Pitches & Start-ups

Jordi Mill (UPF) Pitches: VIDAA Abstract: VIDAA is a 3D web-based platform that supports doctors to make better decisions during a clinical procedure called left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), important for treating atrial fibrillation, and avoiding stroke. The LAAO is a procedure that helps to prevent these complications by closing off a small part of the heart (the left atrial appendage) where blood can pool and form clots. However, LAAO procedures are complex because every patient’s heart is different. Doctors need to choose the best device for each patient and […]

The journey from academia to entrepreneurship

Júlia Rodríguez-Comas (Sycai Medical) The journey from academia to entrepreneurship Abstract: Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship is a journey filled with complexity and emotion, regardless of one’s career stage or destination. In 2020, I embarked on this transition, concluding an academic trajectory that began with my doctoral studies in 2014. This journey led to the founding of Sycai Medical, a pioneering startup dedicated to advancing the detection and classification of pre-cancerous lesions in the upper abdominal organs through innovative radiological imaging technology. Starting with just three co-founders, Sycai Medical has evolved […]

 Mechanical Plasticity in Extracellular Matrices. Does it matter? 

Andrea Malandrino  Mechanical Plasticity in Extracellular Matrices. Does it matter?  Abstract: In this talk I will focus on the mechanics and dynamics of extracellular matrix-like materials, such as soft hydrogels, when subjected to cellular forces. In particular, the talk will focus on the cell-dependent remodelling of fibrous biopolymers, such as fibrin and collagen, and the connection to classical mechanical theories, such as viscoplasticity. I will present a range of experimental in vitro systems (microfluidic cultures, microtissues, single cells) and modelling techniques (discrete and continuum) based on high resolution imaging data […]

Recent Advances in Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) Models of Osteoporosis – Pathways to optimise and exploit existing drug treatments

Javier Reina Recent Advances in Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) Models of Osteoporosis – Pathways to optimise and exploit existing drug treatments Abstract: Osteoporosis (OP) is a chronic bone disease which is characterised by bone mass loss and changes in the bone matrix properties which can ultimately lead to bone fracture. There are various forms of OP, which can be related to aging, menopause or the consumption of certain drugs (e.g., corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, etc.). With the increase of the elderly population, age-related OP in particular poses a serious health issue which puts […]

Marie Sklodowska Curie actions

The European innovative training networks (ITN) aim to train a new generation of researchers in their early stages who are creative, enterprising and innovative, capable of dealing with the challenges of the future and turn knowledge and ideas into products and services with an economic and a social benefit. ITN programmes within the framework of the European Commission’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions support joint competitive programmes for training in research or joint doctorates. These programmes will be implemented by partnerships of universities, research centres, businesses, SMEs and other stakeholders in Europe and the rest of the world.