Objective
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), a key technology for micro-destructive sample analysis in industry and academia, is fundamentally limited by small sample chambers (typically 10 cm). This restriction forces the destructive cutting of valuable samples and significantly impedes high-throughput analysis. For decades, commercial manufacturers regarded this sample size limitation as a fundamental technological barrier: large sample volumes challenge fast aerosol transfer and economical gas consumption and thus represented an inherent, high technical risk that deterred investment. In an ongoing ERC CoG project we have recently overcome this limitation and developed the world’s first prototype of a cryogenic large sample chamber with performance comparable to commercial small cells.
The ERC PoC BEAST now focuses on the market and commercialization risks. We will optimize for economical routine use with alternative carrier gases, and integrate comprehensive market analyses to define final product specifications. With a prototype we will establish a demonstration laboratory to foster market acceptance and as a platform for future contract work. Ultimately, we will develop a robust exploitation strategy for bringing this innovation to the market, with the support of our industrial partner Teledyne.
BEAST has the potential to transform global LA-ICP-MS use across academia and industry with high gain both for economy and society: Economically, the BEAST large cell technology enables an up to 100-fold increase in throughput, resulting in massive time, energy and cost savings. Socially, BEAST enables the fast, non-destructive analysis of large, invaluable samples, such paintings, stalagmites and ice cores. With this, BEAST accelerates experimental research, contributes to cultural heritage preservation, and promotes the modernization of energy-intensive industries towards greater efficiency and sustainability.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- humanities arts visual arts
- natural sciences chemical sciences analytical chemistry mass spectrometry
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology cells technologies
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
27570 Bremerhaven
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.