WIN-ICN2 Joint Seed Funding Programme Expanded with Two Additional Projects

ICN2 and the Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology (WIN) have expanded the funding of their joint initiative, the WIN–ICN2 Joint Seed Funding, by adding two new projects to the three announced last May. This expansion has been made possible thanks to an increase in the budget contributed by both institutions, in recognition of the outstanding scientific quality of the proposals received.

The two newly funded projects were the next highest-ranked proposals after those originally selected, according to the evaluation scores. This extension further strengthens the objectives of the WIN–ICN2 Joint Seed Funding programme, which was launched to encourage collaboration between researchers from the two institutions and lay the groundwork for future competitive international projects, particularly within the framework of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.

New funded projects

• MYHEAL. This project aims to develop personalised bandages for the treatment of chronic skin wounds, manufactured using 3D printing to adapt precisely to the shape of each lesion. The bandages will be based on biocompatible hydrogels and coated with an antimicrobial layer to prevent infections. MYHEAL brings together WIN’s expertise in 3D printing with ICN2’s experience in antimicrobial coatings. Researchers involved: Dr Salvio Suárez-Garcia, CSIC Prof. Daniel Ruiz-Molina, Belén Pepió-Tárrega (ICN2); Boxin Zhao and Ashna Rajeev (WIN).
• SHINE. In the field of sustainable electronics, SHINE focuses on the development of fully organic electronic transistors made exclusively from environmentally sustainable materials. The project is based on low-temperature vapour-deposition fabrication techniques, avoiding the use of solvents and minimising waste generation. This approach will contribute to the development of flexible, high-performance electronic devices with a reduced environmental footprint. Researchers involved: UAB Prof. Javier Rodriguez-Viejo; Dr Cristian Rodriguez-Tinoco; Xavier Casi; Jamie Forrest; Zoya Leonenko (WIN).

The first three projects funded under this joint initiative began their activities last June, consolidating collaboration between research teams at both institutions. The addition of these two new projects further confirms the success of this first edition of the joint seed funding programme and highlights the shared commitment of ICN2 and WIN to continuing to promote high-impact scientific partnerships.