NSERC CREATE Biointerfaces Training Program

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Our understanding of the nature of the biological/material interface, or biointerface, impacts all materials in biological media from contact lenses to blood contacting materials to diagnostic test strips and new bioseparation media. The CREATE Biointerfaces Training Program will provide unique training to graduate students, undergraduates and postdoctoral fellows in the development, characterization and application of bioactive and stealth biointerfaces for ophthalmic biomaterials and biosensor coatings. The proposed program aligns with the NSERC priority area "Health and related life sciences and technologies" and will train HQP from six academic departments across three universities. The new multidisciplinary training program, to be housed within the recently established Biointerfaces Institute at McMaster, will bring together scientists, engineers and health scientists from a range of disciplines to provide trainees with unique skills in: 1) high throughput synthesis and screening techniques to rapidly prepare and identify surfaces with a specific set of desired properties; 2) the use of advanced spectroscopic methods to fully characterize bioactive and stealth interfaces; and, 3) the application of newly discovered materials for the preparation of advanced biomedical devices. Trainees will also have abundant opportunities to work in collaboration with industry partners, in some cases in their facilities, to learn the skills involved in translating laboratory research to industry, and will take specially designed courses (IP and patents, business presentations, specialized biointerfaces courses), to develop the professional and communication skills needed to succeed in their future employment.