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From 6 to 10 July 2026, the ECLectic consortium gathered in Wageningen, the Netherlands, for Network Event 5, hosted by imec Netherlands and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) at the OnePlanet Research Center in Wageningen. OnePlanet is a multidisciplinary innovation centre where WUR and imec collaborate with academic and industrial partners to develop cutting-edge sensor, chip and digital technologies for applications in health, agriculture, food and the environment.

From Communication to Exploitation: building the path towards innovation

As ECLectic enters its second half, the programme deliberately broadened its perspective from communicating research results to understanding how these results can generate long-term value.

Building upon the dissemination and communication activities developed during the first part of the Doctoral Network, the participants took a further step towards research exploitation through dedicated sessions on innovation and entrepreneurship. The programme introduced the roadmap towards Deliverable 6.3 – Virtual Company, while an inspiring keynote by Daisylea de Souza Paiva explored how cutting-edge scientific discoveries can successfully evolve into market-ready products.

This entrepreneurial perspective was further enriched by two testimonials from researchers who transformed their academic work into successful start-ups. Carina Nieuwenweg (Novya Biotech) and Lutger Rutten (Sixth Sense Diagnostics) shared their personal experiences of building companies from research developed within the Wageningen innovation ecosystem, offering the Doctoral Candidates first-hand insights into technology transfer, entrepreneurship and the challenges of translating scientific knowledge into real-world healthcare solutions.

Finally, during the Virtual Company Workshop, organised together with the University of Bologna Knowledge Transfer Office, participants further developed the concepts introduced during previous network events, learning how to identify valuable valuable project foreground and knowledge assets, assess exploitation opportunities and think strategically about the scientific knowledge they are generating—not only within the scope of ECLectic itself, but also in terms of its broader societal and industrial potential.

Training at the intersection of science and technology

The scientific programme extended well beyond a traditional lecture series. Thanks to the commitment of Dr Klaus Mathwig (imec Netherlands), supervisor of Doctoral Candidate 6, and Dr Vittorio Saggiomo (Wageningen University & Research), co-supervisor of the same Doctoral Candidate, participants took part in an advanced scientific programme on microfluidics and a hands-on workshop hosted in Dr Saggiomo’s laboratory, where they had the opportunity to translate theoretical concepts into practical experience. The ECLectic consortium would like to sincerely thank both organisers for their dedication in designing and delivering an outstanding scientific programme and for successfully hosting Network Event 5.

The Microfluidics School brought together experts from OnePlanet Research Center, Wageningen University & Research, imec and the University of Groningen, covering topics ranging from organ-on-a-chip technologies and ingestible devices to optical cell sorting, unconventional microfluidics and point-of-care biosensing. The programme concluded with a poster session that encouraged scientific discussion among researchers and guest participants.

Reviewing progress and preparing the next phase of the project

Beyond the training activities, NE5 represented an important strategic milestone for the consortium. Extensive dedicated sessions were organised around every scientific Work Package, allowing each Doctoral Candidate to present the progress achieved so far while discussing how research activities, deliverables and upcoming secondments should be aligned during the second half of the project.

Complementing these discussions, each Doctoral Candidate participated in an individual one-to-one meeting with the project management team. These conversations revisited their Career Development Plans, assessed scientific progress, discussed publication strategies and future career aspirations, and helped optimise the international secondments that will begin in autumn to maximise both individual growth and collaboration across the consortium.

Beyond the scientific programme, NE5 also reinforced one of the core values of the ECLectic Doctoral Network: building a collaborative research community. Informal networking moments—including social evenings spent together watching the FIFA World Cup and an afternoon cycling through the beautiful Hoge Veluwe National Park—provided valuable opportunities for Doctoral Candidates and supervisors to strengthen professional relationships in a relaxed setting. These shared experiences continue to foster the trust, collaboration and interdisciplinary spirit that underpin the success of the network.

📸 Want to relive the highlights of Network Event 5? Check out the photo gallery and behind-the-scenes moments on ECLectic’s social media channels:

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/eclectic_msca_dn/
• LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclectic-msca-doctoral-network/
• X → https://x.com/eclectic_msca_dn

From 6 to 10 July 2026, the ECLectic consortium will come together in Wageningen, The Netherlands, for Network Event 5, hosted by Imec-Netherlands and Wageningen University. The event will bring together Doctoral Candidates and supervisors for a week of advanced training, knowledge exchange, and collaborative activities.

Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the ECLectic Doctoral Network, the scientific programme will focus on microfluidics, a key technology for the development of innovative biosensing and diagnostic solutions. Through dedicated workshops and hands-on training sessions, participants will deepen their understanding of microfluidic systems and their integration into next-generation analytical platforms.

In addition to the technical programme, the event will continue the consortium’s training activities on exploitation and innovation. Dedicated sessions will explore the pathway from research outcomes to societal and economic impact, providing Doctoral Candidates with practical insights into how scientific results can be translated into exploitable innovations, intellectual property, and potential market applications.

Network Event 5 will also offer valuable opportunities for interaction among researchers and partners from across the consortium, fostering collaboration, strengthening professional networks, and encouraging interdisciplinary exchange.

The event represents another important milestone in the ECLectic training programme, supporting the development of a new generation of researchers equipped with both scientific excellence and innovation-oriented skills.

Photo copyright: António Valente.

From 20 to 22 October 2025, the ECLectic consortium gathered at Dublin City University (DCU) for its fourth Network Event, a three-day meeting that combined scientific updates, biosensor innovation and advanced training. Hosted at the Life Sciences Research Facility on the Glasnevin Campus, NE4 represented an important milestone in consolidating project progress and strengthening the interdisciplinary training framework of the MSCA-DN.

The event opened with the project meeting, during which the ten Doctoral Candidates (DCs) presented the advancement of their research activities. Under the guidance of WP leaders, DCs illustrated their latest scientific results and discussed how ongoing secondments, upcoming deliverables, and future tasks align within the overall project timeline. The lively poster session at the end of Day 1 further encouraged exchange among supervisors and DCs.

The programme also included an impactful set of expert lectures offering DCs an overview of current trends in biosensing, infection diagnostics, gene-editing technologies and antibody engineering. Through these talks, ECLectic junior researchers strengthened their scientific background while gaining exposure to clinical translation pathways, industrial perspectives and innovation strategies, all core aspects of ECLectic’s interdisciplinary training model. As the project moves forward, training increasingly focuses on transversal skills such as intellectual property management, patent strategies, and the steps required to transform a scientific idea into a functional biosensor or diagnostic device.

As with previous network events, NE4 offered important opportunities for informal exchange as well. These shared moments help reinforce the collaborative spirit of the network and the supportive environment central to MSCA training principles.

The final day included a guided tour of DCU’s Core Technologies and Life Sciences facilities, allowing participants to explore advanced infrastructures relevant to the project’s scientific activities.
The meeting concluded with a collective discussion on the next steps for the consortium, including coordination aspects related to training activities, dissemination and communication, and the upcoming phases of the project.

NE4 successfully combined scientific discussion, training, and community building. With this solid progress, the consortium now moves forward with the next research milestones and deliverables and upcoming secondments, continuing its path toward developing innovative ECL-based biosensing solutions for early sepsis diagnosis.

 Watch what happened during the event on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/eclectic_mscadn/

After the summer break and the start of the new academic year, the ECLectic consortium is ready for its fourth Network Event, which will take place at Dublin City University (DCU), Ireland, from 20 to 22 October 2025.

The event will gather all Doctoral Candidates (DCs) and Principal Investigators (PIs) to discuss the progress of each individual research project and the overall advancement of the ECLectic Doctoral Network.

The training session will focus on electrochemical methods and biosensors, with a particular emphasis on biomedical and bioanalytical applications. This theme aims to further strengthen the interdisciplinary nature of the training programme, bridging chemistry, biology, and materials science.

Hosted by the Department of Chemical Sciences at DCU, Network Event 4 will combine scientific discussions and hands-on training sessions with networking and community-building activities.

In addition to its scientific content, the meeting will offer opportunities to exchange experiences, share best practices, and foster collaboration across institutions and sectors. Several DCs are currently engaged in their international and intersectoral secondments, making this event an ideal occasion to discuss logistical aspects, scientific outcomes, and interdisciplinary synergies emerging from these mobility periods.

