The DECISION consortium is developing a new class of diagnostic platform that will transform the fight against pandemics. The low-cost, miniaturised, disposable molecular diagnostic platform will allow for patient testing virtually anywhere, within a few minutes, with laboratory quality performance. The diagnostic platform will enable rapid detection of Covid-19 infections on-site in a multitude of settings including drive-through testing centres, physician offices, airports, hospitals and quarantine centres. First demonstrators of the disposable molecular diagnostic platform and coronavirus test will be available five months after the start of the project and could be provided to emergency first responders and public health authorities. The platform is powered by a next-generation nucleic acid amplification technology called Pulse Controlled Amplification (PCA®), which enables sample-to-answer workflows in 15 minutes or less. The DECISION consortium is comprised of teams from Italy, Spain and Germany, and is highly motivated to develop a ground-breaking diagnostic solution to help the serious crisis faced across the world due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

Only a few years ago, a mobile phone was exclusively used to make calls; today, it is a powerful, smart computer. Cars used to be purely mechanical, but now they're full of computing technology. Even medical equipment has evolved from basic instruments to high-tech systems. But for electronic engineers, it is a tough world, as more complex electronics are being positioned closer to each other, creating the conditions for electromagnetic interference (EMI). We simply cannot predict with any certainty what new technologies will emerge in the next decade. However, based on our experience, we do know that they will introduce new forms of EMI – whether radiated or conducted, quasi-continuous or transient – amplifying the complexity of this issue. The iSENSE Doctoral Network on In-Situ Monitoring of Electromagnetic Interference has a clear mission: to train a new generation of experts who possess the skills and fundamental knowledge required to effectively address our intricate and ever-evolving electromagnetic environment to tackle the issue of EMI. Specific innovations to be expected are innovative EMI sensors and monitoring methodologies, early warning tools for detecting EMI, novel modelling and test strategies and, overall, a greater success in avoiding EMI issues. Based on the training in specific S/T skills, as well as soft and entrepreneurial skills, the iSENSE Doctoral Candidates will become highly employable scientists/engineers for the EU electronics sectors and other related industries, including automotive, medical equipment, power generation and distribution providers as well as for standardisation bodies, scientific institutions, and public organisations. Interdisciplinary training is assured with 9 universities and 2 research organizations as beneficiaries from 7 countries, while sectoral collaboration is ensured by support from industrial entities like Thales, Philips Healthcare, Valeo, Airbus, Barco, RISE, forming an integrated international consortium.