Connected with the research project whose aim is to develop new diagnostic and prognostic methods and devices, the training project aims at training highly qualified technical,scientific and managerial professionals in the micro and nano technology sector with application in the “healthcare” sector. Three different educational targets have therefore been designed and achieved (OF) each of which aimed at training a different technical professional figure. In particular two educational targets aiming at developing competences in the micro and nano technology sector for biosensors (OF1 – Expert in micro and nano technologies for diagnostic bio sensors) and drug delivery systems (OF2 – Expert in developing drug delivery nano technologies). The third educational target (OF3 – Expert in transferring knowledge processes and development of scientific research in the healthcare sector) focusing instead on “managerial” ed “entrepreneurial”competences and technical knowledge in the sector of micro and nano technologies for “health” and this is all aimed at increasing the potentials of technology transfer and know-how in the two specific sector of the associated research project. The Hippocrates training programme involved 27 graduates in different engineering sectors (Pysics, Chemistry and Biology), selected among 268 applicants through an interview.The participants attended 12 intensive months of lectures held by teachers, renowned experts from Italy, Europe and US. They then took part in a 7-month internship, at firms (SIFI and STMicroelectronics) and scientific labs (CNR-IMM, Catania, Messina and Palermo University) involved in the research project in which each trainee studied in depth specific applicative themes and developed a specific project,supported by a tutor.
Here follow some of the themes that were dealt with:

• Inductive and capacitive
• Metal nano structures
• Biosensorial systems for proteins and nucleic acids
• Sensors based on carbon nanotubes
• Treatment processes for biochemical sensors
• Drug delivery in ophtalmic therapies
• Light-powered drug-delivery systems
• Hybrid nanoplatforms for indrug delivery applications and imaging
• Technology transfer, research and development, spin-off, project financing and innovative financing for start-ups in the healthcare sector
• Marketing strategies and business plans connected with the healthcare sector

The training project ended inJune 2015 with the exams and the closing ceremony in which the trainees were awarded their certificates. Twenty-four of the twenty-seven trainees completed the training course successfully presenting the excellent results achieved during the internship at the final examination. It was gratifying and extremely rewarding to follow the trainees involved in the Hippocrates, project and many of them are currently putting into practice the competences they gained through the project at work and in research contracts with Italian and international Universities.

Educational Objective 1: Technologist researcher expert in micro and nano technologies for bio sensors integrated in diagnostic applications

CONCETTA LUCIA MESSINEO
Data di nascita: 06/12/1988
Luogo di nascita: Bronte CT

DANIELE MOTTA
Data di nascita: 08/05/1984
Luogo di nascita: CATANIA

DOMENICA PALMIGIANO
Data di nascita: 12/11/1988
Luogo di nascita: Bronte CT

DORIANA FEMMINO’
Data di nascita: 19/01/1989
Luogo di nascita: Messina

EMANUELE CAPPELLO
Data di nascita: 28/06/1989
Luogo di nascita: PALAGONIA CT

MARIA FRANCESCA SANTANGELO
Data di nascita: 15/09/1988
Luogo di nascita: Salemi TP

SALVO BUCCHERI
Data di nascita: 07/08/1986
Luogo di nascita: SIRACUSA

SOFIA SPAMPINATO
Data di nascita: 13/05/1988
Luogo di nascita: CATANIA

VALENTINA MARIA SINATRA
Data di nascita: 04/08/1982
Luogo di nascita: Catania

Educational Objective 2: Researcher technologist expert in the development of nano technologies for drug delivery

BRUNO D’AGOSTINO
Data di nascita: 17/02/1988
Luogo di nascita: Vimercate MI

DOMENICO LONGO
Data di nascita: 24/09/1981
Luogo di nascita: Messina

ELISA DI BELLA
Data di nascita: 25/07/1986
Luogo di nascita: Acireale CT

FRANCESCA MARIA DIOGUARDI
Data di nascita: 31/01/1984
Luogo di nascita: Palermo

LARA CUTRONA
Data di nascita: 26/07/1986
Luogo di nascita: Palermo PA

MARA MOBILIA
Data di nascita: 20/11/1981
Luogo di nascita: Taorimina ME

PATRIZIA DI PIETRO
Data di nascita: 29/09/1987
Luogo di nascita: Acireale CT

RAFFAELLA PINO
Data di nascita: 08/06/1985
Luogo di nascita: Messina

ROBERTA PICCIOTTO
Data di nascita: 29/10/1982
Luogo di nascita: CATANIA

SILVIA NICOLOSI
Data di nascita: 29/08/1983
Luogo di nascita: LEONFORTE EN

Educational Objective 3: Expert technologist of knowledge transfer processes and enhancement of scientific research in the healthcare sector

CHIARA GELARDI
Data di nascita: 02/07/1984
Luogo di nascita: Palermo

EUGENIA TIZIANA MANISCALCHI
Data di nascita: 07/08/1982
Luogo di nascita: CATANIA

MARIA GRAZIA CAMBRIA
Data di nascita: 25/09/1983
Luogo di nascita: REGGIO CALABRIA

MARINA BARRESI
Data di nascita: 12/06/1984
Luogo di nascita: MESSINA

NUNZIO SALVATORE PEDITTO
Data di nascita: 23/10/1984
Luogo di nascita: CATANIA