FUNDED PROJECTS
NEUROSOFT
The ETN NEUROSOFT unites leading research and academic teams from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), University of Galway (GAL), and Ghent University (UGent), with a shared history of collaboration in biomaterials for neurological applications.
Category: ENLIGHT Thematic Network
University:
University of the Basque Country, University of Galway, Ghent University
Period:
2025-2027
Neurological disorders and diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent, contributing to higher mortality rates worldwide. These brain-related conditions are expected to represent a major public health challenge, with significant implications in terms of both human lives and economic costs. In this context, soft materials offer promising avenues for advancing brain health and neurotherapies due to their intrinsic biocompatibility and mechanical adaptability, which enable better integration with neural tissue. These materials hold potential in a wide range of applications, including implantable devices, neural interfaces, neuroprosthetics, and delivery platforms aimed at treating conditions such as neurodegeneration, epilepsy, and brain tumours. The ETN NEUROSOFT unites leading research and academic teams from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), University of Galway (GAL), and Ghent University (UGent), with a shared history of collaboration in biomaterials for neurological applications. These academic institutions are further supported by key stakeholders – including research centres, companies, and patient organizations – whose involvement will enrich the educational and research environment, fostering a more holistic and socially engaged experience for all participants. This ETN will reinforce and expand their cooperation through a structured program of activities designed to build long-term synergies and interdisciplinary capacity. The network will promote convergence between material science, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience by implementing targeted measures such as summer schools, thematic conferences, and industry-oriented soft skills courses. These actions will create inclusive spaces for joint learning, foster innovation in brain-related technologies, and strengthen translational pathways from research to societal impact. By consolidating the partnership between the three institutions, NEUROSOFT will act as a catalyst for a durable, transnational collaboration that advances the development of brain-compatible soft materials while also enhancing educational integration and engagement with societal stakeholders in the health and medical technology sectors.
Personal highlight:
"My personal highlight of NEUROSOFT is the collaborative energy that emerges when materials science, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience come together to address major challenges in brain health. Working alongside universities, research centres, industry partners, and patient organisations creates a genuinely inspiring environment. What motivates me most is that this shared vision also opens the door to future initiatives such as a Joint Master’s degree across the three institutions, enabling us to train new experts through an integrated, socially engaged educational pathway."
Participants and Stakeholders
- Coordinator: University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
- Other Partner Institutions: University of Galway (GAL), Ghent University (UGent).
- Team Composition:
- UPV/EHU:
- Aitor Larrañaga (Coordinator). Associate professor at the Department of Mining-Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science.
- Matías Picchio (Team member). Ikerbasque Researcher at POLYMAT.
- Jone Muñoz-Ugartemendia (Team member). Associate professor at the Department of Mining-Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science.
- José-Ramón Pineda (Team member). Researcher at the Department of Cellular Biology and Histology.
- Mahboubeh Firuzeh (Team member). PhD Student at POLYMAT.
- Estefano Giuzzio (Team member). PhD Student at POLYMAT.
- GAL:
- Abhay Pandit (Leader contact from GAL). Established professor at the University of Galway and Founding Director of CÚRAM.
- Manus Biggs (Team member). Professor in Biomedical Engineering at University of Galway.
- Catalina Vallejo-Giraldo (Team member). Associate Professor at the School of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) and the School of Medicine at the University of Galway.
- UGent:
- Sandra Van Vlierberghe (Leader contact from UGent). Group leader of Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group (Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, UGent).
- Bo Van Durme (Team member). PhD Student at the Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group (Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, UGent).
- Robrecht Raedt (Team member). Associate Professor (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences) and Director of the Animal Facility of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
- Georgios Spyropoulos (Team member). Associate professor in the Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture.
- Jeroen Missinne (Team member). Associate professor at Ghent University and researcher at the Center for MicroSystems Technology.
- UPV/EHU:
- Stakeholders/External Partners:
- UPV/EHU: POLYMAT-Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering, Achucarro-Basque Center for Neuroscience, BCMaterials.
- GAL: CÚRAM-Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices.
- UGent: 4Tissue, BIO INX.
Objectives
- Strengthen long-term collaboration between the University of the Basque Country, University of Galway, and Ghent University by building a stable, interdisciplinary network focused on soft materials for neurological applications.
- Promote convergence across disciplines (i.e., materials science, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience) through coordinated research, shared activities, and joint learning environments.
- Enhance training and capacity-building for students and early‑career researchers via summer schools, thematic workshops, and industry‑oriented skills development.
- Foster a socially engaged ecosystem by involving research centres, companies, and patient organisations, while laying the groundwork for future joint educational initiatives such as a potential Joint Master’s degree.
Contact
- Aitor Larrañaga Espartero (
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Additional information
NEUROSOFT stands out for the strong and long‑standing collaboration between the University of the Basque Country, the University of Galway, and Ghent University, now reinforced through a structured ENLIGHT network. Its interdisciplinary nature brings together materials science, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience around a shared thematic focus, creating a rich environment for joint learning and innovation. The project is further strengthened by the involvement of research centres, companies, and patient organisations, which adds societal relevance and broadens perspectives. A particularly valuable aspect is its forward‑looking educational dimension, including the potential development of a future Joint Master’s degree to train new experts in brain‑compatible soft materials.