iL-CURRENT
February 20, 2024
An inspiring workshop
The second iL workshop in the field of life science technologies brought together 30 participants. For six hours, the participants discussed, networked and listened to three exciting keynote speeches on the topic of "Nano and microsystems technology for the life sciences" on the premises of "1,000 Satellites". "We received great feedback on the workshop," says authorized signatory Dr Tanja Benedict, who was in charge of organizing the event together with Platform Manager Maren Heusser.
Colorful mix of participants from science and business
An illustrious group was welcomed to the coworking spaces of "1,000 Satellites". Renowned representatives from Heidelberg University, DKFZ Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Freiburg University Hospital, University of Stuttgart, University of Münster, Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft für angewandte Forschung, protagonists from industry and the start-up scene (VERAXA Biotech GmbH, faCellitate GmbH, temicon GmbH, Actome GmbH, B9Creations) as well as a board member of the student initiative StadtLabor Heidelberg engaged in a lively exchange of ideas about opportunities for bilateral and multilateral, interdisciplinary collaboration.
In particular, the two divided groups "3D Biology" (led by Dr. Aldo Leal-Egaña/IMSEAM, moderated by Dr. Jean-Nicolas Tisserant) and "Liquid Biopsy" (led by Dr. Michael Hirtz/KIT, moderated by Dr. Tanja Benedict) aimed to identify topics and problems, solutions and common goals for the future. In the constructive and critical discussion rounds, concrete case studies and many a change of perspective helped to clarify the issues and improve mutual understanding of the specific content. Especially in the life sciences and medicine, there is still a fine line to walk between complexity and simplicity, between innovation-oriented research and market-relevant customer needs.
Orchestration of ideas and applications
The legitimate questions about ideas, methodology and technology approaches, scaling, patent rights, prototypes, engineering of projects and products as well as funding and financial support illustrate that it can only work with an orchestration of the individual elements, professional cluster management and constant interaction and communication between scientific excellence and business know-how.
The results presentations reflected the fact that microsystems technology and life sciences can be brought together by forming consortia and pooling expertise. Tanja Benedict spoke about the "treasure trove of samples" that needs to be raised with the help of precise technologies and processed data in medicine. Jean-Nicolas Tisserant said on behalf of "his" group: "The key is networking. Bring your problems to InnovationLab, partners will help you solve them." "Next door" experts, systems and laboratories are available...
Here the "3D Biology" group: Moderator Dr. Jean-Nicolas Tisserant from iL led the lively discussion. Picture: InnovationLab
Dr. Aldo Leal-Egaña: What is still missing?
A total of three "lightning talks" had previously attracted attention. Dr. Aldo Leal-Egaña from the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM) at the University of Heidelberg called his impulse "From bench-to-bedside: Which pieces are we still missing". His research focuses on developing new methods in the field of non-invasive prognostic tests for cancer. He uses living cells and works with artificial tumors. The problem? Time, resources, bureaucracy and suitable partners. And money, of course. These are complex requirements in science.
Professor Irina Nazarenko, who was called to a meeting of the EU Commission at short notice, was replaced by her colleague Dr. Stanka Matic from the Freiburg University Medical Center. Matic spoke about "Liquid biopsy as an innovative diagnostic tool" and gave the workshop participants an overview of liquid biopsy in oncology, its application in daily clinical practice, the pros and cons of circulating tumor cells and extracellular vesicles. Stanka Matic has been with the Institute for Infection Prevention and Control for nine months. And yes, you could sense that the Serbian-born scientist can also rely on her extensive industrial experience.
Exchange of ideas in the "Liquid Biopsy" group: Dr. Michael Hirtz from KIT led this round together with Dr. Tanja Benedict. Picture: InnovationLab
Cooperation in nanomedicine
Last but not least, Dr. Kristina Riehemann from CeNTech (Center for Nano Technology) at the University of Münster's Institute of Physics demonstrated that she has been able to build on a wide range of collaborations with clinics and universities other than her own for some time now. "Aspects of Nanomedicine" was the title of Riehemann's lecture. She reported on the importance of the human immune system, how nanoparticles can be identified and how non-invasive applications can ultimately contribute to the success story of medical diagnostics and therapy by means of a detailed set-up. Riehemann explicitly referred to a cooperation with Michael Hirtz from KIT. The focus here is on the isolation and immunology of macrophages.
Inspiring collaboration
The InnovationLab GmbH team would like to expressly thank the three speakers and all participants. The iL management hopes that the inspiring collaboration can be deepened in the aftermath and that new partnerships and consortia in the life sciences can be formed in the near future.
This much is certain: a third workshop on the subject of life science technologies is both an obligation and a must for iL - in its role as bridge builder.
Joachim Klaehn
Head of Communications
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