Training School 2026 | EuroCurvoBioNet

EuroCurvoBioNet Training School 2026
Curvature Across Scales
Theory - Imaging - Fabrication - Biology

The COST Action CurvoBio Net Training School will bring together PhD candidates
and early-career postdoctoral researchers to explore
the role of curvature across biological and bioengineered systems.

Hosted by TU Delft, this interdisciplinary program combines theoretical foundations
with hands-on laboratory sessions, bridging physics, biology, mechanics,
imaging, biomaterials, and advanced manufacturing.

The workshop will be held in combination with a hybrid Management Committee Meeting.

All eligible participation costs will be covered by the COST Action EuroCurvoBioNet.

Where & When:

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Delft, The Netherlands

MC Meeting:
on 06.07.2026 (pm)
Process and Energy (P&E lecture room 0.290 R)

Training School:
from 07.07.2026 (8.30 am) to 09.07.2026 (5 pm)
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Hall D

Target Audience:

PhD candidates
Early-career postdoctoral researchers
Active participants in COST Action EuroCurvoBioNet

Approximately 20 participants will be selected.

Scientific Activities:

Theoretical modules

M1 – Physical and Mathematical Principles in Biology:
Curvature, elasticity, geometry-mechanics coupling, and fluid mechanics in biological systems.

M2 – Mechanobiology:
Cell mechanics, mechanotransduction, tissue morphogenesis, and therapeutic applications.

M3 – Imaging and Visualization:
Confocal microscopy, electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), microCT, MRI, and advanced visualization tools.

M4 – Curvature Across Scales:
Membrane and cytoskeletal curvature, organ shaping, multiscale perspectives, and technological applications.

Practical Sessions

3D Printing (metal & polymer additive manufacturing)

Mechanical Testing (quasi-static and fatigue)

Imaging Techniques (microCT, SEM, confocal microscopy)

In vitro evaluation of biointerfaces (cell adaptation and growth on 3D printed substrates)

Registration

Open until 19.03.2026

Detailed Program

Monday, July 6th, 2026

📍 Meeting room: Process and Energy (P&E lecture room 0.290 R)

13:00–13:30 | Arrival & Welcome Coffee
13:30–15:00 | MC Meeting – Session 1
15:00–15:30 | Coffee Break
15:30–17:00 | MC Meeting – Session 2
17:00–17:30 | Informal Networking

Tuesday, July 7th, 2026

📍 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Hall D

Morning – Theory Module 1 (M1)

08:45–09:00 | Welcome & Introduction
Overview of EuroCurvoBioNet
Objectives of the Training School
09:00–10:30 | Lecture 1
Curvature, elasticity, and geometrical principles
10:30–11:00 | Coffee Break + Poster Session (Part I)
Selected participants present posters informally
Organizers circulate for discussion
11:00–12:00 | Lecture 2
Curvature in biological systems & fluid mechanics
12:00–13:00 | Lunch

Afternoon – Practical Sessions

13:00–15:00 | Rotating Lab Sessions
3D Printing (metal & polymer)
Mechanical Testing
15:00–15:30 | Coffee Break + Organizational aspects for the next session
15:30–17:00 | Continued Rotations / Live Demonstrations
Design-to-fabrication workflow
Linking curvature to mechanical response

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

📍 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Hall D

Morning – Theory Modules 2 & 3

09:00–10:30 | Mechanobiology (M2)
Cell mechanics
Mechanosensing and mechanotransduction
10:30–11:00 | Coffee Break + Poster Session (Part II)
11:00–12:00 | Imaging & therapeutic relevance (M3)
12:00–13:00 | Lunch

Afternoon – Biointerface Imaging (M2 & M3)

13:00–15:00 | Rotating Biointerface and Imaging Sessions
MicroCT
SEM
Confocal fluorescence microscopy
15:00–15:30 | Coffee Break
15:30–17:00 | Imaging Data Interpretation Workshop
Linking imaging metrics to curvature and cell analysis
Discussion of methodological challenges

Thursday, July 9th, 2026

📍 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Hall D

Morning – Theory Module 4 (M4)

09:00–10:30 | Curvature in biological systems
10:30–11:00 | Coffee Break + Poster Session (Part II)
11:00–12:00 | Technology and application
12:00–13:00 | Lunch

Afternoon – Integration & Future Directions

13:00–15:00 | Working Group Clustering Session to discuss
Open scientific challenges
Methodological needs
Potential joint projects/ Cross-disciplinary collaboration opportunities
Plenary Reporting (5–7 minutes per group)
Identification of collaborative action points
15:00–15:30 | Coffee Break
15:30–16:30 | Wrap-up session (panel discussion, Q&A)
16:30–17:00 | Closing Remarks & Certificate Distribution