I recently participated in the Design, Fabrication, and Measurement Workshop 2024 in Bormio (Italy), where I had the opportunity to present the groundbreaking work of my Marie Curie Fellowship project, EDISENS. The workshop, renowned for bringing together researchers and professionals at the forefront of technological innovation, provided the perfect platform to showcase advancements in edible electronics.

During my presentation, I introduced the audience to EDISENS, a project focused on the development of edible biosensors—devices designed to be both functional and fully biocompatible. These sensors, built from naturally derived and sustainable materials, hold enormous potential for non-invasive health monitoring and diagnostics. I shared insights into the fabrication processes, material choices, and applications of these biosensors, emphasizing their ability to combine sustainability with cutting-edge technology.

The presentation sparked meaningful discussions and new ideas, as participants explored the interdisciplinary challenges and opportunities that come with developing edible electronics. My work highlighted not only the scientific innovation behind EDISENS but also its potential to revolutionize healthcare technologies by offering eco-friendly, ingestible solutions for monitoring human health.

My contribution at the DFM Workshop was met with enthusiasm, underlining the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in pushing the boundaries of science and engineering. EDISENS continues to pave the way for a future where electronics can seamlessly integrate with the human body, offering both safety and sustainability.

For anyone interested in learning more about EDISENS and the evolving field of edible electronics, I welcome opportunities for collaboration and discussion as the project progresses.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the IEEE SENSORS 2024 conference in Kobe, Japan. This conference is one of the most prominent events in the field, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world to explore the latest developments in sensor technology. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to share insights, present my work, and engage in inspiring conversations with experts in the field.

The IEEE SENSORS program was packed with a range of sessions covering everything from bio-inspired sensing systems to AI-driven sensor data analytics. I attended several sessions that provided fresh perspectives, particularly on the application of sensors in sustainable technologies—an area closely related to my own work. The level of innovation and creativity on display was truly inspiring.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to meet fellow researchers. Through both formal sessions and informal meet-ups, I connected with professionals whose work resonates with my research interests, especially in edible electronics. These conversations sparked ideas and potential collaborations that could greatly enrich our understanding and applications of sensor technology.

I was also able to disseminate my project, EDISENS, which explores the interface of electronics and edible materials. This unique project combines my passion for sustainable solutions with cutting-edge technology. Sharing these ideas at IEEE SENSORS enabled me to receive valuable feedback and foster interest in this emerging area, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in sensor research.

I was honored to deliver an invited talk at the IEEE IFETC 2024 conference in Bologna, Italy, where I had the opportunity to share the initial findings from EDISENS. The conference, known for its cutting-edge discussions on emerging technologies, provided the perfect platform to introduce our work, which focuses on gastric enzyme sensing.

Our early results are promising. The data demonstrate an innovative method to perform enzymatic assays using edible mediators. I’m particularly excited about the system’s ability to quantify hydrogen peroxide for biosensing of the gastrointestinal tract. Moving forward, my focus will be on expanding the deployment of EDISENS to develop a complete system. I’m also exploring partnerships and collaborations to extend the impact of this research into real-world applications.

IEEE IFETC 2024 was a fantastic platform to share our progress with the community and receive invaluable feedback from peers and experts in the field. I’m eager to continue building on these initial findings and look forward to further discussions on how EDISENS can contribute to the future of society.

Stay tuned for more updates as we advance this exciting project!

This glimpse into the ongoing work behind EDISENS reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of our team to shape the future of sensor technology.

#IEEEIFETC2024 #Edisens #AI #SensingSystems #EmergingTech

EDISENS is starting off brilliantly, with the 4th paper co-funded by the project now out. Access all the paper funded and co-funded by this MSCA action and learn more about the project! 

The journey to securing a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship (PF) is both challenging and rewarding. Drawing from my personal experience, I recently delivered a webinar to share practical tips and insights on preparing a successful application. Here’s a recap of the key points discussed, along with some personal anecdotes to guide you through the process. Below you can find the link to watch the recorded free webinar. 

