The University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA), one of our academic partners, recently presented the progress of its work during the NanoPhot EUR Research Day on 23 January 2026.
On this occasion, the teams unveiled a poster that highlighted the ALCOVE project, focusing on the preliminary characterisation of sensitive layers for VOC sensors.
This work is based on AFM measurements (atomic force microscopy, a technique used to observe surfaces at the nanometre scale) carried out in PeakForce mode, which provides extremely precise control over the interaction with the sample — an ideal approach for studying highly sensitive layers.
These investigations stem from close collaboration between IMT Nord Europe (sensor development) and URCA (AFM measurements), perfectly illustrating the strength of interdisciplinary work within ALCOVE.
This workshop-style event brought together 63 participants — undergraduate and master’s students (L3, M1, M2), PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and scientists — from several laboratories in Reims, as well as partners from L2n and the Université de Technologie de Troyes (an associate partner of the ALCOVE project).
It was a moment rich in discussions, knowledge exchange, and collective inspiration around breakthrough technologies.
Congratulations to the URCA team for this contribution, which strengthens the scientific momentum of the ALCOVE project and highlights the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing innovative solutions for respiratory health.
