'Elia is a Research Fellow in the Neuroelectronic Interfaces group at the Institute of Biological Information Processing, Bioelectronics (IBI-3) of Forschungszentrum Jülich since February 2024, focusing on the integration of electronic systems with neural interfaces. Education: Bachelor in Biotechnology, University of Salento (2011-2014) Master in Medical Biotechnologies and Nanobiotechnologies, University of Salento (2014-2017) PhD in Nanosciences, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa (2017-2022) - Thesis: '3D printed optical devices with stress- and light-dependent properties' Professional Master's in 'KEI: Valorization of Intellectual Property for Knowledge Exchange and Impact', University of Bologna (2023-present) Research Expertise: Her work bridges Neuroelectronics and Nanotechnology through advanced fabrication techniques. She has pioneered 3D printing methodologies for tunable optical components, characterized piezoelectric actuators for medical ultrasound applications, and developed metrology protocols for graphene-based photonic platforms. Current research explores bidirectional communication between neural tissue and electronic systems for next-generation biomedical devices. Professional Experience: Research Fellowship at NEST Competence Center on Nanotechnologies (2022): Morphological/spectroscopic analysis of piezoelectric ultrasound transducers Process Engineer at CamGraPhIC (2023-2024): Metrological characterization of graphene in telecom/datacom photonic integrated circuits Awards: No scientific awards documented in source materials. Academic Guidance: No information available regarding student supervision or research grants. Current activities center on neuroelectronic interface development within IBI-3's collaborative framework. Research Environment: Works within Forschungszentrum Jülich's Neuroelectronic Interfaces team, leveraging the institute's specialized facilities for biohybrid system development and neural signal processing.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eckhard Quandt is a Professor at the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel , holding the W3-Professur für Anorganische Funktionsmaterialien at the Technische Fakultät since 2007. His research focuses on magnetoelectronic composite materials , magnetoelectric sensors , ceramic shape-memory materials , and bioelectronic/microtechnology medical applications . He has led multiple collaborative research centers (SFB 855, SFB 1261) and received prestigious funding through the DFG Reinhart Koselleck Project (2016). In 2018, he was honored with the Petersen Innovations-Transfer-Preis for co-founding Acquandas GmbH, which developed an innovative bioelectronic technology platform. Roles : Vice President for Research, Scientific Infrastructure, and Transfer (since 2016); Former Dean (2014-2016) and Pro-Dean (2012-2014) of Technische Fakultät; Speaker of research focus areas. Leadership : Active in governance (DFG review panels, acatech member) and institutional development.
Prof. Tom Nilges is a Professor of Synthesis and Characterization of Innovative Materials at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), within the Department of Chemistry at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. His research group focuses on developing sustainable materials for energy conversion, storage, and efficiency applications. He teaches multiple courses including General and Inorganic Chemistry for Chemical and Industrial Engineering students. Prof. Nilges studied chemistry at the Universities of Siegen and Aberdeen, Scotland, and received his doctorate from the University of Siegen in 2001. He worked as a research associate at the Universities of Regensburg and Münster, including as subproject leader of the Collaborative Research Center 458. He completed his habilitation at the University of Münster in 2007 and has been a professor at TUM since July 2010. Prof. Nilges' research focuses on solid-state chemistry and materials science, with particular expertise in solid ion conductors, thermoelectric materials, and hybrid materials that combine high charge carrier dynamics with stability. His group works extensively on group 15 and late transition metal ion containing chalcogenides and halides, exploring one and two-dimensional semiconductors for applications in batteries, sensors, and electronic devices. His work leverages techniques including X-ray diffraction, conductivity determination, and phase transition studies. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on energy materials, particularly for battery applications, with significant work on solid-state electrolytes, ion conductors, and semiconductor materials. His group has made notable contributions to the study of SnIP (tin iodide phosphide) materials, phosphorene-based systems, and novel approaches to rare earth element extraction. The research shows increasing interdisciplinary collaboration across chemistry, materials science, and engineering disciplines. Prof. Nilges has received several prestigious awards for his work: Rudolf Hoppe Lecture of the GdCH Division of Solid State Chemistry and Materials Research (2016) International Thermoelectric Society (ITS) Scientific and Applied Award for an outstanding scientific paper (2009) Research funding from the Dr. Otto Röhm Memorial Foundation (2008) Prof. Nilges leads an active research group with significant grant funding, including the recently completed "LernChem" project (2022-2023) which developed individualized, feedback-supported learning programs for chemistry students. His research group has produced over 70 publications with a strong emphasis on practical applications of novel materials. He serves as a co-principal investigator on multiple research projects focused on materials development and educational innovation in chemistry. His laboratory focuses on the synthesis and characterization of innovative materials, particularly utilizing advanced techniques for crystal growth, structural analysis, and property measurement. The research group maintains strong collaborations with other institutions and industry partners to translate fundamental discoveries into practical applications for energy storage and conversion technologies.
Dr. Hayder Amin serves as Group Leader at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Dresden, leading the interdisciplinary BIONICS research group focused on decoding brain network dynamics through the convergence of neuroscience, engineering, and computational science. His work bridges fundamental neural mechanisms with translational applications for neurodegenerative conditions. The BIONICS lab investigates multiscale neural computations across health and disease states, with core research emphases on: Deciphering network stability during experience-dependent plasticity and neurogenesis Exploiting reparative brain regeneration for Alzheimer's disease and brain injury interventions Developing next-generation bioelectronics and neuromorphic sensors Integrating spatial transcriptomics with functional dynamics Creating computational models for neural controllability and criticality Leveraging high-density biosensors, brain-on-chip technology, opto-chemogenetics, and multimodal data analytics, the group pursues projects spanning hippocampal circuit mapping, olfactory coding, and large-scale synaptic transmission. Dr. Amin actively recruits neuroscience, bioengineering, mathematics, and computer science students for hands-on research in this international team advancing brain-inspired computational frameworks and therapeutic interfaces.
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Sven Ingebrandt is Full Professor and Chair of Micro- and Nanosystems as well as Chair of Materials for Electrical Engineering I at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. He simultaneously directs the Institute of Materials for Electrical Engineering I (IWE-1) and holds a rectorate mandate for university co-operation with Japan. His affiliations further include the Profile Area Molecular Science & Engineering (MSE) steering committee. Research interests cover micro- and nanoelectronics, bioelectronics, neural interfaces, organic electrochemical transistors, 2-D materials, metal-organic frameworks, lab-on-a-chip systems, plasmonic biosensors and thermal characterisation of thin films. The group develops wearable textile sensors, high-density microelectrode arrays, impedance-based cellular assays, ion-selective organic sensors and point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Recent publications (2022-2025) emphasise multi-modal biosensors, graphene and MOF thin films, organic transistor arrays for neurotransmitter and ion monitoring, thermal metrology of conductive polymers, plasmonic enhancement for viral protein detection, and machine-learning assisted discovery of high-performance polymers. The work is highly interdisciplinary, merging microsystems engineering, surface chemistry, semiconductor nanotechnology and biomedical sciences.
