Inflammation is the body's natural defence mechanism, characterized by the activation of both immune and non-immune cells that safeguard the host against harmful pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants while promoting tissue repair and recovery. Acute inflammatory responses are critical for survival during physical injury and infection. However, dysregulated or chronic inflammation can damage healthy cells, tissues, and organs, leading to the pathogenesis of several debilitating diseases. These diseases collectively represent the leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Substantial efforts are, therefore, needed to unravel the intricate mechanisms governing both acute and chronic inflammatory responses, identify novel therapeutic targets and pave the way for innovative approaches that hold the potential to develop more precise and effective interventions.

The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) at the Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) stands as a beacon of scientific excellence in Greece, having made substantial strides in life science research. Supported by the European Fund for Regional Development (ERDF) and the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), IMBB has undergone a transformative journey, significantly elevating its capabilities and research infrastructure in basic and translational disciplines. These targeted investments have empowered the institute to leverage cutting-edge technologies, attract top-tier researchers, and cultivate collaborations that directly contribute to tangible improvements in healthcare outcomes.

Despite these commendable achievements, IMBB continues to face significant challenges, particularly in the highly competitive landscape of biomedical sciences. The existing disparities between regional and European research approaches pose a significant hurdle. Insufficient training programs, a growing shortage of skilled personnel and persistent budget constraints keep impeding IMBB's ability to maintain its research momentum and achieve innovative excellence. Bridging this gap requires strategic alignment with broader European research initiatives to harmonize policies, approaches and methodologies, facilitate cross-border collaborations and showcase the social and economic benefits of the Institute’s scientific endeavours to bolster its reputation and garner sustained support.

To tackle these pressing needs and close the apparent R&I gap in basic and translational research, IMBB introduces InflaCare, an ambitious program aimed at fully integrating a prominent ERA Chair, namely Prof. Dr. Manolis Pasparakis within its premises to advance on-site inflammation research (Figure 1). Manolis Pasparakis is a world-renowned researcher in the field of immunology and one of the most recognizable Greek scientists. A pioneer in his own right, the Pasparakis group has led to seminal breakthroughs in understanding how cell death serves as a trigger for inflammation in epithelial tissues, delineating the mechanisms that control inflammation as well as identifying therapeutic targets for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases.

To ensure a smooth transition into the next phase, InflaCare will establish a series of measurable, verifiable and realistically achievable objectives (obj.) with significant positive impacts for IMBB and the broader region:

Obj. 1: Recruit and fully assimilate the ERA Chair holder and the InflaCare team to establish an interdisciplinary research and innovation (R&I) program dedicated to the study of inflammation at IMBB;

Obj. 2: Enhance the research capacity of IMBB in inflammation research by implementing cutting-edge research programs to increase research output and foster innovation potential in the proposed field of study;

Obj. 3: Strengthen human capital through mobility, research training and soft skills competencies;

Obj. 4: Enhance competence in securing competitive research funding by expanding networks, actively pursuing funding opportunities, and developing high-quality proposals;

Obj. 5: Reverse brain-drain at IMBB by establishing attractive career pathways to mitigate the loss of talent;

Obj. 6: Strengthen the innovation capacity at IMBB through industry partnerships and high-gain entrepreneurship;

Obj. 7: Enhance the management and administrative competences of IMBB to effectively address the challenges of fundraising and the intricacies of project management within the realm of science;

Obj. 8: Maximize the benefits from EU and national investments by leveraging existing infrastructures on-site and establishing connections with ERA nodes and EU research consortia;

Obj. 9: Raise the reputation of IMBB and promote communication of R&I results through an extensive array of dissemination and outreach activities aimed at the academic, private, and public sectors.

InflaCare will help IMBB acquire the necessary capacities in R&I, thereby narrowing the gaps and deficiencies in skilled workforce on basic and translational research and establishing state-of-the art research policies and management practices. In doing so, the program addresses the growing disparities in R&I performances between low-performing and advanced EU member states that hamper economic growth and competitiveness in Europe. Research on inflammation and the development of rationalized intervention strategies against inflammatory diseases fully aligns with the EU Health policy and Sustainable Development Goal 3 “Good Health and Well-being” to protect and improve the health of EU citizens. It is also fully consistent with the National Smart Specialisation Policy (2021-2027; Sector: Biosciences, Health and Medicines) and the Regional Smart Specialisation Policy of Crete (2021-2027, Sector: Effective Health and Well-being).