Two TU/e researchers have been awarded NWO Vici grants, a prestigious grant aimed at advanced researchers that facilitates the development of an innovative research line over a period of five years. Danqing Liu, associate professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, will use her grant to create new liquid crystal polymer materials for virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) and tactile displays. And Richard Lopata, professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, will focus on revolutionising ultrasound imaging for abdominal examinations.
Each day, we interact with a host of technologies. With the enhancement and flexibility of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) and tactile displays, accurate interactions with these technologies via the sense of touch is growing in importance and relevance.
For her Vici-funded project, Danqing Liu from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry will work on the creation of interactive polymer coatings using liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) with integrated electronics to enhance touch interactions with technologies.
Beyond the lab
"LCP coatings can change the surface shape or harness in response to changes in electrical and optical sources. As a result, this provides tactile feedback or a sense of touch," says Liu. "In addition, LCP coatings can release substances to mimic chemical sensations, such as cold or warmth as well as specific fragrances."
Liu hopes that the materials developed in her project can hence VR/AR/MR and tactile displays for all users, specifically those with unique needs. "My hope is that these materials will enhance display technologies that support visually impaired people as they move around an area."
The ultimate goal for Liu is to see her work have an impact on the lives of people in society. "I would love to see the technology move beyond the lab and become a real product that people actively use in their everyday lives."
(R)evolution in Abdominal Ultrasound Imaging
For his Vici project, Richard Lopata from the Department of Biomedical Engineering wants to develop a new approach for abdominal ultrasound imaging.
"Ultrasound is fast, safe, and provides real-time images, but it often lacks the detail and coverage for accurate diagnosis, such as in abdominal imaging. We plan to develop a new approach for ultrasound imaging that replaces the conventional single probe techniques with a distributed multi aperture system. Just think radar with moving transmitters and receivers, but where the waves travel through a tissue that can deform and change. A semi tomographic approach to ultrasound," says Lopata.
Alternative technique
Modern healthcare is relying more and more on accurate imaging, but equipment costs and the demand for this equipment continue to grow. Therefore, Lopata is hoping that his technology can have a significant impact on future healthcare. "It can provide safe, affordable, and widely deployable imaging that is complementary or an alternative to existing imaging techniques." This project will develop a new type of ultrasound technology that helps doctors to better detect and monitor conditions such as aneurysms, kidney disease, and pregnancy complications. This technology offers a safer, more accessible alternative to CT and MRI, improving care for both unborn babies and elderly patients.
Dream project
For Lopata, this Vici grant is helping him to work on his dream project. "I've been thinking about this work for years, and I'm grateful and excited to get the opportunity to bring it to life. I look forward to building a new research team and working with our clinical and industry partners, such as Catharina Hospital and Philips. Together, we can transform what ultrasound can do and create disruptive technology with that will have significant impact on patients and society."
About Vici grants
A Vici grant allows scientists to develop an innovative line of research and expand their research group over a period of five years. It is one of the largest personal scientific grants in the Netherlands and is targeted at advanced researchers. Such a grant allows scientists to conduct research of their own choosing and gives innovative scientific research the opportunity to flourish.
The Vici grants are awarded annually by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research ( NWO ). For this call, a total of 384 pre-proposals were submitted (151 by women and 233 by men). After selection in the pre-proposal phase, 131 applications were submitted (49 by women and 82 by men), of which 39 were awarded (18 to women and 21 to men). The award rates relative to the number of preliminary applications submitted are 12 percent for women (18 out of 151) and 9 percent for men (21 out of 233). In relation to the number of applications submitted, the allocation rate is 37 percent for women (18 out of 49) and 26 percent for men (21 out of 82).
