ResearchGroup

Description: MARTE (Métodos de Análisis Rápido con Técnicas Espectroscópicas; https://marte.i3a.es) is a multidisciplinary official research group (E43_20R) composed of staff from the University of Zaragoza belonging to the Institute of Engineering of Aragon (I3A) (Dr. M. Resano, Dr. M.T. Aramendía Marzo, Dr. E. García-Ruiz, and Dr. E. Bolea Fernández), and staff from the University Hospital Miguel Servet (Dr. L. Rello, Dr. E. Martínez Morillo, E. García González, G. Hernández de Abajo) and from the Technological Institute of Aragón (Dr. E. Mozas García). Besides, postdoctoral researchers (Dr. A. Rua Ibarz and Dr. F. V. Nakadi) and predoctoral students (A. Marques de Souza, A. Bazo Sánchez, J. Rayos Hurtado, B. Moreira Freire, A. García García) need to be mentioned. MARTE research activity focuses on elemental and isotopic analysis at trace levels, with special attention to the development of biomedical applications. MARTE actively cooperates with universities and industrial partners, and five of them have been selected for this application due to their high added value in terms of predoctoral formation. They are all large institutions (hundreds of people), actively participating in international projects.

ResearchLine

Description: Advancing ICP-mass spectrometry for nano/micro entity quantification Progress in atomic spectrometry plays a pivotal role in acquiring ever more information at the micro- and nano-scale, particularly when dealing with low volume (or mass-limited) samples and discrete entities, such as nanoparticles, micro/nano plastics and single cells. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a powerful technique for trace element and isotopic analysis, with substantial enhancements in instrument performance over the past four decades. Nevertheless, the conventional sample introduction system in ICP-MS has lagged in progress and still often relies on methods consuming up to 1 mL of sample per minute. This approach seems unreasonable considering the improved sensitivity of contemporary ICP-MS instrumentation, and contradicts the principles of green-chemistry, which aim for a more sustainable future. To overcome these constraints, this project aims to develop innovative methods for obtaining comprehensive information from increasingly smaller sample amounts. These proposed methods hold considerable potential for applications in health research and medical diagnosis, promising to elevate the capabilities of atomic spectrometry to unprecedented levels.

Others

Description: The proposed project is in perfect alignment with the main goals of Horizon Europe, as it seeks to advance scientific and technological excellence. Moreover, the project directly addresses a policy priority in the area of Health, which is of utmost importance for society. The emphasis on international cooperation will foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between research groups, enhancing the project's impact and contributing to a global research network. In addition, the project's adherence to Open Science principles ensures transparency, accessibility, and reproducibility of research outcomes, promoting a culture of open collaboration and data sharing within the scientific community. Furthermore, the project's focus on Green Chemistry principles and the Circular Economy demonstrates a commitment towards sustainability and responsible research practices. The cross-fertilization approach proposed will strengthen collaborations with industry partners and other research institutions. By addressing real-world problems faced by collaborators and offering state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, the project will not only provide custom analytical solutions but will also inspire new research questions and targeted method development. On the social front, the project's focus on advancing ICP-MS for nano/micro entity quantification, focusing on nanoparticles and cells, will contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of bioanalysis. By enhancing our understanding of individual cells and nanoparticles behavior, the project can lead to groundbreaking discoveries with potential implications for human health, disease diagnosis, and environmental protection. Moreover, the project's collaboration with industry/policymaker partners (e.g., LGC, Perkin Elmer, VITO, etc) and the development of custom analytical methods will directly benefit various sectors, such as healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental monitoring. The effective transfer of knowledge for biomedical aspects is ensured through the participation of HUMS members.

CareerDevelopment

Objectives

• Future postdoc employment at the University
• Increased employability in the non-academic sector
• International mobility
• Building collaborative networks
• Trainings to enhance career opportunities
• Application of postdoctoral grants (MSCA, Juan de la Cierva, etc.)
• Application for projects and funding (Horizon Europe, national plans, etc.)
• Involvement in teaching, supervision, or mentoring

Expected Outputs

• PhD defense
• Application of grants (MSCA, Juan de la Cierva, etc.)
• Publication of articles
• Attendance to international conferences

Training Skills

• Project Management
• Time Management
• Grant Writing
• Communication to the civil society and public engagement
• Open Science
• Gender and diversity dimension of research
• Ethics and Research Integrity
• Teaching
• Supervision
• Policy making, such as Green Deal and sustainable practices
• Intellectual Property
• Research Valorization
• Leadership
• Training for job interviews, CV writing
• Spanish