Projects
Advanced strategies for the on-surface synthesis of molecular frameworks with electronic and magnetic functionalities
The advancement of modern society is inextricably linked to the development and implementation of new materials and technologies that effectively address current societal, economic and environmental concerns. In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in the development of hybrid materials containing organic molecules, with potential applications ranging from quantum technologies to biomedicine. On-surface synthesis […]
MechAnostimulation on-Chip: INterrogating Activin signalling (MACHINA)
Activins are soluble circulating factors belonging to the Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta family. They play a key role balancing cellular responses induced by other family members, such as the TGF-bs and the Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Genetic mutations in specific membrane kinase receptors disrupt Activins activity and function, thereby contributing to cancer, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal […]
Lead-free Piezoceramics by Low-Temperature Spark Plasma Sintering: Energy effective and environmentally sustainable processing
Abstract The main goal of this project is to develop low-temperature spark plasma sintering methods (eco-friendly processes) that enable the consolidation and densification of oxide dielectric ceramics below 400°C, for short sintering times and economically sustainable. In particular, the project will investigate low-temperature processing of some technologicallyimportant lead-free piezoceramics that contain metal elements with high […]
Computerized analysis of subcellular architecture as a tool for disease diagnosis
The general objective of this project is to enable the subcellular architecture (constituted by the subcellular compartments, their morphology, their spatial distribution and the relationships amongst them) as an image-based biomarker for its practical application to disease diagnosis, staging, prognosis and evaluation of the effects of pharmacological treatments. The main imaging techniques to explore subcellular […]
Beyond Xylella, Integrated Management Strategies for Mitigating Xylella fastidiosa impact in Europe (BeXyl)
In line with the conceptual approach of the new EU Plant Health Law, BeXyl has been conceived to strengthen the two pillars of plant protection: i) prevention and ii) control strategies for the priority quarantine pathogen Xylella fastidiosa (Xf). The workplan is designed to:assess the risk of new Xf outbreaks in the EU under changing […]
Miniaturized LIDAR for Mars atmospheric research
Studying the climate on Mars has been a topic for scientific curiosity since long time already. As on Earth, the composition of the Martian atmosphere is a key factor for understanding the climate, which is of vital importance to enable future human exploration of the red planet. The use of Atmospheric LIDAR to characterize densities […]
Twistoptics: Manipulating Light-Matter Interactions at the Nanoscale with Twisted van der Waals Materials
Twistronics is an emerging field exploiting the stacking and twisting of different 2D materials to change their electrical properties. The ambitious European Research Council-funded TWISTOPTICS project will break new ground in the field of ‘twistoptics’, which harnesses stacks of twisted layers of van der Waals materials. These materials have exotic properties including strong in-plane anisotropy […]
Beyond Xylella, Integrated Management Strategies for Mitigating Xylella fastidiosa impact in Europe (BeXyl)
Summary BeXyl is an EU-funded research project involving more than 40 scientific institutions, NGOs, companies, governmental agencies, and farmers’ and nurseries associations worldwide that is designed to improve the management of diseases caused by the quarantine plant bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. The aim of BeXyl is to promote a multidisciplinary approach and innovative solutions to go […]