LIMNI-KU Leuven Institute for Micro-and Nanoscale Integration

KU Leuven hosts a wide variety of researchers that work at the micro- and nanoscale. A plurality of aspects of nanotechnology is investigated by research groups in mechanical, electrical and materials engineering, bioengineering, physics, biology, chemistry, and medical sciences. Many of these groups are well-known or even world-leading in their respective fields. However, sharing and integrating the knowledge of these experts is often required to address tomorrow’s challenges. Many untapped opportunities lie in the integration between the different branches of research across faculties, departments and research groups that focus in their own way on micro- and nanoscale materials, devices and systems. Many -often informal- collaborations revolving around integrated microand nanosystems already take place, often at the KU Leuven Nanocentre. These laboratories have become a focal point of interdisciplinary activities at KU Leuven, where researchers meet and collaborate. However, while this proto-institute has excellent researchers and equipment, and even a dedicated building, it remains a faceless black box to the outside world. Also internally, a structured framework and support for collaborative research on micro- and nanoscale integration are lacking. Due to the lack of visibility and coordination, a range of opportunities is missed out on. To remedy this situation, we propose to found the Leuven Institute for Micro- and Nanoscale Integration (LIMNI), which will focus on strongly increasing collaborative research on micro- and nanoscale integration across length scales. LIMNI will provide a structure to coordinate activities, and explore, develop, and exploit strategic synergies.