Follow all updates on ECLectic social networks:

X: https://x.com/ECLectic_MSCADN

IG: https://www.instagram.com/eclectic_mscadn/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eclectic-msca-dn-83b529300/

From June 9 to 13, the Doctoral Candidates of the ECLectic project participated in the third Network Training Event, joining the 10th edition of the Ciamician Photochemistry School hosted by the Department of Chemistry of Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna. Held in the Navile District, this week-long event offered a deep dive into the fundamentals and frontiers of photochemistry and electrochemiluminescence (ECL), with lectures by leading international experts and vibrant scientific discussions.

Throughout the week, the DCs also had the opportunity to meet in person, strengthening their network and sharing updates on their respective projects. The training was enriched by guided visits to the laboratories of Prof. Giovanni Valenti and other research groups across the Departments of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry at UniBo, offering valuable insights into the infrastructure and expertise supporting the ECLectic project.

Beyond the scientific program, the DCs also had the chance to explore the city of Bologna and discover the rich history of Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world. The visit offered an inspiring context to reflect on the tradition of academic excellence that continues to shape the future of European research.

In addition, the DCs dedicated time to reviewing the progress of their individual research activities, identifying key actions to support their peers and ensure the smooth advancement of the project as a whole. These discussions laid the groundwork for the upcoming Network Meeting 3, which will take place online on June 24. On that occasion, DCs and PIs will take a closer look at the status of each Work Package and align next steps for the overall project workflow.

Lastly, with the first secondments scheduled to begin after the summer, the event was also a chance to discuss the lab work and preparations needed before departure, ensuring a productive and coordinated secondment phase.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow the journey of the ECLectic Doctoral Candidates across Europe and beyond.

 The full workshop programme is available here: https://eventi.unibo.it/ciamician-photochemistry-school/program

Watch what happened during the event on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/eclectic_mscadn/

The third Network Training Event of the ECLectic Doctoral Network is just around the corner: from Monday, June 9th to Friday, June 13th, the Doctoral Candidates of the ECLectic International Doctoral Network will be attending the X edition of the Ciamician Photochemistry School, focusing on Photochemistry and ECL. The event will be hosted by the Department of Chemistry of Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, in the new Navile District.

The Ciamician Photochemistry School brings together leading experts in photochemistry, offering a week-long program of lectures and discussions covering fundamental principles and cutting-edge developments in the field. Topics will include excited states and photochemical reactivity, supramolecular photochemistry, artificial photosynthesis, and advanced spectroscopic techniques. Particular attention will be given to Electrochemiluminescence (ECL), directly linking the program to the research and training goals of the ECLectic project.

In addition to the scientific content, the event provides a unique opportunity for ECLectic Doctoral Candidates to engage with an international community of researchers, meet their peers, broaden their scientific horizons, and strengthen their interdisciplinary training in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

You can follow all updates on our social networks!

X: https://x.com/ECLectic_MSCADN

IG: https://www.instagram.com/eclectic_mscadn/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eclectic-msca-dn-83b529300/

The second ECLectic Network Meeting & Training Event has just wrapped up, hosted by the Fundacion BCMaterials in the Leioa campus of the Universidad del País Vasco, right outside Bilbao, Spain. It was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the network, share research progress, and provide valuable training for our Doctoral Candidates.

Over the course of four days, participants engaged in a blend of technical and soft skills training, scientific sessions, and networking activities that fostered collaboration across disciplines and institutions.

During Day 1 and Day 2 (April 1st and 2nd), the event was reserved for members of the ECLectic consortium. On the first day, the Doctoral Candidates took part in a series of seminars focused on creating written and visual content for effective scientific presentations and publications. The use of Artificial Intelligence was also investigated in this context, as speakers of some of the major publishing houses in the chemistry field were asked what the situation is at the moment and how to navigate it without abusing the use of this new technology. The day continued with an interactive session on communicating research to diverse audiences — from scientific peers to the general public. Participants explored various strategies for producing engaging social media content and enhancing their science outreach skills.

Day 2 was a busy day full of activities, as we both held our mid-term meeting, discussing the implementation of the project with the Project Officer from the European Research Executive Agency. Divided by work packages and guided by WP group leaders, DCs then presented updates on their individual projects, sparking insightful discussions on which technical solutions to pursue to advance in the project as a network.

