Andrew English, a postgraduate researcher at the Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials (NFB), NUI Galway, has won an award for best poster presentation at the 7th NanoBio-Europe Conference, which was hosted in Cork in June.
Andrew’s poster, entitled “Soft Tissue Behaviour Influenced by the Nano-Bio-Interface” was presented at NanoBio-Europe 2011, which showcases the latest international developments in nanobiotechnology. The conference is attended by delegates from academic, industrial and clinical backgrounds. Andrew’s poster presents research, undertaken as part of his doctoral programme, in the area of cellular-substrate interactions at the nano-bio interface. The work, funded by the Competence Centre for Applied Nanotechnology, is conducted in partnership with Proxy Biomedical Ltd, a leading biomaterials manufacturer and R&D service provider based at Spiddal, Co Galway. Proxy Biomedical’s involvement in this project ensures alignment with market needs and immediate translation of the work from the laboratory to the clinic.
Andrew, a native of Knocknacarra, Galway, is studying at the NFB, an SFI-funded Strategic Research Cluster where he is supervised by Dr. Dimitrios Zeugolis. The NFB is focused on developing the next generation of biomaterials and Andrew’s research supports this end by functionalising synthetic nano-textured scaffolds through incorporation of spatiotemporal and biological signals, aiming to favourably control cellular functions.
Andrew’s work is supported by the Competence Centre for Applied Nanotechnology (CCAN), a joint Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland initiative launched in 2009 to enable Irish companies achieve competitive advantage through industry-led R&D. For more information visit www.ccan.ie Remarking on the prize, Andrew said “It is an honour to have my work awarded at an international conference”.
