The joint ICMS-IBEC-MPIP symposium took place today, 24 March. The event was jointly organised by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPIP). During the day, researchers from the three centres presented their areas of research, with the aim of strengthening the scientific relations between the institutions.
Today, 24 March, the joint ICMS-IBEC-MPIP symposium took place on the campus of Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. The event was jointly organised by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the Institute of Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPIP).
This initiative reflects a partnership between IBEC and ICMS that has existed for more than 5 years, and which this year also includes MPIP. This alliance aims to promote research and academic collaboration between the three centres through the exchange of knowledge and infrastructure and the development of joint scientific projects.
During the day, researchers from the three institutions presented their latest advances in bioengineering, supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology. From IBEC, Cesar Rodriguez-Emmenegger presented his work on the development of synthetic phagocytic cells capable of fighting bacteria, while Giuseppe Battaglia presented his research on nanomedicines based on Krebs cycle intermediates for new immune therapies. Samuel Sánchez discussed the potential of active nanoparticles to cross biological barriers and Irene Marco-Rius explored the applications of molecular imaging in tissue engineering.
The symposium also featured other keynote speakers such as Jan van Hest (ICMS), who opened and welcomed the event; Tania Patiño Padial (ICMS), who presented advances in molecular nanorobots with programmable motility and cellular interactions; Giulia Lavarda (MPIP), who spoke about photoactive supramolecular polymers and their structural challenges; and Luc Brunsveld (ICMS), who addressed the use of chemical biology and automation in drug design for biomolecular condensates. The keynote lecture was given by Jasper Michels (MPIP), who offered a minimalist perspective on biopolymer behaviour and ageing.
The symposium showcased cutting-edge research and reaffirmed the commitment of these three institutions to interdisciplinary collaboration. The day concluded with a space for networking and exploring future collaborative research opportunities in a relaxed atmosphere of sharing ideas.
