Two young researchers from the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano have been awarded the prestigious European ERC Starting Grant.
They are Giulia Acconcia, whose HÈRMES project aims to revolutionise non-invasive measurement techniques for acquiring 3D and 4D images in real time, and Chiara Paganelli, whose MINIONS project will develop innovative modelling approaches in the field of radiotherapy against localised tumours.
HÈRMES (High-speed timE Resolved fluorescence iMaging with no pilE-up diStortion) aims to revolutionise light signal acquisition techniques using single photon detectors at very high speed. Possible applications include fluorescence-guided surgery, which would allow the surgeon to select individual cells even during the most delicate operations, such as the removal of brain tumours, thus minimising side effects on the patient.
MINIONS (Patient-specific Microstructural and radIobiological model for persoNalised external beam radiation therapy in localised tumourS), on the other hand, proposes a new modelling approach for cancer treatment through patient-specific radiotherapy planning and adaptation. The model that will be implemented will make it possible to consider the microscopic characteristics of the tumour and its interaction with the radiation beam, developing biologically guided treatments for each patient. The project will have an impact in different fields, such as bioengineering, medical physics, radiobiology, radiology and oncology, towards the development of personalised treatments that will increase patients' survival rate and quality of life.
ERC Starting Grants are open to researchers with 2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD. The aim of the program is to enhance the creativity and excellence of European basic or frontier research and to invest in the best ideas by stimulating the quality and ambition of individual researchers. Individual funding is up to € 1.5 million for a period of 5 years.