Webinar Highlights: Key Steps in Preparing a Winning Application

1. Crafting a Compelling Proposal: One of the critical factors in my application was presenting an original and innovative research concept. I focused on addressing significant scientific challenges and ensuring my proposal stood out. Clearly defined objectives were vital. I made sure they were achievable and aligned with the overarching goals of the MSCA PF. Demonstrating the potential impact of my research was crucial. I detailed how I planned to disseminate my findings to both the scientific community and the public.

2. Building a Strong Host Institution Relationship: Selecting a host institution that complemented my research area was a pivotal decision. I researched extensively to find a host that offered robust support and aligned with my project goals.

3. Highlighting My Competence and Experience: I showcased my previous research achievements, publications, and relevant experience to highlight my competence. I emphasized how the fellowship would help me acquire new skills and knowledge, which would benefit my future career.

4. Preparing a Detailed Work Plan: A clear and detailed research methodology was essential. I outlined the steps I would take to achieve my objectives. Developing a realistic timeline with milestones and deliverables was crucial to demonstrate the feasibility of my project.

5. Budgeting and Resources: I provided a detailed budget that justified the expenses and aligned with the MSCA guidelines. Explaining how resources would be allocated and managed throughout the project duration was vital.

Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned

• Review and Revise: I had peers and mentors review my proposal, which helped me identify and address potential weaknesses.
• Stay Updated: Keeping abreast of updates or changes in the MSCA PF guidelines and requirements was essential.
• Attend Workshops and Seminars: Participating in additional training sessions provided valuable insights that enhanced my application.
• During the webinar, I shared some personal stories that highlighted the highs and lows of my application journey. For instance, I shared how networking and seeking mentorship played a pivotal role in strengthening my application.

Final Thoughts

For those who missed the webinar, a recording is available from the link below. Stay tuned for more resources and future events designed to support your research aspirations.

Good luck, and I look forward to seeing your groundbreaking research come to life through the MSCA PF funding scheme!

Valerio shared his personal reflection on his research journey leading to his MSCA Fellowship. Read the full interview here!!

18 March 2024 - Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Marie Curie Alumni Association Conference 2024, hosted at the University of Bicocca in Milan. The event was a convergence of brilliant minds, fostering discussions on various aspects of professional development, As I reflect on the enlightening sessions and engaging conversations, I am compelled to share my insights from this enriching experience.

One of the standout sessions of the conference was undoubtedly the session on narrative CV writing. In today's competitive job market, crafting a compelling curriculum vitae is essential to stand out among a sea of applicants. The session delved into the art of storytelling within a CV, emphasizing the importance of showcasing not just one's qualifications and experiences, but also the narrative behind them. By framing achievements within a broader context and highlighting personal growth, attendees gained invaluable insights into creating CVs that resonate with potential employers on a deeper level.

I also particularly enjoyed the sustainability session, which offered a thought-provoking exploration of environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility. As the global community grapples with pressing issues such as climate change and resource depletion, the imperative for sustainable practices has never been more urgent. Through engaging presentations and interactive discussions, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of sustainability, spanning environmental, social, and economic considerations. From innovative green technologies to corporate sustainability initiatives, the session provided a holistic perspective on building a more sustainable future.

Beyond the informative sessions, the conference provided a great opportunity for networking and disseminating the objectives of the EDISENS project. Connecting with fellow attendees, ranging from esteemed academics to seasoned professionals, was both inspiring and enriching. The diverse backgrounds and expertise represented at the event facilitated meaningful exchanges of ideas and fostered potential collaborations that have the power to drive positive change in various fields. Moreover, the vibrant atmosphere of the University of Bicocca in Milan served as an ideal backdrop for the conference.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this global community of scholars and innovators. I look forward to applying the knowledge and insights gained from the conference to make meaningful contributions in my field and beyond.

P.s. Can you find me in the group photo?

Valerio Annese