Multidisciplinary Nanoscale Research at University of Twente's NanoLab MESA+ Institute: A Comprehensive Examination
Located in the Netherlands, the University of Twente's NanoLab MESA+ Institute stands as a premier institution for technical and nanoscale engineering research. Since its inception in 2010 by King Willem-Alexander, the institute has grown exponentially, becoming a pivotal nanotechnology research hub nationally, yielding several spin-out companies across diversified nanotechnology domains.
The MESA+ Institute is a confluence of disciplines, integrating advanced material science, chemistry, physics, engineering, and biology, operating at the forefront of nanoscale innovations. It champions the development of novel nanomaterials and devices with applications spanning health, energy, sustainability, AgriFood, water production, security, and nanoelectronics.
The institute thrives on the expertise of a diverse workforce comprising 594 employees from 47 countries. This assembly includes 44 esteemed professors, 279 doctoral candidates, 111 postdoctoral researchers, and 60 dedicated technicians. The impending recruitment of a NanoLab Director signifies a pivotal transition in the institute's evolution.
The prospective NanoLab Director will assume a dual role: shaping strategic policy and overseeing operational tasks. Responsibilities encompass enhancing organizational efficiency, initiating growth endeavors, cultivating national and international partnerships, and acquiring external funding. Moreover, financial oversight and active participation in relevant regional and global organizations will be crucial, aiming to elevate the NanoLab's prestige. Application details can be accessed here.
The MESA+ Institute boasts an impressive track record, with over 2,000 scientific articles published in reputable journals and numerous patents. Emphasizing sustainable solutions, the institute tackles societal challenges, ranging from healthcare and energy to food and water provision. This cross-disciplinary research is propelled by over 500 researchers collaborating with external entities, creating an environment conducive to partnerships and startups.
One notable endeavor witnessed a collaborative effort, including University of Twente researchers, reengineering plant virus capsids into varied configurations, potentially enhancing drug delivery
Substantial backing for the institute is rendered by NanoLabs NL, the Netherlands Government, and the EU. Presently, the NanoLab MESA+ boasts an avant-garde 1250 m^2 cleanroom coupled with a 1000 m^2 analysis area, solidifying its stance in nanotechnological innovation.
A recent alliance with a commercial microsystems foundry exemplifies the institute's balanced model, harmonizing academic endeavors with industrial R&D demands. As quoted by Managing Director Timo Meinders, the challenge lies in sustaining this balance, ensuring academic pursuits coalesce seamlessly with industrial imperatives.
The NanoLab MESA+ Institute's journey, underpinned by multidisciplinary research, international collaborations, and infrastructural prowess, underscores its impact on the nanotechnological landscape. The forthcoming appointment of a NanoLab Director is anticipated to further catalyze its growth trajectory, enhancing its national and global imprint.