The description of each WP, its objectives, specific tasks and deliverables are shown in Table 3.1b:
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Table 3.1b: Work package description |
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Work package number |
WP1 |
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Work package title |
Project Management |
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Objectives:
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Description of work (WP leader: Prof. George A. Garinis): InflaCare will implement a committee structure to ensure the effectiveness, impact, and long-term sustainability of its program. Task 1.1. To establish the committee structure and support office: Prof. George A. Garinis will act as the coordinator and serve as the liaison to the EU. The Steering committee, led by the ERA Chair holder Prof. Dr. M. Pasparakis, will monitor the implementation of R&I activities, ensure compliance with EU regulations, and oversee IP protection. The Supervisory board will oversee the training activities, plan the courses, workshops and summer schools and track deliverables and milestones. The International advisory board will consist of external experts that are world-renowned scientists in the field of immunology guiding the project. The Administration and Support office will include a program manager (to be hired) as well as a financial administrator, an assistant, and an IPR lawyer (permanent employees at the IMBB) who will assist in administrative tasks, website management, reporting and training logistics. Task 1.2. Launching a Data Management Plan (DMP). Initially, we will create an inventory of all data assets and document the types of data, sources, formats, and locations. Next, we will classify data based on sensitivity and importance and determine which data requires special handling, privacy protection, or specific security measures. Next, we will establish protocols for data storage, backup, and recovery and implement measures to ensure data quality and accuracy. Finally, we will define security measures to protect sensitive data and establish guidelines for data retention and disposal as well as implement a system to monitor data management processes regularly. The DMP will electronically document software, models, algorithms, workflows, and e-lab journals. Next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, CRISPR/Cas9 screen data, DNA vectors and cell lines will be stored in designated repositories (section 1.7.). The DMP will maintain flexibility to accommodate new data, consortium policies, team modifications, and external influences and adhere to FAIR principles to improve the sharing and usability of data and research outputs. |
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Work package number |
WP2 |
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Work package title |
Recruit the ERA Chair holder and integrate the InflaCare team |
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Objectives:
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Description of work (WP leader: Prof. Dr. Manolis Pasparakis): IMBB will recruit and fully integrate the ERA Chair i.e., Prof. Manolis Pasparakis, a world-renowned scientist with a focus on inflammation and cell death. Task 2.1. To enrol and integrate the ERA Chair holder at IMBB: The proposed compensation package for the ERA Chair holder, Prof. Dr. Manolis Pasparakis is defined in the IMBB director commitment letter. The offer will encompass the bestowal of complete autonomy and independence, allowing Prof. Dr. Pasparakis to establish his research team and define the scientific objectives. A formal contractual agreement between IMBB and the ERA Chair holder will be prepared to delineate roles, responsibilities, and obligations. Prof. Dr. Pasparakis will receive full membership in IMBB's Research Directors meetings and will serve as an advisor on multiple facets, encompassing the institute's open recruitment policy, gender balance, open peer review, science practices, doctoral training program, Grants Office, and HR department. IMBB will allocate a fully furnished laboratory space covering 120m² for the research team. In addition, Prof. Dr. Pasparakis will be allocated a 35m² furnished office, while team members will share a communal office space spanning 60m². Supplementary space will be made available upon request. Free access will be granted for the full duration of the program to facilities, including cell culture rooms, confocal/electron microscopy, protein purification and mass spectrometry. Access to the animal facility will be complimentary for all embryo re-derivations and mice housed in the quarantine unit, with specific internal invoicing for GEMMs residing in the pathogen-free unit. Over the initial three years, an open recruitment process will be initiated to appoint a permanent leader for the newly established research group within IMBB and we will actively encourage Prof. Dr. Pasparakis to apply for this position. Task 2.2. To formulate the principles of operation and autonomy of the ERA Chair: Prof. Dr. Pasparakis will thoroughly assess InflaCare's SWOT analysis in relation to the project's objectives and strategic plans. Next, the ERA Chair holder will independently finalize the research approach and scientific plans (topics, focus, methodology, research capacity building), training activities (MSc/PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, career development, soft skill competencies), InflaCare's networking (potential partners and stakeholders), managerial