The project X-CELERATE (Training the next generation of research experts on dynamic X-ray imaging and smart emerging materials) has received 2.9 M euro of funding under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions of the Horizon Europe programme. Starting in December 2025, X-CELERATE will pursue an innovative research program that will push the frontier of XCT-based innovation through advances related to fast lab-based 4D XCT with multiple contrasts and at multiple resolutions to accelerate European innovation and commercialisation of devices manufactured from advanced materials. With this European funding, X-CELERATE will attract 10 doctoral candidates for an international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral research & training programme in leading European academic institutes and companies.
About X-CELERATE
Advanced materials are crucial for Europe’s green and digital transition and are central to the Factories of the Future initiative. They have engineered properties that outperform conventional materials and are vital for 70% of innovations. Smart materials and hydrogels are two key classes: smart materials enable multifunctional systems for sectors like aerospace and biomedicine, while hydrogels support biomedical and wearable applications. Manufacturing these materials requires precise 3D shaping and 4D monitoring, demanding advanced, non-destructive characterisation techniques like X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT). However, lab-based 4D XCT still faces challenges in speed and contrast. X-CELERATE aims to advance XCT technology by uniting European research and industry leaders, and through a dedicated doctoral training programme.
X-CELERATE will train the next generation of research experts on dynamic X-ray imaging and smart emerging materials, who can bridge the gap between between advanced XCT method development and industrial practice but will also qualify them to make important contributions to other areas of science and engineering.
About the X-CELERATE consortium
X-CELERATE will be implemented by a leading consortium of international partners with expertise and skills in technology development, XCT equipment and advanced material and device, as well as in training of researchers. The project will be coordinated by Prof. Jan Sijbers of the University of Antwerp and relies on intensive collaboration between eight beneficiaries and six associated partners, from academia to industry, spanning a total of nine countries.
The X-CELERATE consortium will consist of eight beneficiaries: University of Antwerp, University of Passau, The Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Fraunhofer IIS, Technical University of Denmark, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Delft University of Technology and TEscan XRE. In addition, six associated partners will join the consortium: GFM Spa, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und - prufüng, The German Aerospace Center, Sophion Bioscience, Innobay Hungary and Exciscope.