Advancing Nanoscience Together: SUSNANO at nanoBalkan 2025

The 3rd edition of nanoBalkan 2025 took place in Tirana from 29 September to 3 October 2025, bringing together over 200 participants from across Europe, Japan, and the Western Balkans. Organised by the Phantoms Foundation and co-chaired by Prof. Arben Merkoçi (ICN2), the event was supported by the SUSNANO project, the University of Tirana, NanoAlb, and the Academy of Sciences of Albania.

The conference featured an extensive programme — from plenary lectures to specialised workshops — covering topics such as nanomedicine, energy storage, biosensing, and molecular biotechnology.

Plenary Highlights

Among the inspiring talks were:

• Prof. Andrea Ferrari (University of Cambridge, UK) – on layered materials for quantum light and sensing applications;

• Dr. Maria Guix (University of Barcelona, Spain) – presenting bio-hybrid robotics integrating living muscle systems;

• Prof. Javier Ramón-Azcón (IBEC, Spain) – introducing organ-on-chip platforms for advanced therapy evaluation;

• Cecilia Jimenez (CSIC, Spain) – showcasing smart microsensors for real-time water quality monitoring;

• Mariangela Di Donato (CNR-ICCOM, Italy) – discussing self-assembled nanoparticles for photothermal cancer therapy.

  
  

SUSNANO’s Contribution

The SUSNANO Satellite Workshop and NanoBiosensors School created space for young researchers to exchange knowledge and learn from leading experts, aligning perfectly with SUSNANO’s mission to advance sustainable nanotechnologies and foster collaboration across Europe and the Western Balkans.

With its rich agenda and vibrant participation, nanoBalkan 2025 strengthened ties between academia, research institutions, and industry, confirming its role as a key regional hub for innovation in nanoscience.