The project

Objectives

This project aims to establish a robust metrological foundation for luminescent thermometry (LT) in healthcare. It will develop traceable measurement methods, validated materials, and clinically relevant protocols to enable accurate temperature monitoring inside biological tissues using luminescent probes. By laying these foundations, the project will accelerate the adoption of LT in biomedical applications and as a reliable clinical tool, improving diagnostic precision and patient outcomes

The specific objectives of the project are:

To establish robust LT techniques capable of accurately measuring temperature variations at the cellular level. This will involve the use of at least two biocompatible luminescent thermometers suitable for biomedical applications, enabling intracellular thermal monitoring, therapy guidance, and diagnostic support. The project will systematically evaluate these methods by quantifying: (i) key interfering factors such as environmental pH, viscosity, and ionic strength; (ii) practical limitations to their implementation; (iii) instrument-specific influences; and (iv) the traceability of temperature measurements within spectral ranges relevant to biomedical research (450-700 nm for in vitro applications and 700-1700 nm for in vivo studies). (WP1).
To develop calibration procedures with associated uncertainty budgets of the methods from objective 1 with a target standard calibration uncertainty value < 0.1 °C, for example by (i) selecting, evaluating, and characterising suitable candidate optical reference materials with known temperature-sensitive luminescence properties, (ii) using luminescence standards traceable to the spectral (photon) radiance scale, and (iii) developing and applying contact thermometers (micro-photonic sensors, fibre optic and/or resistance thermometers). These elements will be incorporated into an experimental platform enabling traceable and reliable calibration of luminescent thermometers. The calibration procedures will be developed in biological conditions or mimicking biological environments (i.e., including but not limited to different pH values, oxygen levels, protein concentrations, medium viscosity). Further to this, to develop machine learning algorithms to denoise and analyse the luminescence signal generated by Luminescent Nanothermometers (LNThs), thus enabling accurate and reliable thermal readouts even in situation of extremely low signal-to-noise ratio. (WP2 & WP3)
To use the outputs from objectives 1 & 2, to develop validated, harmonised protocols for optical temperature measurement using LNThs. Then, to produce a Good Practice Guide (GPG) for biomedical researchers, based on the use of the protocols. The GPG will consider the inputs of relevant stakeholders from the medical field to create a document usable by the community outside metrology. (WP3)
To conduct an interlaboratory comparison (ILC) and reproducibility tests (RTs) of LT, using the outputs of objectives 1-3, including a variety of applications, wavelength regions, and time domains relevant for biomedical research diagnosis, therapy and treatment. (WP4)
To facilitate the uptake of the technology and measurement infrastructure developed in the project by the measurement supply chain (medical device manufacturers, calibration service providers), metrological organisations (CCT, EURAMET TC-MC, EURAMET TC-T), standards developing organisations (e.g. IEC TC 113), and end users (e.g. clinicians, medical researchers, pharmaceutical and microelectronics industries and other relevant stakeholders) (WP5)

WP1: Establishment of LT techniques and materials

This work package aims to identify and develop reliable LT methods to be used at the cellular level (in vitro) and at the tissue level (ex vivo and tissue phantoms), with at least two bio-compatible luminescent thermometers to be used in biomedical research (therapy monitoring, and thermal diagnosis and intracellular measurements) and in providing control to diagnosis apparatus such as PCR systems. To evaluate these methods and quantify (i) the main quantities influencing the fluorescence properties of luminescent thermal sensors including – but not limited to – environmental pH, ionic strength, and viscosity, (ii) the limits for their practical implementation, (iii) instrument-specific effects, and (iv) the traceability of measurements using different wavelength regions relevant for bio-medical research.

WP2: Traceability method

The aim of this work package is to develop traceable measurements and establish uncertainty budgets for the luminescent thermometers developed in WP1, with a target standard calibration uncertainty below 0.1 °C. This goal will be achieved through the calibration of at least one optical candidate reference material covering the visible and infrared ranges (450-1700 nm) to support the spectral calibration of spectroscopic systems across the consortium. Lifetime measurements will be validated with dyes with simple mono-exponential decay kinetics. Calibration traceability will be ensured using contact thermometers, including micro-photonic sensors such as SOI-based devices, fibre optic thermometers, and miniaturised resistance thermometers, all calibrated against ITS-90 standards. These reference thermometers will provide certified values for the calibration of luminescent thermometers under biologically relevant conditions, including varying pH, oxygen and protein levels. A dedicated sample holder or platform will be developed to provide SI-traceable temperature control, compatible with changing biological environments and adaptable to a range of luminescence measurement systems. In parallel, metrological advanced machine learning algorithms will be optimised for the analysis of large, complex, and high-resolution LT data. These algorithms will be trained and validated using datasets generated under controlled and traceable calibration conditions and will be shared across the consortium for systematic application.

WP3: Development and validation of experimental protocols

The aim of this work package is to develop validated, harmonised experimental protocols for the calibration of luminescent thermometers as well as for their use in optical temperature measurements in biological media and phantom tissues, during treatments and in PCR systems. The protocols will be validated and will be summarised and included in a Good Practice Guide for users, including the community outside of metrology.

