Schlagwort: ‘ERC’
At the Interface of Medicine and Engineering: New Technologies for Implantation Biology
© Martin Braun
In an online seminar, Dr Madhuri Salker will discuss her current research, which centres on the study of human implantation and pregnancy loss. To this end, she employs reconstructed assemblages, multimodal single-cell sequencing, and nanosensor development.
Dr Madhuri Salker is investigating the molecular and immunological processes of early pregnancy. The Tübingen University Hospital researcher and University of British Columbia assistant professor was recently awarded a highly endowed project grant in the form of a European Research Council Consolidator Grant. In her project babyRADAR, she intends to use cutting-edge technologies to improve our understanding of the endometrium’s decision-making processes during implantation. The interaction of steroid hormones, immune cells and tissue dynamics will be a particular focus, as these processes can now be quantified in real time using nanoscale sensor systems for the first time.
In her presentation, she will focus on reconstructed endometrial tissue models, multimodal single-cell sequencing, and the development of highly sensitive nanosensors. These approaches enable the precise analysis of communication between maternal tissue and the embryo, and the identification of molecular dysregulations that can lead to implantation failure or miscarriage.
‘Understanding why implantation fails could allow us to develop new diagnostic procedures, improve fertility treatments, and offer hope to affected families,’ explains Madhuri Salker.
Integrated micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices play a special role in this context. These miniature, sensor-integrated microsystems enable precise control of microfluidic environments and real-time monitoring of biochemical and mechanical processes at the cellular level. This enables cellular forces, dynamic signals and metabolic processes to be recorded continuously and in high resolution.
There are clear links here to research at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, specifically the Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1 (IWE1). Headed by Professor Sven Ingebrandt, the institute places a special focus on developing micro- and nanosystems for biotechnology and biomedical diagnostics. The institute’s core competencies include coupling biological systems, such as living cells, membranes, and proteins, with technical systems to create novel sensors, microfluidic systems, and intelligent implants.
This technological expertise is directly relevant to Madhuri Salker’s research. She uses integrated MEMS components in her studies of implant biology. Combining basic research in reproductive medicine with the development of micro- and nanosystem technologies thus opens up new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration between medicine and engineering. Against this backdrop, the lecture will explore potential technological collaborations between Professor Sven Ingebrandt and Dr Madhuri Salker. It will focus on how micro- and nanosystem technology developments can support biomedical research.
Participation: On Tuesday, 24 February 2026, the event will take place online via Zoom, starting at 5 p.m. and lasting until 6:30 p.m.
Meeting ID: 644 5259 3117
Access code: 985261
Humboldt Fellow at the E.ON Energy Research Centre
Dr Ameze Big-Alabo, of the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria, is carrying out research at the Automation of Complex Power Systems Chair at RWTH Aachen University. © Judith Peschges
Ameze Big-Alabo, an electrical engineer specialising in microgrids, joined Professor Antonello Monti’s international research team in April 2025 as part of a Humboldt Fellowship.
As part of the Humboldt Foundation’s Henriette Herz Scouting Programme, Professor Antonello Monti — Head of the Institute and holder of the Chair of Automation of Complex Power Systems (ACS) — successfully recruited the scientist for the E.ON Energy Research Center. Ameze Big-Alabo, an experienced researcher with an international background, then moved from the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria to RWTH Aachen University.
She specialises in wind turbines and solar panels, as well as their integration into local energy grids. Her aim is to make microgrids more efficient, robust and sustainable. Microgrids are small, local energy networks that can operate separately from, or be connected to, the general power grid. Further development of these systems requires complex designs and mathematical modelling to represent real microgrids. This includes optimisation, energy management and fault detection.
‘My field of research fits in perfectly with the Institute’s focus areas in Aachen. I’m making good progress, and everything is going according to plan so far,’ the scientist made her initial assessment.
Computer-aided simulations play a vital role in her work. She analyses how different energy sources can be combined most effectively. When modelling solar panels, for example, she considers factors such as solar intensity, outdoor temperature, geographical location and panel size. These simulations are then followed by experimental tests. As well as the intensive computer-based work, she values personal dialogue within the research team.
‘I really like the international community that exists here. There are many people from different backgrounds working at the institute and I get on well with all of them,’ says the researcher.
Ameze Big-Alabo has extensive international experience. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering in Nigeria, after which she was awarded a scholarship to study for a Master’s degree in Advanced Control Systems Engineering at the University of Manchester. She won the Neil Munro Prize for the best Master’s thesis in her field there. This was followed by a scholarship to undertake a PhD at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
The scientist hopes to continue collaborating with RWTH after her research stay ends in April 2026. Upon her return, she intends to resume her teaching activities in Nigeria. Her long-term goal is to help improve the energy supply in her home country.
‘Energy generation is one of the biggest challenges that we face. I want to use the knowledge that I acquire during my research visits to help with sustainable development,’ Ameze Big-Alabo explains.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is aimed at highly qualified postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines and all over the world. It enables researchers at various stages of their academic careers to conduct personal research projects in collaboration with a host research institution in Germany. The monthly stipend amounts to €3,200 plus fringe benefits. The fellowship can be applied for in periods of between six and 18 months, and can be divided into up to three stays within a three-year period.
The Henriette Herz Scouting Programme enables renowned and well-connected researchers to expand their team with excellent Humboldt Research Fellows. When nominating fellows, individual life and educational paths are taken into account, particularly with regard to equal opportunities and accessibility.
Further information on the Humboldt Research Fellowship and the Henriette Herz Scouting Programme can be found via the links provided.
