MESA+ Institute | University of Twente

REALIsING GRAND SOLUTIONS WITH THE EXTREMELY SMALL

At MESA+, we believe in realising grand solutions with the extremely small. We contribute to solving current and future societal challenges. We do this by using our fascination with the extremely small. We bring societal challenges inside and use our fascination to work on innovative and sustainable solutions. We focus on societal challenges in four application areas: Health, AgriFood & Water, Security, and Energy & Sustainability.

With our research, we contribute to a fair, sustainable and digital society.

Ground-breaking research

Embracing a cross-disciplinary approach and benefiting from the MESA+ NanoLab, over 500 researchers deliver high quality, frequently ground-breaking research. MESA+ actively seeks collaboration with external partners providing an excellent setting for consortium formation. Next to our excellent scientists and facilities, we offer a strong regional ecosystem that creates the breeding ground to let ideas blossom and grow to relevant, successful solutions and businesses.

News

Developing connection standards for heart-on-chips

Major breakthrough for brain-like computers

A breakthrough at the University of Twente is bringing new brain-like computers one step closer. An international group of researchers led by Professor Christian Nijhuis has developed a new type of molecular switch that can learn from previous behaviour. The group published their results today in the scientific journal Nature Materials. Nijhuis: “These molecules learn in the same way our brains do.”

Photonic Integration Technology Center launches Metrology program to drastically reduce the cost of photonic chips

Integrated photonics will have a sustainable impact on society, but its adoption is hampered by long product development cycles and limited production throughput. Improving and scaling measurement and test technology are crucial for accelerating the uptake of integrated photonics. To address these challenges, the Photonic Integration Technology Center has launched the Metrology program, aimed at developing design-for-test methodologies and new product characterization and test automation tools. The program consortium includes integrated photonics designers, manufacturers, and product suppliers, as well as automated test equipment suppliers. The program kicked off with an official starting event last September, and is still open to (international) companies that wish to join a neutral platform for photonics metrology development.

New UT Spin-off Superlight Photonics

There isn’t a magic spell that solves all world problems. But Superlight Photonics’ innovation comes surprisingly close. Haider Zia, researcher in integrated and nonlinear optics and founder of UT spin-off Superlight Photonics tells all about how his integrated photonics solution can change the world.

The science of breaking free-standing thin films

Free-standing thin films are used in a number of different applications, such as various microelectromechanical systems and thin free-standing membranes to make transparent windows for electrons, X-rays and extreme ultraviolet. In his PhD project, Dr Airat Shafikov studied mechanical fracture of such free-standing thin films and developed new techniques to characterize their fracture properties. For this work, he has been awarded a cum laude degree.

More news

Life as a PhD-student at MESA+

What is it like to be a PhD student at the MESA+ institute? Rosa Luca Bouwmeester's research focused on Topological insulators, a relatively new class of materials. ‘In close collaboration with other groups, we were able to think, and work, out of the box in order to take the research a decisive step further.’

Signing Ceremony MESA+ en IIS

MESA+ and the Institute of Industrial Science of the University of Tokyo expressed a convergence of will. On Monday 5 October 2020, both parties signed a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). “This agreement further strengthens the collaboration of both institutions”, says Prof Dr Albert van den Berg, scientific director of MESA+.

Our NanoLab in 360°

MESA+ has a 1250 m2 state-of-the-art NanoLab which consists of a Cleanroom and Analysis facilities. Research on the nanometre scale needs a laboratory with extreme specifications. Any influencing effects from the environment, such as vibration and electromagnetic disturbances, are virtually non-existent. The environmental conditions inside the building are extremely stable. Discover our NanoLab in 360°!

Photo contest

The winner of the MESA+ photo contest of the first quarter of 2021 is Mohammed Hassan of the Multi Scale Mechanics (MSM) group, with this picture, titled, Uni-Axial Comppressed Particles.

MESA+ Meeting 2019 aftermovie

The MESA+ Meeting 2019 took place on september 30 in Kinepolis, Enschede. It was a day full of posters, lectures and meetings to form new ideas and connections. Watch the aftermovie to relive the MESA+ Meeting.