The Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Exploring Advanced Materials and Dermocosmetic Futures” took place between 24 and 28 November 2025, combining online and in-person sessions hosted by the “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași (TUIASI).

Bringing together students and academics from Romania, Portugal, Bulgaria and Turkey, the BIP offered an integrated and hands-on learning experience focused on advanced materials, biomaterials, sustainable cosmetic formulation, biomedical applications, and industrial practices.

A Global Academic Partnership

The programme was organized by TUIASI in collaboration with:

International Co-organizers

• Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (Portugal)

• University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, UCTM (Bulgaria)

Invited Supporting Institutions

• Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University – Department of Bioengineering (Turkey)

• “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry

• Antibiotice Iași

• Romanian Society of Cosmetic Chemists

• Additional research centers, laboratories, companies, and industry partners.

Together, these institutions contributed to a diverse and interdisciplinary academic environment, combining expertise in chemistry, bioengineering, pharmacy, environmental engineering, and cosmetic sciences.

Programme Objectives and Structure

The BIP aimed to provide participating students with:

• A comprehensive understanding of advanced materials and biomaterials

• Practical skills in cosmetic and dermocosmetic formulation

• Exposure to green chemistry and sustainability principles

• Insights into industrial research, regulatory frameworks, and biomedical applications

• Opportunities for interdisciplinary teamwork in an international context

• Cultural immersion and institutional visits

The structure blended online introductory sessions (19 November) with five intensive days of in-person activities (24–28 November) in Iași, Romania.

Key Academic Activities and Scientific Contributions

The BIP featured lectures, workshops, and hands-on experiments delivered by over 25 speakers, including professors, researchers, medical doctors, industrial experts, and representatives of professional associations.

Advanced Materials – Scientific Exploration

Participants learned about:

• controlled biodegradation of medical implants

• advanced β-titanium alloys for biomedical applications

• alloying elements and their influence on medical materials

• preparation and microstructural analysis of biomaterials

• hybrid scaffold technologies

• smart drug delivery systems

• novel nanomaterials, perovskites, and quantum dots

These sessions highlighted cutting-edge developments in materials engineering and their links to personalized medicine and nanotechnology.

Dermocosmetic Futures – From Lab to Market

Students engaged in:

• a full laboratory workshop on sustainable cosmetic formulation

• designing and evaluating cleansing products, emulsions, and decorative cosmetics

• exploring green cosmetic ingredients and eco-friendly formulations

• understanding the skin interface and bioactive ingredient delivery

• learning the fundamentals of EU Regulation 1223/2009 on cosmetic product safety

Expert speakers from academia, clinical practice, and industry offered a complete view of the cosmetic and dermocosmetic product lifecycle—from concept to regulatory approval.

Biomedical and Toxicological Insights

The program also included:

• presentations on plant stem cell and medicinal fungi applications

• research findings on Usnea barbata extracts for potential oral cancer therapies

• innovative toxicology methods using human microphysiological systems

These topics connected natural resources, materials science, biotechnology, and personalized health solutions.

Institutional Visits and Research Infrastructure

Hands-on exposure was an essential component of the BIP. Students visited:

“Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry

Where they discovered:

• polymer research laboratories

• advanced characterization equipment

• applications of polyelectrolytes, natural polymers, and functional materials

Antibiotice Iași

A leading pharmaceutical company providing insights into:

• industrial production workflows

• quality assurance

• pharmaceutical development strategies

• careers in industrial chemistry and biotechnology

These visits allowed participants to connect academic knowledge with real-world research and manufacturing environments.

Cultural and Intercultural Experiences

Beyond the scientific programme, the BIP incorporated cultural immersion activities designed to strengthen international bonds and appreciation of Romanian heritage.

Students visited:

• Neamț Fortress, an emblematic medieval landmark

• The Bison Reserve in Neamț County, part of a regional conservation project

These experiences enriched the mobility programme, fostering intercultural communication and teamwork.

Outcomes and Impact

The Erasmus+ BIP “Exploring Advanced Materials and Dermocosmetic Futures” achieved its educational objectives by:

• Strengthening interdisciplinary and intercultural competencies
• Enhancing practical laboratory skills and scientific reasoning
• Providing exposure to industry, research institutes, and regulatory frameworks
• Encouraging collaboration across chemistry, bioengineering, pharmacy, and materials science
• Connecting students to emerging global trends in dermocosmetics and biomaterials
• Promoting sustainability and innovative approaches in product development

Participants concluded the programme with new scientific insights, practical expertise, and a deeper understanding of international collaboration within the Erasmus+ framework.

The successful completion of the Erasmus+ BIP “Exploring Advanced Materials and Dermocosmetic Futures” at TUIASI highlights the university’s commitment to high-quality education, innovation, and global academic partnerships.

The programme offered a unique blend of lectures, laboratory work, institutional visits, and cultural activities—providing students with an immersive and transformative learning experience at the intersection of advanced materials, dermocosmetics, biotechnology, and sustainability.