TU/e Scientists Secure Funding for Innovative Tech Solutions
Eindhoven, Wednesday, 14 August 2024.
Two Eindhoven University of Technology researchers have been awarded NWO Impact Explorer grants. Andrea Fiore aims to develop affordable fiber sensing technology for chemical production, while Loe Schlicher focuses on mathematical models to optimize bodyguard deployment, addressing national security concerns.
Andrea Fiore’s Fiber-Sensing Technology
Andrea Fiore, a researcher at TU/e, leads the ‘FIBCHEM: Fiber Sensors for Microchemistry’ project. This initiative aims to revolutionize chemical production by developing an affordable fiber sensing technology. The project addresses the critical need for enhanced efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability in chemical production processes, particularly for miniaturized reactors. Fiore’s groundbreaking discovery involves a new method for reading optical signals from fiber sensors using a simple integrated chip. This innovation could significantly reduce the cost of optical sensing systems, making them more accessible for various industrial applications[1][2].
Societal and Industrial Benefits
The potential applications of this technology are vast. By enabling more efficient and sustainable chemical production, Fiore’s work could lead to significant advancements in fields ranging from pharmaceuticals to environmental monitoring. The project includes market research, stakeholder interviews, and the development of an in-line sensing system prototype. These steps ensure that the technology is not only scientifically sound but also ready for real-world industrial applications. The societal benefits are equally compelling, as more efficient chemical production processes can contribute to environmental sustainability and economic growth[1][3].
Loe Schlicher’s Mathematical Models for Security
On the other side of the innovation spectrum, Loe Schlicher’s project focuses on improving national security through optimized bodyguard deployment. The project, ‘Assigning Bodyguards to Individuals: From (Game) Theory to Practice,’ is particularly relevant in light of increasing threats in the Netherlands. In collaboration with the Dutch National Police, Schlicher aims to test mathematical models that can optimize the deployment of bodyguards. This approach involves serious gaming and workshops with policymakers to ensure that the models are practical and effective in real-world scenarios[2][4].
Transformative Impact on Security Systems
Schlicher’s work is driven by the need to improve individual security measures in the Netherlands. The tragic assassination of investigative journalist Peter R. de Vries heightened the urgency for more effective security solutions. By using mathematical models to optimize resource deployment, Schlicher’s project aims to enhance the efficiency of security operations. The project’s success could lead to more robust national security systems, providing better protection for individuals at risk[1][4].
NWO Impact Explorer Grant
Both projects have received funding through the NWO Impact Explorer call, which provides up to €1,000,000 for validating the societal impact of research discoveries. Individual grants range from €20,000 to €30,000, enabling researchers to explore unexpected results that may not fit into traditional research plans. This initiative is part of the broader Talent Line and Open Competitions of NWO and ZonMw, aiming to bridge the gap between curiosity-driven research and real-world applications[1][5].