Organ-on-a-Chip Focused Strategic Partnership

OrChESTRA project aims to build solid and productive links between ODTÜ MEMS (Turkey) and three internationally-leading counterparts; TU/e (The Netherlands), IMEC (Belgium), and UFR (Germany), in order to strengthen scientific and research capacity of BioMEMS Research Unit of ODTÜ MEMS by raising the research profile of its staff and broadening its recognition as a centre of excellence in the field of microfluidics, biosensors, and particularly organ-on-a-chip systems. With the four twinning partners in place, ODTÜ MEMS aims to acquire the expertise needed not only to fill the identified gaps regarding knowledge, capacity, and networking, but also to join leading networks of excellence in microfluidics, biosensors, and organ-on-a-chip based research areas as an equal partner. The consortium expects to expand the R&D capabilities of the partners, to attract and provide scientific personnel via the OrChESTRA to the thematic focus of microfluidics, biosensors, and organ-on-a-chip systems, contributing to critical mass for the widespread application of such promising systems. Empowering the partnering organisations will result in knowledge transfer, joint publications and future research projects. The consortium is strongly committed to further develop this partnership with a long-term sustainable horizon of cooperation beyond the project.Consequently, OrChESTRA project aims to promote new opportunities for the consortium members via development of productive and sustainable links among them for higher levels of excellence in the field of microfluidics, biosensors, and organ-on-a-chip platforms, with a major focus on enhancing the range of competences of the coordinator. Objectives dedicated to achieve this goal:1. Raising the research profile of ODTÜ MEMS and its researchers2. Enhancing institutional capacity of ODTÜ MEMS3. Excellence in the wider impact for the ecosystem and beyond4. Integration into European networks of excellence