Leaving Oslo in 22°C and sunshine and arriving in Trondheim to 8°C and rain was perhaps the most realistic possible start to a biomaterials network meeting in Norway. Fortunately, the scientific climate was considerably warmer.
Researchers from NTNU, SINTEF and the University of Oslo gathered in Trondheim on 28–29 May 2026 for the first meeting of BIOPOL-nett: Network within responsive biomaterials. The meeting was organised by Aman Chahal, Øystein Arlov and Berit Løkensgard Strand, and supported by the Research Council of Norway.
The programme brought together researchers from chemistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, odontology and biomaterials to discuss responsive biomaterials, biopolymers, research infrastructure and future collaborative opportunities.
The Department of Biomaterials contributed actively throughout the meeting. Håvard Haugen introduced the UiO BIOMAT group during the opening session. Torben Hildebrand presented work on “From Micro- to Nano-CT: 3D Imaging Across Scales and Contrast-Enhanced Micro-CT”, highlighting how advanced 3D imaging can support biomaterials research across length scales.
Satar Yousefiasl presented in vitro and in vivo peri-implantitis models, while Athina Samara discussed biocompatibility testing using 3D models and biomaterial databases. Anita Kavlie presented the EATRIS network platform as a tool for strengthening future research partnerships and grant applications.
The meeting also gave participants an overview of complementary expertise across the network, from polymer chemistry and alginate-based models to liposomes, drug delivery, antimicrobial materials and translational infrastructure.
BIOPOL-nett connects directly to the Research Council’s network scheme, which supports collaboration among evaluated research groups, more effective use of infrastructure, stronger links between basic and applied research, and positioning for future national and European funding applications.
For the Department of Biomaterials, the network builds on a strong foundation. In the EVALMEDHELSE evaluation, the department was described as a dynamic, world-leading research group with strong international presence, high-quality publications, innovation activity and translational research benefiting patients and society.
Beyond the formal programme, the meeting created space for new ideas, potential student projects and future joint Research Council of Norway and EU applications.
Many thanks to our colleagues at NTNU and SINTEF for hosting, and to the Research Council of Norway for supporting BIOPOL-nett. Also, thanks to Trondheim for reminding us that weather is a responsive material system in its own right.
Acknowledgement: Research Council of Norway Grant, Biopol-nett: Nettverk innen responsive biomaterialer (360215)