and administrative principles (open and transparent employment, gender balance, peer review), and commercialization strategies (IPR procedures, technology transfer protocols, motivational schemes for researchers). These elements, along with the responsibilities of IMBB and the ERA Chair holder, will constitute the ERA Chair principles of operation. The IMBB legal office will verify the compatibility of these principles with national regulations and prepare a final document for approval by the ERA Chair, and the IMBB director. Task 2.3. To recruit and integrate the InflaCare team at the IMBB: Job opportunities at InflaCare will be announced on e.g., EURAXESS, Euro Science Jobs, the IMBB website, and the program's homepage. Advertisements will also be placed in scientific journals and major academic institutions. The recruitment process will be overseen by the Recruitment Committee (RC), comprising the ERA Chair holder and IMBB scientists affiliated with InflaCare. To ensure transparency and adherence to the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, the RC, will manage the drafting of recruitment advertisements. The ads will clearly outline eligibility criteria and broadly specify the desired qualifications of potential applicants, ensuring an open selection process. The evaluation of PhD students and postdoctoral scientists will consider their motivation, interests, academic background, grades, and relevant experience. Interested candidates will be asked to submit a letter of intent, CV, and reference letters to the RC. Short-listed applicants will be invited for visits to IMBB. The RC will ensure a balanced gender mix. In cases of similar qualifications between two candidates, preference will be given to the gender in the minority. The research team will comprise the ERA Chair holder, the coordinator, five postdoctoral/senior scientists, five PhD students, two technicians and one program manager (covered financially by EU funds) and selected IMBB PIs with relevant expertise (covered financially by the IMBB). The ERA Chair will regularly assess the InflaCare strategy plan. |
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Work package number |
WP3 |
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Work package title |
Enhance the research capacity of IMBB |
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Objectives:
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Description of work (WP leader: Prof. Dr. Manolis Pasparakis): The ERA Chair holder will be responsible for establishing the research themes I, II and III and promote the research capacity and excellence at the IMBB. Research capacity development efforts will undergo continuous monitoring and receive evaluations from the IAB twice throughout the project period. Task 3.1. To implement the research strategy on “TLR Signalling in Inflammation and Cancer”: To dissect the functional relevance of investigate TLR signalling in vivo, we will utilize GEMMs that enable the conditional, tissue-specific ablation of MyD88 and TRIF with targeted point mutations disrupting specific downstream signalling pathways. By integrating these unique mouse strains with established mouse models of inflammatory diseases and cancer, our objective is to address crucial inquiries regarding the involvement of TLRs in disease pathogenesis. To unravel the underlying mechanisms, we will employ advanced methodologies such as immunophenotyping, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomic analyses, and metabolomic approaches. Task 3.2. To implement the research strategy on “Cytosolic Nucleic Acid Sensors in Inflammation and Cancer”: The proposed research program aims to investigate the mechanisms that govern the recognition of endogenous nucleic acids by cytosolic DNA and RNA receptors. Additionally, it seeks to comprehend the complexities of pathologies linked to heightened type I interferon (IFN) responses and related diseases. Initially, appropriate animal models will be employed to study the involvement of cytosolic sensors such as cGAS, STING, and MAVS, along with proteins crucial for cytosolic DNA degradation (TREX-1) and RNA editing (ADAR1) in activating type I IFN responses in inflammatory diseases and cancer contexts. Subsequently, these animal models will be intercrossed with mouse models of inflammatory diseases and cancer to reveal the impact of abnormal responses to endogenous nucleic acids on overall health. The research program will then explore strategies to restrain persistent responses to endogenous nucleic acids for treating type I IFN-related diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Furthermore, it will investigate how to leverage these signalling cascades for effectively activating anti-cancer immunity. Task 3.3. To implement the research strategy on “RNA-Based Therapeutic Strategies Against Chronic Inflammation”: To address improper immune stimulation and mitigate interferonopathy arising from cytosolic DNA fragments, we propose utilizing synthetic mmRNAs to target the expression of specific nucleases in affected cells. As a proof of concept, we will first employ mmRNAs to re-express recombinant TREX-1 nuclease in TREX-1 knockout mice. Next, we will prepare mmRNAs for other nucleases, such as Mung bean S1, DNase I, and RNase H1 to target the accumulation of distinct cytoplasmic nucleic acid fragments in progeroid animal models and naturally aged mice. LNs coated with CD11b antibody, will facilitate the targeted delivery of nuclease mmRNAs to myeloid cells either systemically or in the CNS. For brain delivery, mmRNA-loaded LNs will be administered intranasally to bypass the blood-brain barrier non-invasively. Once delivered, synthetic mmRNAs will be translated into encoded nucleases, eliminating pro-inflammatory nucleic acids in the cytosol and reducing type I IFN and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. To validate the strategy for neuroinflammatory disorders, we will perform studies in 3D human brain microfluidic devices containing activated microglial cells defective in TREX-1 or treated with various genotoxins (e.g., Illudin S, Mitomycin). |
