Biofilm-Resistant materials for hard tissue implant applications
Implant-associated infections, commonly caused by biofilm-forming bacteria, are highly problematic for the patient, the healthcare system, and society. BIOREMIA will recruit 15 doctoral students (ESRs) and provide a highly inter-disciplinary joint research & training programme focused on the key issues that determine the future antibacterial biomaterials and technologies for orthopaedic and dental applications. BIOREMIA links 7 academic and 4 non-academic beneficiaries as well as 6 partners from 11 European countries (Germany, Austria, Greece, Sweden, UK, Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Ireland and the Netherlands) and the USA. The ESRs will be supervised and trained by world-class academic and industrial organisations, combining technical knowledge with hands-on training in state-of-the-art research projects. BIOREMIA training program will include face-to-face and online scientific courses in biomaterials & surface engineering, biotechnology,nanotechnology, implant manufacturing, biochemistry, microbiology and biofilm. This will be complemented by education in transferable skills such as entrepreneurship, management, IPR, communication etc. useful for getting an innovation-oriented mind-set of young researchers. Participating in BIOREMIA will make PhD students highly attractive for employers and open up doors for their successful careers in research, regulation, consulting, industry and the healthcare system. They will be experts for the better assessment of the antibacterial functionality of materials and surfaces and for delivering successful strategies for the medical device industry and the healthcare system. The strong involvement of the industrial sector will provide the ESRs with a holistic perspective on career opportunities. Beyond the trained researchers, this network will produce innovative materials and technologies that will enhance the productivity of European industry and improve the well-being of European citizens by minimizing implant-associated infection rates.