In the ever-evolving realm of scientific exploration, collaboration has proven time and again to be the catalyst for groundbreaking discoveries. Recently, three exceptional members of BikiarisLab, namely PhD students Nikos and Raphael, along with Postdoc Alexandra Zamboulis, embarked on an enlightening journey through Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM) funded by the prestigious COST action Fur4Sustain. Their destinations? Renowned research hubs across Europe: Nikos at the Lab of Prof. Loos in the University of Groningen, Raphael with the group of Prof. Lotti at the University of Bologna, and Alexandra contributing her expertise to the Lab of Prof. Arico at the University of Venice.
This extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists in the field of FDCA (Furandicarboxylic acid) related research was made possible solely due to the far-reaching impact of the COST action. This initiative serves as a powerful catalyst for advancing knowledge, strengthening the research and development sector, and, most importantly, fostering invaluable networking opportunities that bring researchers together to exchange ideas and propel innovation.
Alexandra Zamboulis was warmly welcomed by the research group of Ass. Prof. Fabio Aricò at the Ca’Foscari University of Venice at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics. We worked on the green synthesis of different furan-based monomers, based on the experience of the research group in green synthetic methods.
Alexandra with the group of Prof. Arico
Bikiaris Nikolaos had the opportunity to visit the University of Groningen (The Netherlands). During his time there, he was educated about novel techniques beyond his scientific background and exchanged knowledge with the group of Prof. Katja Loos, concerning the synthetic routes and the characterization of biobased polymers using enzymatic processes. Specifically, the enzymatic polymerization of furan-based and lactide polyesters was investigated as alternative substitutes of terephthalate polyesters. Nikos had an excellent collaboration with the other scientists and young researchers to whom he presented the findings of his work during the weekly meeting of the group.
The University of Groningen
Raphel Ioannidis was hosted in University of Bologna. For the estimation and evaluation of poly(propylene terephthalate-co-2,5-furan dicarboxylate) (PPTF) copolyesters properties for packaging applications, gas barrier and food simulant liquids measurements were conducted at the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, in Italy, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Nadia Lotti, S.A. Prof. Michelina Soccio, and Dr. Giulia Guidotti. The experiments were performed in collaboration with Prof. Valentina Siracusa. The food simulant liquids measurements were performed to mimic a prolonged contact with different foods.
The impact of these STSMs cannot be overstated. It's not just about the personal and professional growth of Nikos, Raphael, and Alexandra; it's also about the immense value they bring back to BikiarisLab. The insights gained, experiences shared, and ideas exchanged during their time abroad will undoubtedly ripple through their future research endeavors.
As we eagerly await the results of these remarkable collaborations, we're reminded of the immense value that initiatives like COST bring to the scientific community. It's more than just funding; it's about nurturing a global community of researchers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
But the excitement doesn't end there! We invite you to mark your calendars for the upcoming Young Happy Hour event hosted by Fur4Sustain on October 13th. This event promises to be a remarkable occasion where knowledge meets inspiration. We have a special session lined up that's dedicated to Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) for postdoctoral fellows, with the aim of inspiring our PhD students to explore the thrilling opportunities that MSCA offers.
The event will unfold in two engaging parts:
9:00 AM CET: Dive deep into the world of MSCA, discovering the wealth of opportunities it holds.
10:35 AM CET: Witness our talented PhD students as they present concise overviews of their cutting-edge research.
Stay tuned for the Zoom link, which will be shared across the social media channels of Fur4Sustain soon. We can't wait to have you join us for an enriching experience where science, innovation, and collaboration come to life.
As we celebrate these remarkable STSMs and look forward to the incredible discoveries they will undoubtedly yield, we're reminded that the pursuit of knowledge knows no boundaries, and that together, we can achieve remarkable feats in the name of science. To stay updated on BikiarisLab's latest news and future ventures, be sure to subscribe to our news and follow the hashtag #BikiarisLab on Linkedin.