Jonathan Briones receives the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Grant

We are happy to announce that MERLN Institute's Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Jonathan Briones, has been awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship! This esteemed grant will support Dr. Stefan Giselbrecht's Morphogenetic Micro Engineering group in advancing research on early embryogenesis.

In a collaborative effort with Dr. Edith Coonen (MUMC+) and the ethical advisor Dr. Ana Pereira Daoud (LUMC), Jonathan's project aims to investigate the crucial role of biophysical factors in early embryo development using advanced 3D cell models derived from pluripotent stem cells. By integrating state-of-the-art microfluidic technologies with developmental biology, this research seeks to uncover how these factors shape the earliest stages of human life.

The project will utilize cutting-edge techniques such as computational modeling, real-time imaging, and advanced biomaterials to create controlled microenvironments that mimic the complex conditions of early embryo development. This approach will allow for precise manipulation and observation of factors that influence cell fate decisions and tissue formation.

His work holds significant promise for enhancing our understanding of human embryogenesis and potentially improving in-vitro fertilization techniques. By further elucidating the impact of environmental factors, such as mechanical forces, on embryo development, this research could lead to optimized culture conditions and increased success rates in assisted reproductive technologies. This MSCA fellowship not only recognizes Jonathan's expertise but also highlights MERLN Institute's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research at the forefront of regenerative medicine and developmental biology.