HEiKA Summer Science Academy 2023
The HEiKA Summer Science Academy 2023 on the topic of 3D Materials and Applications was hosted by the Heidelberg-Karlsruhe Strategic Partnership HEiKA in partnership with the Cluster 3DMM2O and took place from August 27 to September 1, 2023, at the hotel “Zuflucht” in the Black Forest.
All interested master’s students were invited to join this all-expenses-paid event, which included daily workshops and lectures by leading Cluster PIs in the field of 3D Materials and Applications. The topics covered ranged from new 3D printing strategies to optoelectronic devices, microscopy and spectroscopy, and hybrid organoid systems. In addition, the attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow students, PIs, and researchers, share ideas, and explore exciting future research opportunities.
The goal was to provide a unique and immersive experience that exposed students to cutting-edge research, fostered collaboration, and encouraged innovation.
Workshops
Workshop 1: Contractility of biological cells and active materials
This workshop is taught by Prof. Dr. Martin Bastmeyer (KIT) and Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schwarz (Uni HD).
Abstract: Contractility is one of the hallmarks of animal cells and the basis for essential cell processes such as division and migration. We will first discuss how the actomyosin system leads to contractility in both muscle and non-muscle cells. We then will address the question of how contractility can also be achieved in synthetic systems made from soft matter, for example from hydrogels or nematic elastomers.
Workshop 2: Design and dissection of cell-material interactions in 3D
This workshop is taught by Prof. Dr. Pavel Levkin (KIT), Prof. Dr. Christine Selhuber-Unkel (Uni HD), and Dr. Venera Weinhardt (Uni HD).
Abstract: Life exists in 3 spatial dimensions. This 3D nature is increasingly important in designing and probing materials to trigger a change in cell functions, such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration. The workshop will focus on approaches to trigger and characterize cell-material interactions in 3D, mainly from the viewpoint of chemistry, physics, and materials science.
Workshop 3: Printable circuits and devices for bioelectronics
This workshop is taught by Prof. Dr. Jasmin Aghassi-Hagman (KIT) and Prof. Dr. Jana Zaumseil (Uni HD).
Abstract: During this workshop, we will explore a range of printable materials with metallic, semiconducting, or insulating properties that can be combined into functional devices (e.g., transistors, sensors) and circuits. We will look at the fundamental properties of these materials (organic, inorganic, nanomaterials etc.), different large-area and high-resolution printing techniques as well as applications in wearable sensors, point-of-care diagnostics and bioelectronics.
Workshop 4: Light, microscopy, and spectroscopy
This workshop is taught by Prof. Dr. Peer Fischer (Uni HD) and Prof. Dr. Petra Tegeder (Uni HD).
Abstract: “Super-resolution microscopy, laser lithography, and nano-spectroscopy” Together, we will explore and learn about modern lithographic, microscopic, and spectroscopic experimental methods for the fabrication and characterization of structural and electronic properties of molecular nanomaterials.
