DTU Nanotech was the host of the international PhD Summer School on ‘Micro- and Nano Sensors’ 17-28th of August 2015.
Several PhD students from DTU Nanotech participated, as well as students from other departments at DTU, students from other Danish universities such as Aarhus and of course several international students from Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal and Turkey. This resulted in a great international atmosphere and a diverse group of skilled students with many different backgrounds – all sharing an interest in micro- and nano sensors!
The summer school consisted of lectures by DTU Nanotech experts and invited guest speakers, laboratory group work and finally the delivery of a written report and oral presentation summarising the group work during the 2 weeks. The lectures were focused on different aspects of micro- and nano sensor technology, but also presented the research, industry and start-up perspective on the topic.
The summer school started with an exciting talk by Professor Anthony Turner from Linköping University. Professor Turner is world-famous within the field for developing the first portable glucose sensor. He shared very interesting insights in the process of developing such an important device and his view on biosensors in general.
The first day was concluded with 30 second ‘shot gun’ presentations from all students – this gave a good overview of the different projects and fields of study represented. After the intense pitch session the students enjoyed a pizza party!
Professor Anja Boisen, Associate professorNoemi Rozlosnik, and Associate Professor Maria Dimaki are in charge of the summer school and the three DTU Nanotech faculty members also gave the main lectures within the field of micro- and nanosensors, including technologies such as biosensors, cantilevers, nanopillars, microfluidics and polymer technology.
Thomas Hansen from the Danish medico-company, Radiometer, gave the industry perspective on biosensors. This was a very exciting supplement to the research lectures and a good insight into a large high-tech corporation.
Furthermore, Noemi Rozlosnik, Gustav Skands and Robert Burger gave the entrepreneurial perspective on micro- and nano sensor technology representing the DTU Nanotech spin-out companies FluSense, SBT Aqua and BluSense Diagnostics, respectively.
The summer school also took the students on several social activities; Friday in week 1 ended with a scenic boat trip around Copenhagen followed by a nice dinner in Tivoli. As a bonus experience, the Danish singer-songwriter Tina Dickow gave a concert in Tivoli that evening!
And on the very last day of the summer school, the successful delivery of reports and presentations was celebrated by a – fortunately sunny - barbecue séance at DTU Nanotech.
You can read more about the Micro- and Nano Sensor summer school here.