Our early-stage researchers

Konstantina Solou

University of Patras

Resident in Orthopaedic surgery and Traumatology, research on hip biomechanics

What is your role in the SBR team at the University of Patras? What are you currently working on within the scope of SBR?
As a member of the UPAT team in the SBR project, I investigate the biomechanical properties of the newly created bone. In the laboratory, we axially load the femoral defect with the scaffold in place fixed with two plates embedded in PMMA. The distribution of femoral stresses, as well as the axial resistance of the scaffold, is recorded. In addition, using pQCT images, the porosity and mechanical properties of the newly created bone are studied and an FEA model is generated to predict stress distribution.

What motivates you, personally? What made you go into science?
As an orthopaedic surgeon, I am interested in better understanding biomechanical properties of the bones to implement this knowledge in my clinical practice. As a scientist, I want to improve the life of others by working within a research team. Developing a scaffold stabilizing the bone deficit presents many positive outcomes, as it makes a faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay possible for the patients.

What does it mean for you to be part of the SBR project?
The SBR project is a collaborative European project. Being a member of such a community is an honour. The emphasis put on collective work and efficiency with scientists from different countries and backgrounds have been key to develop such an ambitious project. I feel proud of being part of this network and to contribute to it in my own way.

What are your goals after SBR? How does working in the team of an international research project contribute to reaching these goals?
Alongside my orthopaedic career, I would like to continue working as a scientist. I have been gaining extensive experience in project cooperation and organisation throughout my work within an international research team. Joining another international project as a team member or later as a team leader would represent a new achievement for me. With these biomechanical tests, I have been developing a better understanding of hip biomechanics, which will be useful for further research in the future.

Hisham Idriss

GenesInk

R & D Engineer

What is your role in the SBR team at GenesInk? What are you currently working on within the scope of SBR?
I was a part of the team responsible for the materials formulation in Genesink. More specifically, I was working in the Work Package 4. My work was focused on the optimization of the reaction conditions used in the Pt NPs synthesis and their corresponding nanoinks formation, and this in addition to testing their reproducibility.

What motivates you, personally? What made you go into science?
I am motivated to work in any project that is related to sustainability in a direct or indirect way. I see the impact is has on the environment, which in turn benefits people's quality of life. With perseverance, discipline, and a passion for protecting the environment, everything is possible. With the development of farming methods and medical systems for disease treatment, science and technology have helped humanity overcome many of its challenges. We have saved a ton of time thanks to innovations.

What does it mean to you to be part of the SBR project?
The SBR project brings together international experts from medicine, biochemical, pharmaceutical and material sciences, engineering and industry for solving an unmet challenge in the management of bone loss and bone repair. This is based on biocompatibility, which eventually has a direct positive impact on our lives. Being in SBR enabled me to deepen my knowledge in different topics in addition to growing my expertise and a wide range of skills.

What are your goals after SBR? How does working in the team of an international research project contribute to reaching these goals?
Thinking creatively is important when we use our innovative thinking abilities to develop new product designs and project ideas that could be helpful for our community. Being a member of an international team is a crucial first step in nurturing innovation and creativity. Your solution statement may be limited if you only collaborate with local staff because you will only be able to draw upon concepts from people with backgrounds that are similar to your own. However, if you are part of an international team, you have the opportunity to explore fresh notions and ideas, and other approaches to problems are put forth.

Elena Guerrero San Vicente

Leitat

Diagnostic Devices

What is your role in the SBR team at Leitat? What are you currently working on within the scope of SBR? My role in the SBR project is the development of a biosensor to screen the presence of biomarkers in the process of bone healing. This biosensor with other sensors will monitor the inflammation and infection process of the bone.

What motivates you, personally? What made you go into science? I loved the idea of developing new things that are challenging and that help the world evolve, especially in the health field. I also like the diversity of projects and aspects you can work on.

What does it mean to you to be part of the SBR project? I like to think that with SBR, we will contribute to the research carried out to improve health and life, focusing on bone healing.

What are your goals after SBR? How does working in the team of an international research project contribute to reaching these goals? The biosensor that we have developed for this project, is a cutting-edge scientific innovation and it is one of the first implantable biosensors. I expect to continue the research on this field and to keep contributing to the development implantable or wearable biosensors.