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Work package number |
WP4 |
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Work package title |
Strengthen human capital base through increased mobility and training |
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Objectives:
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Description of work (WP leader: Prof. Dr. Manolis Pasparakis): The ERA Chair holder and his team will concentrate on enhancing both the quantity and calibre of early and senior staff scientists involved in InflaCare. This includes efforts to retain current talent on-site and ensure promising future career prospects for younger personnel following the completion of InflaCare. Task 4.1. To promote international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral mobility of ESRs, postdocts and staff scientists. The ERA Chair holder will organize a series of international secondments lasting 1-3 months for ESRs, postdocs and IMBB staff scientists to be involved in interdisciplinary projects with collaborating research teams. To maximize the success and significance of secondments, the Supervisory Board will clearly define the duration and objectives of each secondment, set a customized training plan that aligns with the researcher's skill set and the host lab's expertise, ensure that everyone understands their contributions to the collaborative effort and that the seconded researcher has access to necessary resources, including equipment, data, and mentorship. InflaCare will also endorse a joint mentoring PhD program, where students will be matched with supervisors from diverse disciplines at IMBB and partnering laboratories located outside Greece. The PhD students will officially register at the University of Crete and adhere to the training program outlined by the awarding institution. Progress will be monitored through regular reports at network meetings and conferences. Task 4.2. To increase soft skill competencies. Prof. Dr. Pasparakis will collaborate with IMBB senior scientists and support staff, to organize a series of structured courses (described in objective 3) for young scientists. For successful implementation, the Supervisory Board will initially conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify the skills and knowledge gaps of participants as well as tailor the course content to address identified needs. The courses will cover topics on 1. Scientific Writing (i.e., Introduction to scientific writing principles; Hands-on sessions for drafting and revising scientific manuscripts; Peer review and feedback sessions), 2. Presentation Skills (i.e., Basics of effective presentations; Practical exercises in oral communication; Techniques for engaging different target audiences), 3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (i.e., Open discussions on new ideas, methodologies, and technologies; Analytical exercises to enhance critical thinking skills), and Ethical Judgement Training (i.e., Ethical case studies and discussions on responsible conduct in research), 4. Project Management Course (i.e., Fundamentals of Project Management; Planning and goal-setting; Time and resource management; Introduction to project management tools), 4. Bioethics Course (i.e., Foundations of Bioethics; Introduction to bioethical principles and frameworks; In-depth exploration of ethical considerations in stem cell research; Discussions on cloning research and genetic testing ethics), 5. Two high-quality multidisciplinary workshops (each lasting 2 days). The first workshop will include invited speakers focusing on recent advances or cutting-edge technologies in inflammation research with hands-on training sessions and Q&A sessions with the leading experts. The second workshop will include invited speakers focusing on the in-depth exploration of specific thematic areas related to innate immune signalling with short talks from ESRs and postdoctoral scientists and “meet-with-the-experts” sessions. 6. Two summer schools (each lasting 3 days). The first summer school on bioinformatics will include an introduction to computational analysis of genomic, metabolomics, and proteomics data, practical sessions on using bioinformatics tools and software and project-based learning with real datasets. The second summer school on bioimaging will include an overview of microscopy techniques and imaging technologies as well as hands-on training in image acquisition and analysis and project work on imaging and image data analysis in a research context. |
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Work package number |
WP5 |
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Work package title |
Increase aptitude in competitive research funding |
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Objectives: |
