We are pleased to announce that ChiLAB-ITEM is attending NanoInnovation 2025, a nanotechnology event held in Rome from September 15th to 19th. The conference, hosted at the Faculty of Civil and Industrial Engineering of Sapienza, brings together leading scientists and industry professionals to explore the latest advancements in the field.
Our lab is also participating in YoungInnovation, a dedicated session to young researchers. Today, September 17th, our researcher, Giulia Mossotti, will present her work from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Her talk, titled "Fluid Dynamic Co-Design of Sensors for Heavy Metal Detection in Water," will delve into a critical issue: the slow, outdated process of water testing. Current methods can take hours or days, creating a dangerous delay that can lead to irreversible environmental damage and public health risks, especially with hazardous contaminants like heavy metals.
Giulia's presentation will showcase a new approach to this problem. The research team here at Chilab-ITEM has developed, thanks to a multidisciplinary and collaborative effort, a co-design methodology for creating smart, modular sensor platforms capable of real-time, on-site analysis. By using advanced fluid dynamic simulations, the team can optimize key performance parameters—such as sample flow and sensor response time—before any physical components are built. This "simulation-first" approach ensures a seamless integration of high-sensitivity sensors into robust, self-contained units.
The research not only presents a novel device but also a validated framework for creating tools that enable immediate, data-driven interventions. These tools can trigger automated alerts, adjust process controls, and pinpoint pollution sources, proactively safeguarding our water resources and public health. This work highlights our lab's collaborative spirit and expertise in advanced simulation.
