Leiden researchers receive funding for high-tech research
An innovative method for testing food quality and the magnetic labelling of blood: two Leiden University research consortia have received funding from the High Tech Systems and Materials programme (HTSM).
Through the HTSM programme, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and Holland High Tech have joined forces to fund fundamental and application-oriented research into high-tech systems and materials. The research could play an important role in solving societal problems and creating economic opportunities for the Netherlands.
The consortia with a lead applicant from Leiden University are as follows:
DUAL IMPACT
Lead applicant: Joost Batenburg – LIACS
In manufacturing and maintenance industries, traditional quality control methods are often slow, labour-intensive and error-prone. This is particularly critical in sectors such as food processing and energy infrastructure, where rapid and accurate detection of contaminants or defects is essential to prevent risks to public health and safety. The need for faster, more reliable detection of internal defects is the reason for this project. Advanced imaging techniques that combine detailed three-dimensional imaging with the efficiency and speed of high-throughput systems are required. Research within the project aims to transform industrial quality control by developing a new imaging workflow that integrates a ‘3D mode’ into these systems.
Co-applicants: S.A. van den Berg, The Hague University of Applied Sciences (HHS); H.R. Doughty, Leiden University; T. van Leeuwen, Institutes Organisation of NWO, Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI); Dr A.J. Lock, The Hague University of Applied Sciences (HHS)
Partners: Meyn Food Processing Technology, APPLUS
CLEAR-water
Lead applicant: Thijs van Osch
Most MRI scans of the brain use a contrast agent based on gadolinium. The contrast agent leaves the patient's body via urine and ends up in sewage water. Gadolinium is difficult to filter out of surface water, and pollution above the limit values is often measured in Dutch river water. This makes it important to minimise the use of MRI contrast agents. This project is developing new MRI techniques that use magnetic labelling of the blood. This is a completely risk- and damage-free method that measures the same information without the use of contrast agents.
Co-applicants: M. Staring, Leiden University Medical Center
Partner: Philips