Researchers from Lodz University of Technology visit the IBB
The visit takes place within the framework of the ECIU Seed project “BEAT”, in which the researcher Òscar Quijada participates as a partner
The Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IBB-UAB) hosted last week the visit of the researchers Anna Karczemska and Dariusz Witkowski, from Lodz University of Technology, during a working stay carried out from June 1 to June 5, 2026. The visit is part of an “ECIU Seed” project titled “BEAT: Biomedical Engineering for Advanced Therapies – Smart Hearts, Strong Communities”, which will run for 18 months.
This project, coordinated by the visiting researchers, aims to strengthen collaboration among four ECIU institutions (Lodz University of Technology, Kaunas University of Technology, University of Aveiro, and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) involved in the development of a paediatric artificial heart within the HEART4KIDS consortium. In this context, the project focuses on advancing the scientific and technological development of the initiative and consolidating its maturity, with the goal of increasing its attractiveness and competitiveness in future European funding calls.
On the UAB side, the project is led by Òscar Quijada, researcher at IBB and I3PT and leader of the Blood Bacterial Pathogens research group, with collaboration from researchers at ICMAB-CSIC and IRTA. The role of the Barcelona team is to facilitate the antimicrobial protection of the artificial heart materials through coatings based on hydrogels and antimicrobial proteins, with the aim of minimizing the risk of contamination and infection during the future implantation of the device.
During the visit to Barcelona, the Polish researchers had the opportunity to learn first-hand about different research groups and scientific infrastructures within the UAB ecosystem. The programme included scientific meetings at IBB-UAB, a visit to ICMAB-CSIC with the participation of Imma Ratera, as well as a working session at IRTA Torre Marimon with the teams of Anna Arís and Elena García. In addition, Anna Karczemska delivered scientific seminars at both ICMAB and ICE-CSIC.
The agenda also included a visit to the ALBA Synchrotron, a leading international large-scale scientific facility, as well as several working sessions dedicated to identifying synergies and exploring future lines of collaboration in research and innovation.
This exchange reinforces IBB-UAB’s commitment to the internationalisation of research and the building of new strategic alliances within the European Knowledge Area. The meetings helped lay the foundations for future joint projects and strengthen the ties between the teams at UAB, ICMAB, IRTA, and Lodz University of Technology.