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Description of work (WP leader: Prof. Dr. Manolis Pasparakis): The ERA Chair holder will strengthen the ability to secure competitive research funds by actively engaging with funding agencies, building a diverse funding portfolio, refining research proposals, collaborating with renowned inflammation research teams, mentoring scientists in crafting competitive proposals, and showcasing available technical infrastructure and expertise. Task 5.1. To cooperate with the NCP, funding agencies and local stakeholders. Prof. Dr. Pasparakis will collaborate closely with the NCP to ensure that research endeavours are in line with national and European research strategies. To ensure that the proposed research program is relevant, meaningful and has applicable outcomes, Prof. Dr. Pasparakis will work closely with the prefecture of Crete to understand local needs on inflammatory diseases and integrate them into the InflaCare research agenda. In parallel, we will actively seek feedback through scheduled meetings on unsuccessful proposals from funding agencies and program officers to enable the team to learn from past experiences, refine proposals, and increase the chances of securing future funding. The ERA Chair will also strengthen relationships with local start-ups, patient advocacy groups, and university hospitals to broaden the scope of research projects. Task 5.2. To build a diverse funding portfolio and engage in EU-funded initiatives: The ERA Chair holder will diversify funding opportunities by considering EU programs that span basic research, translational, entrepreneurial initiatives, or institutional activities such as the ERC, MSCA-DNs, Cluster 1 Health, EU4Health, EIC, EIT, and WIDENING actions. Within the first two years, Prof. Dr. Pasparakis will build research networks with the ultimate goal to submit competitive multidisciplinary research proposals in Horizon Europe program and coordinate EU-funded research consortia, strengthening IMBB visibility. The ERA Chair holder will also actively seek funding from national sources e.g., HFRI and NSRF as well as consider to participate in EU health research initiatives, such as the Innovative Medicines Initiative, ERA-Networks, European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases, European Institute of Innovation and Technology – Health, European Joint Programme - COFUND, and the European Research Area in Personalised Medicine. The IAB will annually assess research outputs, funding success, and areas for improvement, using feedback to inform and strengthen strategies. Task 5.3. To train and mentor in the preparation of competitive funding proposals: IMBB will capitalize on the expertise of the ERA Chair holder and the IMBB Grant Office to organize a two-day hybrid training course. The course will target postdocs, IMBB staff members, and grant office employees, aiming to enhance institutional capacity in supporting EU funding proposals for sustained success. The training will encompass insights from unsuccessful attempts, showcase effective proposals, and cover diverse aspects including proposal management, budget planning, and administrative requirements. Furthermore, the course will facilitate mentorship by pairing younger scientists with the successful ERA Chair holder, providing personalized feedback on draft proposals, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and offering guidance to increase proposal competitiveness. Task 5.4. To showcase impact, feasibility, local infrastructure and expertise: Prof. Dr. Pasparakis will proactively reach out to potential partners ahead of forthcoming competitive calls, emphasizing its accessibility to relevant EU-funded infrastructures, research tools and expertise in unique methodologies not readily available at the regional or national levels. Specifically, we will clearly articulate the unique features and strengths of the IMBB infrastructure and expertise as well as include data on increased efficiency on specific technologies. InflaCare will also gather testimonials and endorsements from collaborating researchers or organizations that have benefited from our infrastructure and expertise and showcase any research findings, publications, or articles that validate the impact and feasibility of local infrastructure and developed technologies. |
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Work package number |
WP6 |
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Work package title |
Retain talent and reverse brain-drain |
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Objectives: 1. To foster a competitive environment, expand career opportunities and invest in state-of-the-art facilities; 2. To promote international collaboration and support interdisciplinary research; 3. To promote work-life balance initiatives and implement incentive programs. |
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Description of work (WP leader: Prof. Dr. Manolis Pasparakis): To address the brain-drain at IMBB, the ERA Chair holder will put forward a multifaceted approach to attract talented researchers, create researcher positions and fellowships and build a creative environment with incentives and measurable impact. Task 6.1. To foster a competitive environment, expand career opportunities and invest in state-of-the-art facilities. The ERA Chair will first develop a clear strategic plan for fostering competitiveness outlining the team's mission, vision, and long-term goals. Specifically, InflaCare will develop effective talent acquisition and recruitment strategies to attract top-tier professionals. The program will also ensure that career opportunities are accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds and establish a system for recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance. Prof. Dr. Pasparakis will advocate for further career development plans at IMBB, support mentorship initiatives, and provide funding for attending conferences, workshops, and training programs for researchers at all career stages to enhance skillsets. The ERA Chair holder will also join IMBB initiatives on emerging funding opportunities to support the advancement of state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, equipment, and technologies and update and maintain existing infrastructure to ensure optimal functionality. Task 6.2. To promote international collaboration and support interdisciplinary research. Prof. Dr. Pasparakis will actively seek and establish partnerships with research institutions, universities, and organizations worldwide, attend international conferences, workshops, and networking events to connect with potential collaborators and facilitate joint research projects that involve collaboration between researchers from different countries and disciplines. InflaCare will encourage the exchange of ideas, methodologies, and expertise to address complex research challenges as well as implement exchange programs for researchers, postdocs, and graduate students to spend time at partner institutions abroad. The team will also support IMBB to establish policies that facilitate international collaboration, such as streamlining approval processes for collaborative projects. Task 6.3. To promote work-life balance initiatives and implement incentive programs. InflaCare will operate on flexible work hours, enable remote work options, and when needed allow compressed workweeks to accommodate diverse personal needs. If deemed necessary, the ERA Chair holder will discuss flexible arrangements with the team members, provide generous paid time off policies, including vacation days, personal days, and holidays and promote the importance of taking breaks for overall well-being. InflaCare will also support parental leave and maintain an optimal environment for employees with family responsibilities. To enhance motivation, the program will introduce performance-based bonuses to reward outstanding individual and team achievements, organize employee appreciation events, such as team outings, lunches, or social gatherings and use these events as opportunities to express gratitude and build a positive workplace culture. In parallel, the ERA Chair holder will offer opportunities for professional development e.g., training programs, workshops, or conferences. |
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Work package number |
WP7 |
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Work package title |
Strengthen the innovation capacity at IMBB |
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Objectives:
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Description of work (WP leader: Prof. Dr. Manolis Pasparakis): InflaCare will drive the creation of cutting-edge products and services, including the generation of mmRNA drugs, sophisticated nanocarriers designed for precise therapeutic cargo delivery, robust biomarkers for immune-related diseases, and novel preclinical animal models. The development of this versatile toolkit will result in patent filings, laying the groundwork for potential licensing agreements or the establishment of start-up and spinoff companies. Task 7.1: To drive innovation in InflaCare discoveries and foster entrepreneurship, the ERA Chair team will leverage the on-site specialized incubator. This facility, equipped with R&D resources, office space, and administrative and legal support, will empower the InflaCare research team to validate and transform their ideas into viable businesses. Within the incubator's collaborative environment, projects demonstrating proof of concept and featuring lab prototypes will be strategically positioned for further advancement. These selected projects will undergo immersive bootcamps, a structured program that includes targeted entrepreneurship training. The bootcamps will not only refine the entrepreneurial skills of the InflaCare research team but also enhance their awareness of complementary funding opportunities crucial for sustaining and scaling their initiatives. Promising projects will gain access to networks facilitated by mentors, tech transfer and IP professionals available on-site. Task 7.2: To encourage industry partnerships, InflaCare will leverage IMBB TTO's expertise to partner with specialized start-ups working on novel therapies against neuroinflammatory disorders, new anti-inflammatory drugs and multiplex assays testing new anti-inflammatory therapies (described in detail in p.32). The strategic alignment with larger pharmaceutical entities specializing in lipid nanocarriers will also help the research team to signify a holistic approach to drug delivery systems (described in objective 2, research theme III. Using TTO's expertise, the Pasparakis research team will collaborate on projects utilizing lipid nanocarriers for improved drug delivery, enhancing the efficacy and specificity of therapeutic interventions. Industry collaborations will be facilitated through joint research agreements, ensuring mutual benefits for IMBB and the industry. Task 7.3: To build IPR and licencing opportunities, The ERA Chair team will contribute with preclinical animal models, mmRNA-based drugs, advanced nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery, and novel biomarkers leading to valuable IP leading to patenting and licensing opportunities to the industry. To secure IPR while efficiently address the obligations