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A Koç University researcher is developing bladder monitoring thanks to an ERC grant
Oct
Dr. Levent Beker from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Koç University has once again received support from the European Research Council (ERC) for his research that focuses on improving the quality of our everyday lives.
His previous project on an implant that can detect signs of heart failure and degradation in the body without surgery received a €2.5 million early-career grant from the ERC. Last year, his research on a wireless microsensor enabling real-time monitoring of food spoilage in supermarkets was published Nature’s food Warehouse.
Currently heading the Biointegrated Micro Devices Laboratory (BMDL) at Koç University, Dr. Levent Beker’s research continues to focus on life-enhancing technologies that can improve our daily lives and protect our health. His latest project entitled “Ultrasonic device for continuous monitoring of the urinary bladder” (BladderWatch) received a Proof of Concept grant from the ERC worth EUR 150,000.
BladderWatch offers an inventive solution that increases the mobility of patients requiring continuous monitoring of bladder volume. Patients will be able to easily apply this portable monitoring tool outside the hospital.
Dr. Levent Beker, BMDL group doctoral students Alp Toymuş and Emine Bardakçı will carry out an 18-month project in cooperation with prof. Dr. Tufan Tarcan and doc. prof. Dr. Ersin Köseoğlu from Koç University School of Medicine.
Dr. Levent Beker commented on his project: “The BladderWatch project aims to make life easier for millions of people around the world suffering from lower urinary tract dysfunction. Currently, the lack of continuous monitoring methods and anatomical limitations cause patients to incur high treatment costs. This ERC-supported project creates a low-cost alternative to current methods that require specialized supervision and hospital equipment. Thanks to the fully wireless, compact and comfortable to wear ultrasound device proposed in the BladderWatch project, we want to significantly improve the quality of life of patients. This tool, which can be easily used outside the hospital setting, will also assist reduce future healthcare costs associated with this disease, enabling accessible and sustainable care.”
The aim of ERC Proof-of-Concept grants is to bring leading-edge research closer to practical applications. Through these grants, the ERC supports breakthrough innovation, including discoveries at early stages of commercialization. Koç University faculty members received 29 of the 52 ERC grants awarded to Türkiye.