WP4: Consolidation of methods

The aim of this work package is to validate the LT methods, calibration procedures, and protocols developed in WP1–WP3 through a comprehensive ILC and reproducibility test (RTs). This WP will involve activities in different laboratories targeting thermal monitoring of a given process by different luminescent thermometers (ILCs), as well as the performance test for a given luminescence thermometer (RTs). This WP will involve multiple participants and measurement platforms, covering a range of luminescent thermometers, spectral regions (450-1700 nm), and application scenarios relevant to biomedical research. The objective is to assess the reproducibility, robustness, and comparability of luminescence-based temperature measurements across different laboratories and instrumentation setups. The ILC will also serve to identify potential sources of variability and uncertainty in practical implementations, thereby informing the refinement of protocols and calibration strategies. In addition, the ILC will provide a critical foundation for future standardisation efforts and contribute to the establishment of internationally recognised best practices in the field of LT. The outcomes of this work package will strengthen the scientific credibility and metrological reliability of the developed methods, supporting their broader adoption in both research and clinical environments.

WP5: Creating impact

This work package deals with the dissemination, communication, exploitation and uptake of the project.

WP6: Management and coordination

This work package deals with the organisation and coordination of the project.

News and events

Project initiation and kick-off meeting – 9 June 2026

In the UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain, played host to the much-anticipated initiation and kick-off meeting of our new Project LUMETH.

https://www.euramet.org/project-25HLT06

Consortium

The consortium consists of:

UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid is a top-tier Spanish public university, internationally recognised for its excellence in research and innovation. UAM has a long-standing track record in coordinating European projects, including Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe actions (97 FP7 Programme projects, 103 Horizon 2020 projects, and 80 in Horizon Europe, including 143 MSCA, 23 ERC and 11 EIC, Source: Horizon Dashboard August 2025). In this consortium, UAM will act as the project coordinator and lead WP3. UAM’s experience in managing complex research initiatives (COST Actions, ERC, Cooperative EU projects) ensures efficient coordination and strategic outreach. UAM’s cutting-edge laboratories and platforms for advanced characterisation and for biological studies will also be used for the different scientific activities in the project which UAM is involved in.
BAM is a designated Institute (DI) for analytical chemistry and hosts a unique collection of analytical and physicochemical methods for material characterisation. It is a world-wide known producer of reference materials including NPs.
CEM is the Spanish National Metrology Institute. It maintains and disseminates the national temperature standards from -189 ºC to 2800 ºC. It has taken part in different projects funded by the European Metrology Research programs (EMPIR, EPM), coordinating some of the related working packages.
INRIM is a national research institute devoted to research in metrology and innovative technologies. INRIM personnel units participating in the project are affiliated with two research groups with highly complementary expertise and facilities. The thermometry group has a very wide experience in providing temperature traceability. INRIM has several collaborations with EU and foreign institutions: some group members having been organisers of various international workshops and editors of international journals. In the last years, the group has been involved in many international and national joint projects.
INTiBS (Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences) contributes to the consortium with a unique combination of expertise in luminescent nanomaterials and temperature metrology.
PTB is the German NMI, and its department “Temperature” realises the International Temperature Scale (ITS-90) from 0.65 K to 962 °C with world leading precision and do research in the field of temperature measurement up to 2000 °C. The dedicated working group “Photonic Thermometry” will contribute with its expertise in the field of fibre-optic thermometry.
TÜBITAK is the National Metrology Institute of Türkiye. TÜBİTAK Temperature Laboratory has extensive experience in contact thermometry including primary and secondary calibrations up to 1300 °C.
BRML, the Romanian National Institute of Metrology has a mission is to ensure the scientific foundation for the consistency and accuracy of measurements in Romania. BRML will perform spectral measurements and provide traceable calibration of optical materials used throughout the project. Their work will also include the optical-radiometric characterisation of filters and materials integrated into the calibration platform, with measurements conducted as a function of controlled temperature.
CSIC Optomechanics Lab advances nanophotonic and optomechanical platforms for precision sensing and metrology. It engineers high-Q cavities—microrings and photonic-crystal cavities—fabricated in silicon-based materials (Si, SiO2, SiN) as well as diamond and integrate them with nanomechanical resonators to measure external stimuli (e.g., displacement, force, and temperature) via refractive-index and thermoelastic shifts, dissipative signatures, and luminescence-based readouts.
ERASMUS MC, is an innovative and independent Academic Center for high-quality medical research, education and care. The ERASMUS MC is one of the top Dutch research institutions. It provides top Academic health care for a region of about five million inhabitants.
MdG has over 35 years of experience in temperature measurement at a national laboratory level and at industrial/laboratory level and in accreditation (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17043 and ISO/IEC 17020). MdGC have experience in participation to and organisation of EU projects in temperature such as the MdGC connects with accredited laboratories to organise the ILC for PCR devices.
UAveiro, The University of Aveiro, founded in 1973, is a dynamic institution with over 15,500 students and international recognition for excellence in research and teaching. CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, an Associated Laboratory of UAveiro, is the largest Portuguese institute in Materials Science and Engineering, bringing together around 450 researchers.
UNAV (Clínica Universidad de Navarra) is a non-profit, world class general hospital pertaining to the University of Navarra (UNavarra). UNAV is the first Spanish Academic Medical Center Hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International (since 2004), and a European Excellence Center accredited by the European Society of Medical Oncology.
UNITO (Università degli Studi di Torino) is one of the largest Italian Universities, with about 82.000 students, 6.1% of which of non-Italian citizenship, 3.900 employees (academic, administrative and technical staff), 1.800 post-graduate and post-doctoral research fellows. Research and training are performed in 27 Departments, encompassing all scientific disciplines except engineering and architecture.
Comillas, the IIT, Institute for Research in Technology at Comillas Pontifical University, promotes research and postgraduate training in technology through projects with companies and government institutions. It is a non-profit entity, mainly funded by industry contracts, with outcomes including software applications, technical studies, academic publications, and doctoral theses.