Microfluidics, the art of controlling fluids within miniaturized chips, is a key technology for the future of many scientific and economic sectors such as medical diagnosis, pharmacology, chemical engineering. In recent years, we have logically witnessed the maturation and transfer of certain research bricks to industry: creation of start-ups, increasing involvement of industries (Solvay, Total, etc.). In parallel, new research themes are emerging, often based on an essential pluridisciplinarity: biologists elucidate the mechanisms of living organisms by developing model micro-environments; new energy conversion approaches integrate new materials, nanofluidics, electrical transport.
It is therefore an active field, strongly multidisciplinary, mixing fundamental research or new approaches and application developments. The interest of sharing a common scientific culture was perceived from the first developments of the discipline: in 2004, a summer school in Cargèse had launched the microfluidic movement in France. Since then, a GDR of the CNRS (www.gdrmicrofluidique.com) led by A. M. Gué then S. Descroix was created and federates more than 150 permanent researchers. Three thematic schools have already been held under the aegis of the GDR: Les Houches (2010), Agay (2012), and Porquerolles (2015).
In line with this coexistence of new themes and maturation towards industry, the 2017 edition will offer courses on the key disciplines of the field, a focus on a few emerging themes, and an openness towards applications and transfer towards the industry.
More information on Lectures, Activities and Provisional planning pages.
The School will be held from 25 to 30 June 2017 at the VTF-Les Bruyères Holiday Center located in Carcans-Maubuisson (see Practical Informations).
