"The Scientific and technological vision of UNITISS is to meet the needs of today’s healthcare industry and social expectation in reducing patient discomfort and infection and reducing the need for in vivo tests using animals. UNITISS focuses on catheterisation involving acute (< 24 hrs.) to more sustained (< 30 days) usage, where the catheters are inserted into blood vessels and the urinary tract. The project aims to develop effective in vitro tests that reliably simulate the in vivo conditions, and to develop device design strategies using improved materials and coatings that minimize the discomfort, irritation, inflammation, infection and tissue damage occurring to patients. This will be possible through developing a greater understanding of the response of human tissue to physical interactions and to new non-invasive methods of tissue monitoring. The generic knowledge and strategies developed will also be expected to have valuable medical and healthcare uses outside of the immediate focus of the project.A synergistic approach is proposed between tribology and biomaterials, based on knowledge exchange between a company (Philips, NL) strongly involved in the healthcare and well-being markets, and 2 academic partners (Univ. of Sheffield, UK and West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, PL) that have complementary strengths in biomaterials and tissue engineering. The development of general rules and methods for product validation and optimisation will enable both sectors to gain the experience and tools they need.The project encompasses 3 technical work packages, which involve material applications for model device surfaces and for the in vitro tests, investigations of the body response, and the development of the in vitro test methodologies and design strategies. Extended training will be provided to 8 ESRs and 6 ERs. A total period of 146 months of secondment and recruitment is planned, which also includes secondments of 6 very experienced researchers."