BBMRI-ERIC continues marking 10-year anniversary by supporting young scientists

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“I am fascinated by the rich interplay between different disciplines: mathematics, physics, engineering and medicine, and by the very direct connection between mathematical research and saving human lives.” (Mats Persson, young scientist)

Marking a decade of BBMRI-ERIC operation is a moment to reflect on successfully supporting the biobanking and biomolecular resources community. Equally, it is an opportunity to invite young scientists to utilise biobanking and biomolecular resources for future ground-breaking research. Part of this is shining a light on future health research excellence through enabling emerging scientists to attend the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.

For a young scientist, attending the Lindau meeting is a once in a lifetime opportunity and can catalyse their research prospects and connections. The #LINO24 meeting takes place from 30 June to 5 July when the Bavarian lake island, Lindau at the Bodensee, welcomes 600 young scientists from all over the world.

BBMRI-ERIC has chosen to sponsor two scientists from its member states where their physics focus intersects with medical innovation.

Prof. Jens K. Habermann, BBMRI-ERIC Director General, explained why this is a priority:

“BBMRI-ERIC, together with our National Nodes and Biobanks, has a history of encouraging young scientists to engage with biobanking, whether it has been via specific onsite visits or Long Night of Sciences events.

“Supporting these two young scientists, who already demonstrate excellent track records, is an extension of our ethos that biobanks are vital partners for researchers. We are delighted to enable them to benefit from this 73rd Nobel Laureate Meeting to the fullest.”

Introducing the future of health research

BBMRI-ERIC is delighted to introduce the two supported young scientists who come from members states and share research interests of relevance to our community. Quotes come from their applications – acceptance to the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings follows institution nomination and a stringent application process.

Mats Persson, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden

Mats develops new medical imaging technology, in particular photon-counting x-ray computed tomography, which promises higher resolution, mapping of atomic composition, and potentially phase-contrast imaging. He works with new hardware, simulations and deep-learning data processing to accomplish this goal.

Currently, Mats’ focus is on the development of new medical x-ray imaging technology, in particular computed tomography with photon-counting detectors. He works on this whilst being assistant professor at the Physics of Medical Imaging division, Department of Physics at KTH.

Mats said that he is:

“Fascinated by the field of physics of biomedical imaging because of the rich interplay between different disciplines that is needed to work in this field: mathematics, physics, engineering and medicine, and by the very direct connection between mathematical research and saving human lives.”

Explore Mats’ publications on the university page.

Julian Bonello, University of Malta

Julian is currently Scientific Officer for the Physics department at the University of Malta where he is working on the application of physics behind medical devices.

He was awarded his PhD in Physics in 2020 and you can read a paper related to that entitled: ‘Application of Artificial Neural Networks for Accurate Determination of the Complex Permittivity of Biological Tissue’

Julian is motivated to:

“Making the patient’s life better through the development of novel devices which make use of physics principles. Most of my experience to date is with microwave ablation and hyperthermia. I also like spreading the work being done with younger generations.”

About the meeting

The 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting is dedicated to Physics. Young scientists will have the opportunity, alongside 37 Nobel Laureates, to engage in topics such as the future of artificial intelligence and in situ structures, single molecules and SARS-CoV-2 and physics for underlying the chemistry of medical biology. The significant contribution to research from these topics would not have been possible without donated samples, and their associated rich data, that biobanks curate.

Follow the meeting

The full programme for the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting is now available and includes all the Laureate’s profiles. Follow the meeting via social media using #LINO24 from 14:30 CEST on 30th June.