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)

Eligibility:

You can apply if you are (mandatory):
- A PhD student or an early career post-doctoral researcher (up to 2 years after the completion of the PhD).
- Coming from a COST member country

You need to submit (mandatory):

- A short motivation statement (max. 1 page), stating why are you interested in participating in this training school and your relation to Curvature in Biology

- Letter of recommendation from the direct supervisor (max. 1 page), validating your career stage (PhD student or early career post-doctoral researcher) and supporting your application

- Short CV (max. 2 pages)

Useful to know:
- Your participation will be sponsored by COST Action CA22153 (if selected).
- If you are not a member yet, please consider joining here
- COST guidelines require us to prioritize PhD students in particular and to ensure gender balance as well as a significant representation of participants from ITC countries

Registration

Open until 19.03.2026

Local Organizers

Mohammad J. Mirzaali

Delft University of Technology,
The Netherlands

Biomimetic Tissue InterfacEs

Lidy Fratila-Apachitei

Delft University of Technology,
The Netherlands

Regenerative Biomaterials & Biointerfaces

Roderick Tas

Delft University of Technology,
The Netherlands

Mechanical Engineering

Amir A. Zadpoor

Delft University of Technology,
The Netherlands

Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics

Ioannis Papantoniou

KU Leuven,
Belgien

Department of Development & Regeneration

Preliminary 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
Principles of elasticity
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
Geometrical principles of curvature
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