Doctoral Network for Wound Infection Advanced Care and Rapid Diagnosis
Training 11 doctoral candidates to build smart microneedle wound patches that detect infection in real time and treat it on demand.
HEAL4WARD is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network training 11 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) to develop next-generation solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of wound infections.
The project combines advanced nanomaterials, antimicrobial peptidomimetics, 3D printing technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prototype multifunctional microneedle wound patches capable of:
(Nano)material science
Pharmaceutical chemistry
3D printing
Toxicology / microbiology
Sensors
One integrated patch, four functions
Wound infections place a significant strain on healthcare systems and are a major cause of sepsis, hospitalisation and antimicrobial resistance. They are often difficult to treat, particularly when bacteria form protective biofilms. Current treatments frequently depend on broad-spectrum antibiotics and slow laboratory tests, which can delay targeted care.
HEAL4WARD introduces smart microneedle wound patches as an integrated solution. The technology combines advanced nanomaterials, antimicrobial peptidomimetics and label-free sensors in a single platform, enabling real-time detection of infection biomarkers and on-demand antimicrobial action. Supported by 3D printing and artificial intelligence, the approach paves the way for more precise, personalised wound infection management.
HEAL4WARD has been recruiting 11 highly motivated and talented doctoral candidates to join our interdisciplinary network.
Each position offers a fully funded 36-month doctoral project, international mobility and intersectoral secondments across leading academic, clinical and industrial partners in Europe.
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HEAL4WARD brings together a highly interdisciplinary and complementary consortium of 19 organisations from eight European countries, spanning academia, research, healthcare, industry and non-profit sectors. The consortium combines expertise in materials, nanotechnology, sensing, additive manufacturing, AI and clinical research.