for data dissemination, the ERA Chair holder will first work with the IMBB TTO to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the InflaCare IP portfolio. Once the research team has identified assets with commercial potential and assess their market relevance, the ERA Chair holder will actively pursue the filing of patents for innovative products, processes, or developed technologies. InflaCare will develop a clear licensing strategy outlining the terms, conditions, and potential use cases for licensing IP as well as engage in networking and outreach activities to attract potential licensees and ensure a mutually beneficial relationship. Task 7.4: To foster collaborative training programs between IMBB and the private sector. InflaCare trainees will have the opportunity for 1-3-week secondments with selected industrial partners, including Pharmathen SA, Uni-Pharma SA, and selected start-ups. During the secondments, trainees will gain exposure to industrial practices, build relationships, and acquire hands-on experience that transcends the confines of traditional academic training. They will also interact with professionals from diverse backgrounds, and acquire skills relevant to the private sector, such as capital raising and effective pitch talks. As the trainees will return to IMBB, they will bring enhanced expertise but also a broader perspective that enriches the academic environment and strengthens the collaborative bridge between academia and industry. Task 7.5: To provide training on business and entrepreneurship. The ERA Chair holder will collaborate with the IMBB TTO to organize a biannual two-day course on IP, entrepreneurship, and business development. This course will educate trainees on commercializing novel ideas, IP protection, fundraising, and patent law as applied to drug discovery, diagnostics, and public health. |
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Work package number |
WP8 |
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Work package title |
Enhance management and administrative competences at IMBB |
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Objectives:
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Description of work (WP leader: Prof. Dr. Manolis Pasparakis): The ERA Chair holder will implement strategic measures to strengthen IMBB's management and administrative capabilities. This includes introducing crucial organizational changes to enhance procedures in grant management, administrative processes, and the operational framework of the animal facility. Task 8.1: To enhance grant management and administration procedures, IMBB will organize a two-day hybrid course for its grant office staff, led by the ERA Chair holder and CECAD grant offices. The course will cover key areas, including proposal management, budget planning, financial reporting, and administrative requirements. It will cover topics related to 1. understanding various types of grants (e.g., federal, private, foundation), 2. differentiating between project-based and institutional grants, 3. recognizing the eligibility criteria for different grant types, 4. allocating funds for personnel, equipment, consumables, and other expenses, 5. financial reporting and compliance with grant guidelines, 6. ethical considerations in grant management, 7. strategies for adapting to unforeseen challenges and the importance of regular reporting for accountability and transparency. Feedback scores from the grant office staff will be used to assess training impact. Task 8.2: To streamline administrative procedures and minimize bureaucracy, InflaCare aims to implement paperless workflows for on-site processes, including procurements and financial reports. To do so, the Supervisory Board will first conduct a thorough analysis of existing administrative procedures by mapping out each step in the grant management and identify bottlenecks, redundancies, and areas where efficiency can be improved. Next, the Board will consider simplifying forms and documentation requirements to minimize the time and effort required for completion as well as suggest any unnecessary fields that do not contribute to the core objectives of the administrative process. In collaboration with the IMBB administration, InflaCare will embrace digital solutions to automate and digitize administrative tasks, implement electronic document management systems and online forms to reduce manual paperwork and processing time. In addition, we will ensure that instructions, updates, and guidelines are easily accessible on the IMBB website, reducing the need for constant inquiries and clarifications. The Supervisory Board will implement performance metrics to monitor the efficiency of administrative processes. Task 8.3: To upgrade bioethics standards and licensing requirements linked to animal experimentation, The ERA Chair holder will guide the IMBB bioethics committee on advanced genome editing technologies and assist GSRI policymakers in instituting reforms related to new bioethics standards for genetic modification. Concurrently, the InflaCare Supervisory Board will offer technical support to officials and legislators, facilitating the implementation of reforms for animal experimentation licenses in translational research. InflaCare will also enhance the content of the annual FELASA-accredited course (provided by FORTH and the University of Crete) on animal experimentation by introducing scientists to advanced CRISPR-Cas9-based editing strategies. |
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Work package number |
WP9 |
