Project Leader: Dr. Hab. Maciej Szkulmowski, Prof. UMK
The main goal of the OPTIMA project is to strengthen Nicolaus Copernicus University (UMK) as a global leader in applied optics. The project aims to foster strong and dynamic collaboration among researchers from various disciplines within UMK, as well as with national and international research communities and industry partners. This collaboration is intended to accelerate the development of innovative technologies, guiding them from initial concepts through feasibility studies and practical implementation to successful commercialization. The project focuses on three main research areas:
- The Human Body: Development of minimally invasive optical biomedical imaging techniques based on optical tomography, microscopy, and quantitative phase imaging, aimed at gaining insights into biological systems and identifying specific biomarkers for early detection of civilization diseases. These include:
- (a) Vision disorders, indicated by morphological and functional changes in the eye.
- (b) Systemic diseases, revealed through changes in retinal blood vessels and blood flow dynamics.
- (c) Neurodegenerative diseases, detected through changes in ocular neural tissue or precise quantification of eye morphology and dynamics.
- (d) Tumors, identified through sensitive detection of tissue mechanical properties or direct observation of cellular morphology and internal dynamics.
- The Human Mind: Creation of advanced optical technologies, such as optoretinography and ultrafast eye-tracking, for non-invasive monitoring of behavior and cognitive functions in healthy individuals as well as in people with neurological disorders or brain injuries. These optical technologies can be integrated with MRI, EEG, and psychological assessments to provide deeper and more comprehensive insights into complex cognitive processes.
- Human Creations: Development of non-destructive analytical tools using a broad spectrum of electromagnetic radiation for the study of materials used in art and archaeology. The goal is to preserve cultural heritage while obtaining new information about human-made objects.
To achieve these objectives, OPTIMA leverages a synergistic team of UMK experts in optics, electronics, computer science, signal processing, and artificial intelligence to develop advanced imaging technologies. This internal expertise is complemented by significant contributions from researchers in medicine, biology, behavioral sciences, materials science, and the humanities. Strategic national and international collaborations with academic and industrial partners further enhance the project’s impact and facilitate commercialization opportunities.
The OPTIMA project leader possesses documented technical and organizational experience, managing a team of close collaborators with advanced skills in electronics, photonics, software, and data processing. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and a consistent history of securing competitive national and international funding, the team currently collaborates with eight UMK faculties: Physics, Philosophy and Social Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Fine Arts, History, Humanities, and multiple departments within Collegium Medicum, including Ophthalmology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, and Pathomorphology. Moreover, the OPTIMA leader has successfully commercialized imaging technologies globally and attracted leading international researchers, strengthening UMK’s global network.
OPTIMA serves as a collaboration hub, inviting researchers from all UMK faculties to contribute their expertise to the development of fast, non-invasive, and objective imaging technologies aimed at expanding our understanding of the human body, mind, and creations. While initial collaboration will focus on the project’s core objectives, participation is open to all UMK researchers, promising a wealth of potential for diverse and impactful interdisciplinary partnerships.