DCU host international microfluidics conference
The world’s largest and most prestigious conference on small sample fluid technologies, MicroTAS 2016, officially commenced at the Convention Centre Dublin this morning (Monday, October 10th).
Over 1,100 global academic and industry leaders from over 40 different countries have gathered to discuss the latest trends and developments in the area of microfluidic “lab-on-a-chip” technologies which are of significant interest to the healthcare, pharmaceutical, agri-food, ICT and environmental sectors.
“Lab-on-a-chip” technologies are about revolutionising various aspects of people’s lives, from healthcare enabling rapid blood tests in GP surgeries and patient self-testing at home to agriculture where farmers can use in-field testing to get quick feedback on animal or crop health.
Over 500 Transition Year students will also attend a public outreach programme involving a presentation by the pioneer of microfluidics Professor Elisabeth Verpoorte and experiments conducted by international scientists tomorrow (Tuesday, October 11th).
The conference which is hosted by Dublin City University and jointly chaired by Professor Jens Ducrée (DCU) and Professor Nicole Pamme (University of Hull) is expected to generate over €4 million for the local economy.
Professor Jens Ducrée, Dublin City University said:
“This is the first time that this high-calibre conference is taking place in Ireland and it is a fantastic opportunity for academics, scientists and industry leaders to come together and discuss the latest trends and innovations in microfluidics, a technology that will offer substantial benefits for everybody.
We are pleased to have such a distinguished panel of speakers over the course of the conference. In addition, the MicroTAS outreach event, taking place on Tuesday, is a wonderful opportunity for our future generation to immerse themselves in the world of STEM and realise the huge value of studying STEM subjects in their senior school cycle and also fostering a life-long appreciation of science and technology.”
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of MicroTAS with a series of events over the course of the conference, including scientific demos and exhibitions celebrating this milestone.
The MicroTAS conference concludes on Thursday, October 13th.