Romanian microsensors for biomedicine
The NIRDTP is pushing back the frontiers of knowledge in nanoscience and microsystems with the help of EU funding. The project NANOSENS(opens in new window) (Upgrading the capacity of NIRDTP to develop sensing applications for biomedicine using magnetic nanomaterials and nanostructured materials) involved collaboration with five specialist organisations to increase the expertise of its personnel. NIRDTP raised its human potential by hiring 7 experienced international researchers and15 twinning visits within the first 18 months quickly brought them all up to speed on their selected topics. The team also conducted joint international project proposals and undertook a thorough market analysis for planned equipment purchases. Intellectual property (IP) rights and laws were an important part of the project; hence an intellectual property and innovation (IPI) manager was recruited who drafted NIRDTP’s IPI Policy. An IP workshop including experts from the Romanian State Office for Inventions and Trademarks was organised to explain current best practices in IP management and capacity building, including how to submit an invention disclosure form. The project spread the word about the increases in capacities for research with a focus on industrial partnerships. It also raised the visibility and level of research conducted at NIRDTP both the European level and internationally. This will attract back to the country world-class Romanian scientists currently working abroad. In addition to participation at conferences and other events, NANOSENS was featured as the cover story in the Romanian magazine Market Watch about the consolidation of the role of NIRDTP in the European Research Area (ERA). NANOSENS plans to build its research capacity and scientific visibility to attract both Romanian expatriates and local industries for partnerships. Overall, the project will help the local and regional economy and contribute to the ERA in microsensors based on magnetic nanomaterials for biomedical applications.