TEAM NET "QUNNA" consortium and scientists from teams from the Faculty of Physics of UW (Leader), Jagiellonian University, Technical University of Gdansk and the Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine met on a 3-day workshop, 29.09 - 01.10 at the Faculty of Physics of UW. Young PhD students and postdocs from the project teams discussed current results in the field of integration of nanodiamonds with classical optics, hollow-core optics and imaging waveguides and their applications in magneto-optical and bio-sensory experiments. Issues related to the chemical modification of nanodiamond surface for binding to specific groups of biological and chemical analytes were also discussed.

The innovative project QUNNA Nanosensorics and imaging utilizing quantum effects – the synergy of glass and diamond for applications in the new generation of biodiagnostics has been awarded funding (4.3 mln EUR) in a prestigious TEAM-NET call organized by the Foundation for Polish Science (2nd rank on the list). The project will be carried out by a consortium of the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University of Cracow, Gdańsk University of Technology and Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (IBMM).

The aim of the project is to apply phenomena of quantum physics for the deployment of nanodiamond based technologies into innovative sensors that could be utilized in optical and magnetic research, electronics and medical diagnostics. Within the 4 year-long project, scientists will explore new materials, components and photonic systems displaying specific magnetic and optical properties. The resulting optoelectronic solutions will be introduced to the market in order to advance diagnostics of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, among others.

The aim of the first edition of the TEAM-NET program organized by the Foundation for Polish Science is to enable far-reaching projects carried out by a network of cooperating research teams managed by outstanding scientists. Only 5 out of 39 submitted projects were approved by a panel of distinguished experts.