The international SensUs competition takes place in Eindhoven. Every year it sets a different challenge related to the use of biosensors in healthcare. The idea to form a UT team for this contest came from scientists at the MESA+ Institute who will also guide the students.
Working on a noble problem
The team is in the process of being formed, explains Pep Canyelles Pericàs, a UT researcher and the co-coordinator of the biosensing team. ‘We are looking for students from all levels and disciplines. We will need a strong and multidisciplinary team of up to fifteen people.’ They will start working in December and have until August to design and make a working biosensor, which they will demonstrate at the competition finale in front of more than 500 people.
‘Many good things can come out of this project – for the students and for the world,’ continues Canyelles Pericàs. ‘It is a noble problem to work on because the solution can make a real difference for patients with chronic epilepsy. The goal is to create a sensor that monitors epilepsy medication. That way we can find out exactly how much the person needs and help avoid side effects. This can significantly improve the lifestyle of the patients.’
'This can significantly improve the lifestyle of the patients'
Good training
Besides contributing to the future of healthcare, the students on the team will receive 15 ECTS credits and direct support from UT scientists, including professor Albert van den Berg, David Fernandez Rivas and Loes Segerink. ‘It will be quite a bit of work, but it will be a good training. You will get to develop a product from an idea to the final pitch,’ says Canyelles Pericàs. ‘Furthermore, the students will gain exposure to companies and universities from all over the world.’
All UT students have the possibility to apply for the team until the 25th of November. To get more information or to apply, you can send an email to [email protected].