Days 3 & 4 of the event (April 3rd and 4th) were dedicated to a Workshop on ECL, open to participants outside the ECLectic network. The workshop featured invited speakers from both academia and industry, creating a dynamic space for sharing insights, presenting recent breakthroughs, and engaging in hands-on training. It was a unique opportunity to deepen technical knowledge, foster collaboration, and connect with the broader ECL research community. During the poster session, junior researchers had the chance to exchange ideas with senior researchers and industry professionals, also gaining perspective on potential paths after the PhD.

🔗 The full workshop programme is available here: https://eclectic-dn.eu/workshop/

📷 Watch what happened during our 4 day event on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/eclectic_mscadn/

The second Network Meeting and Training Event of the ECLectic Doctoral Network is approaching, and preparations are in full swing. This time, the event will be hosted by Fundacion BCMaterials – Basque Centre for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, and will take place in Leioa, Bilbao (Spain) from 1 to 4 April 2025.

This 4-day gathering is a key moment in the project’s calendar and is structured around three main sessions:

Day 1 – Communication & Dissemination Training
The event will begin with a dedicated session on communication and dissemination for our Doctoral Candidates. These skills are a fundamental part of the ECLectic training programme, as the ability to effectively communicate research and its impact to different audiences is crucial for a successful scientific career.

Day 2 – Mid-Term Meeting
The second day will be dedicated to the project’s Mid-Term Meeting. This will be an opportunity for the consortium to come together and review the progress of each Doctoral Candidate in relation to the scientific and training objectives of the project. It will also foster collaboration and alignment across all partners involved.

Days 3 & 4 – Workshop on ECL
The final two days will feature a workshop focused on Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence (ECL). Open to both ECLectic participants and external researchers, this workshop aims to bring together leading experts and early-career researchers to exchange knowledge, explore the latest advancements in ECL, and take part in hands-on training sessions. It promises to be a valuable occasion for networking and learning within this dynamic field of research.
The program of the workshop on ECL can be found here: https://eclectic-dn.eu/workshop/
Registration is still open: https://eclectic-dn.eu/workshop/registration/

We look forward to welcoming our DCs, partners, and the broader scientific community to this exciting event in Bilbao.

Stay tuned for more updates!

We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the first Training Event on Sepsis and ECLectic Doctoral Network Meeting, held in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, from November 18 to 20, 2024.

Hosted by UniKlinik Freiburg, the event brought together experts, researchers, and academic partners from across Europe. You can find the detailed program of talks and sessions here: Agenda EClectic Network Event 1 Freiburg

Over the course of the first two days, participants delved into advanced diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for sepsis and early sepsis detection, marking a significant step in training an intersectoral and interdisciplinary team of researchers focused on next-generation point-of-care devices.

Participants also had the unique opportunity to visit the emergency, in-patient, and intensive care units of UniKlinik Freiburg. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into how medical emergencies, sepsis diagnosis, and related procedures are managed, as well as the critical needs to face in developing effective point-of-care devices.

During Network Meeting, time was dedicated to the scientific discussion of the project and the presentation of the doctoral research program of the 10 selected doctoral candidates. Moreover, the event wasn’t just about knowledge-sharing; it also provided ample opportunities for networking and team-building. From inspiring speeches to collaborative activities, participants strengthened their connections and laid the foundation for a cohesive group of junior and senior researchers.

We’ve compiled a gallery capturing some of the event’s best moments, including highlights from the speeches and team-building activities. Take a look at the photos here.

The first Network Meeting and Training Event of the ECLectic Doctoral Network will be taking place in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, a week from now, from 18 to 20 November 2024.

Hosted by the University of Freiburg and specifically by UniKlink Freiburg, the first Network Training Event will bring together experts, researchers, and academic partners from across Europe to explore advanced diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for early sepsis detection. In the light of training a group of intersectoral and interdisciplinary researchers investigating the development of the next generation of point-of-care devices for early sepsis diagnosis, this is a crucial appointment to understand the clinical challenge and the state-of-the-art industry situation.

The first day of the conference will feature presentations on the clinical syndromes and diagnostics of sepsis. Highlights include state-of-the-art discussions on pathogen detection, biomarkers, and innovative diagnostic approaches. Day two will focus on therapeutic management, with presentations from key figures in sepsis research.

The final day will be dedicated to the first project Network Meeting, with the presentation of all project work packages and beneficiaries and the introduction of the consortium’s selected ten doctoral candidates.