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Work package title |
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Objectives:
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Description of work (WP leader: Prof. Dr. Manolis Pasparakis): EU investments have played a pivotal role in empowering research laboratories, fostering scientific advancements, and elevating healthcare outcomes in less economically developed EU member states. Harnessing the financial support from the EU, including the ERDF and the RRF, several research teams at the IMBB have developed substantial expertise, crafted essential research tools, and produced ground-breaking innovations. InflaCare will consider the following strategies to maximize the benefits from EU and national investments: Task 9.1: To build upon EU-funded infrastructures, existing technologies and expertise. The ERA Chair team will leverage a wide range of EU funded infrastructures on-site. Specifically, the team will use the fully equipped IMBB animal unit, the super-resolution and 2-photon microscopy facilities, as well as the recently established flow cytometry and cell sorting facility, the state-of-the-art electron microscopy facility, the cutting-edge "omics" platforms for next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry, and the biocomputing facility with robust bioinformatics pipelines. Additionally, InflaCare will utilize the developed technologies on site i.e., the in vivo biotinylation tagging platform in mice and the lipid nanocarriers or exosomes for targeted drug delivery in preclinical animal models. Task 9.2. To connect with the national nodes of prominent EU-funded consortia and with national research programs: InflaCare will affiliate with the regional nodes of BBMRI (for the systematic collection, storage, and management of biological samples from preclinical animal models of inflammation research), EATRIS (to leverage on technologies relevant to anti-inflammatory drug delivery), the European network for rare diseases (to access funding possibilities for studying the Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome patients), INFRAFRONTIER (for the development of CRISPR-CAS9-based animal models), and GA4GH (for joining personalized genome-based medicine strategies). The ERA Chair, will become an associate partner in ongoing EU networks HealthAge and aDDRess, as well as in national consortia like "Panther" and "BrainPrecision," focusing, among others, on age-related and DNA damage-driven inflammatory diseases, neuroinflammation and the development of anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies. Task 9.3: To establish strong regional partnerships, InflaCare will collaborate with the University of Crete Medical School and School of Sciences and Engineering to leverage their cutting-edge infrastructure and extensive biomedical research groups. Prof. Dr. Pasparakis will also engage with PRAXI Network a leading innovation centre in Greece for technology transfer and innovation support. InflaCare will also liaise with the University Hospital of Heraklion to focus on translational research programs in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, accelerating the development of treatments and prevention strategies for chronic inflammatory diseases. The team will also work with specialist immunologists at the General Hospital of Heraklion, to facilitate funding for clinical trials, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. |
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Work package number |
WP10 |
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Work package title |
Raise the reputation of IMBB and promote communication of R&I results |
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Objectives: 1. To promote dissemination of scientific findings; 2. To enhance communication to diverse audiences and strengthen visibility. |
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Description of work (WP leader: Prof. Dr. Manolis Pasparakis): InflaCare is committed to leveraging the ERA Chair holder's expertise in effectively communicating research findings to diverse audiences. The communication strategy will specifically target three key stakeholder groups: (a) Academic Sector, (b) Private Sector, and (c) Public Sector, including the general public, patients, NGOs, and policymakers. Task 10.1. To promote dissemination of scientific findings: The dissemination strategy includes: 1. Direct exchanges and workgroup discussions within the scientific community, 2. Publication in scientific journals, 3. Posting methods on the InflaCare website, 4. Participation in specialized courses, 5. Annual meetings, workshops, and a closing conference coinciding with the InflaCare closing meeting. PhD students and postdocs are expected to publish one first-author paper, with senior researchers contributing review papers. All presentation materials will be accessible on the InflaCare website. Task 10.2. To enhance communication to diverse audiences and strengthen visibility: The ERA Chair holder will disseminate research findings through newspapers, radio, and TV, engaging diverse audiences through outreach activities targeting schools, summer programs, elder advocacy groups, nursing homes, and the general public. Communication channels will include 1. the InflaCare website, 2. Open Lab Days, 3. InflaCare Team Ambassadors, 4. an annual newsletter, 5. popular science and daily press articles, 6. podcasts, video casts, and 7. a strong social media presence on LinkedIn and Twitter. |
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