International School on Material Interfaces for Engineering Living Systems
8-11 September 2025



In recent years, a highly interdisciplinary research community has focused on developing new abiotic interfaces designed to couple with biotic targets (cells, tissues, and organs). Progress in understanding the fundamental principles governing the biotic–abiotic interface has led to the creation of novel bio-hybrid systems, characterized by the synergistic interplay of biological and synthetic elements. These engineered living systems can be modulated to restore and improve essential biological functions. They may exploit several communication pathways, such as electron or ion transport, photon-based interactions, enzymatic activity, or chemical reactions, depending on the chosen material. This versatility enables potential applications in a variety of fields, including power generation, robotics, wastewater treatment, and drug delivery. The scope of this school is to provide a venue for learning and discussing bio-hybrid interfaces. The broad view is to encourage discussion among students and early-stage researchers in different fields such as chemistry, biology, material science, and physics, which will contribute to the growth and establishment of this new research community.
A beautiful location
Lake Como School of Advanced studies is located c/o Fondazione Alessandro Volta in the beautiful setting of Villa del Grumello, in Como, Italy

Venue & Accommodation
The Lake Como School of Advanced Studies is an international research facility. We run fellowships, short term programmes on a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects, that share a common focus on complex systems.