Interview Smart, portable sensors for safer water

Marie Curie Fellow Swayam Prakash is originally from Odisha, India, and is a physical and analytical chemist. He is working on the development of fast and user-friendly sensors for monitoring pollutants in the environment. In this interview, he talks about his motivation for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship and how scientific innovations can contribute to solving global challenges.

Why did you decide to apply for a fellowship at BAM?

BAM offers excellent infrastructure and pursues an interdisciplinary approach that combines materials science, spectroscopy, and safety. I find the focus on method validation and practical applications particularly exciting – exactly what I need to transform my laboratory prototypes into tools that are suitable for everyday use. The opportunity to collaborate with experts from various disciplines, as well as access to clean labs and state-of-the-art optical instruments, were further reasons for my decision. BAM's mission to make technologies safe and sustainable aligns with my own motivation to conduct research that has a social impact.

What is your current research project about and why is it important?

I am developing optical and chemical sensors for monitoring water quality. My focus is on contaminants that are difficult to detect using conventional methods. For example, detecting bacteria such as E. coli in a specialized laboratory usually takes 18 to 24 hours and requires an expert to evaluate the results. My approach uses chemical indicators, in particular fecal pigments, which can be detected much more quickly.

I am currently working on a 3D-printed optical device that can be connected to a smartphone and enables on-site water quality testing within minutes. This can make a big difference, especially in regions with limited infrastructure.

This research has changed my perspective on my role as a scientist. It is part of a larger mission: to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.

What inspired you to apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship and what advice would you give to other researchers?

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship focuses on international collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and societal impact—all aspects that are very important to me personally. It offers not only the opportunity to grow scientifically, but also to develop professionally.

What I particularly value about the MSCA program is the combination of scientific excellence, public engagement, and technology transfer. The flexibility to design your own project while collaborating with host institutions is a major advantage.

My most important advice to applicants is to start early and invest enough time in developing your own project idea. It is also crucial to choose a host institution that actively supports your development as an independent researcher. Clearly demonstrate the social, environmental, or industrial contribution your research can make. And perhaps most importantly, don't be discouraged by setbacks. Many successful MSCA applications are only successful on the second attempt or after receiving the seal of excellence.

What have been your biggest challenges so far – scientific or personal – and how did you overcome them?

Working in a relatively unexplored field presented a number of challenges: limited reference literature, skepticism on the part of reviewers, and difficulties in securing funding. More than once, I considered switching to an established research topic.

What motivated me, however, was my firm conviction of the relevance of my work and its potential to really make a difference. This confidence helped me to clearly communicate the significance of my research to reviewers and collaboration partners.

This experience has taught me to counter skepticism with persistence, creativity, and scientific vision. It has also reminded me how important it is to connect research with the needs of society, even if the path to doing so is unconventional.

If you had to describe your research in one sentence for the general public, what would it be?

I am developing fast and simple tests using 3D-printed sensors to detect harmful substances in water so that water can be monitored or tested anytime, anywhere.

Swayam Prakash's work shows how international talent at BAM is developing innovative solutions to global challenges – from water quality to technical safety. For more insights into research and career paths at BAM, visit our website under Jobs & Careers.