Showcase your advanced research
Every year, in the Application Image Competition, Heidelberg Instruments’ system users showcase the capabilities of our tools in advanced research.
The competition regularly attracts an impressive array of submissions from around the world, highlighting the remarkable breakthroughs and innovations taking place in fields such as nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, quantum devices, flexible electronics, photonics, and more. The competition truly captures the spirit of cutting-edge research and the potential of our technology.
Every year all users of Heidelberg Instruments systems are invited to participate in the “Application Image Competition on Advanced Micro- & Nanofabrication”. The competition is an opportunity for the worldwide community to showcase their work, using Heidelberg Instruments communication channels, to win a total of 10,000 € in prizes. Each prize will be given as a donation.
- Upload 1 to 5 images and/or a short video (< 3min) illustrating one innovative application, referred to as “images” in the following text.
- Submitted images should highlight the use of a Heidelberg Instruments tool (any current or past system including VPG, DWL, MLA, µPG, µMLA, NanoFrazor & MPO 100).
- The images must be free of third-party copyright.
- The images can be made with any equipment (e.g. cameras or microscopes).
- The images can be slightly edited when it serves an illustrative purpose (e.g. scale bar or naming of elements).
- Heidelberg Instruments will have the full rights to use the images online or in printed form. It will be associated with a reference chosen by the submitter (author’s name and/or institution).
- Winners will be selected by a committee nominated by Heidelberg Instruments.
- Multiple entries, regarding different applications, will be accepted and should be made separately.
- Illustrative quality of the images (the images should help in understanding the application).
- Aesthetic and quality of the images (accuracy, sharpness & resolution).
- Clear and concise descriptions of the application and its associated images.
- Creativity and innovation of the application.
- Energy-saving or green environmental advantages of the application will also be taken into account.
Previous editions
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2023/2024
In the second edition, the first prize was awarded to Mr. Basit Ali, for his suspended Si nanowires fabricated with precise patterning of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) anchors, followed by ion-beam etching for monolithic fabrication. This low-cost, high-resolution approach offers potential for nanowire-based biochemical sensors and opens new horizons for inertial sensors with precise MEMS and nanowire geometries. -
2022/2023
In the first edition, Kei Ikemori and Prof. Yuichi Wakamoto took home first prize for their use of a µMLA to pattern microchambers in PDMS using an SU-8 mould. Bacteria with a synthetic gene circuit and fluorescent proteins were grown in these microchambers, mimicking stem cells in multicellular organisms. The first prize was awarded with the satisfaction of knowing that our systems are contributing to advancements in biological and medical research. They not only benefit human health but also contribute to the understanding and conservation of the natural environment.