BIOSTRENGTH

Strengthening Regional Bioresearch Potential in Greece: Advanced scientific performance at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics in Thrace

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) in Thrace is the only University Faculty in Greece dedicated to providing a curriculum on molecular biology and genetics. MBG was created with the vision of becoming a centre of research excellence, nationally and in Europe, fostering research on the molecular and genetic basis of Human diseases and the understanding of basic biological questions. BioStrength targets the research capacity increase of MBG by improving the quality of research and enhancing dynamic collaborative links with knowledgeable institutions, aiming at a sustained participation in FP7 and ERA and the improvement of visibility in the regional and national socio-economic context. These goals will require: improvement of knowledge base and skills via short term visits of our staff and incoming scientists, improving MBG's infrastructure by developing a unit/facility that can act as a training-pole, recruitment of researchers, transfer of knowledge via training workshops and conferences and increased public visibility within the economic and social environment. This endeavour will elevate research potential and boost MBG into a regional centre of excellence with a sustained presence in the European research community.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

European funding boosted research into human disease genetics at a Greek university in Thrace. Improved infrastructure coupled with scientific exchange should ensure a sustained presence of their molecular biology and genetics (MBG) department in the European research community.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The BIOSTRENGTH (Strengthening regional bioresearch potential in Greece: Advanced scientific performance at the department of molecular biology and genetics in Thrace) project was a regional effort of the Democritus University of Thrace in Greece to enhance scientific performance of their MBG department. The only faculty in Greece providing a curriculum specialised in molecular biology and genetics, MBG also excels in basic research.

BIOSTRENGTH funding contributed towards the development of a strong technological basis for concrete research facilities and infrastructure. The ultimate goal was to enhance the research and development (R&D) capacity of the department and foster collaborations that would serve MBG's vision of becoming a centre of research excellence in south-east Europe.

MBG set up and is currently operating the Cell Imaging and Biomolecular Interactions (CiBIT) core facility, which focuses on the areas of bioimaging and biomolecular interaction analysis. CiBIT is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, a customised multi-laser line modular confocal microscope, and a multiplex surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor. The unit operates internal and external services, providing advanced cellular imaging and characterisation of in vitro macromolecular and target-drug interactions with support from dedicated scientific staff of international expertise.

Short-term exchanges with institutions throughout Europe have enhanced dynamic research and training. The main knowledge transfer network participants were the Advanced Light Microscopy Facility of EMBL-Heidelberg, the Technology Facility of the University of York, Friedrich Miescher Institute of Novartis Research Foundation-Basel and the Center of Genetic Research, Barcelona.

Dissemination was a key activity throughout the BIOSTRENGTH project and included publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. CiBIT's infrastructure and training capacity was demonstrated through the organisation of a 'Biomolecular Interactions' workshop. The workshop focused on the use of SPR technology for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of molecular systems.

The BIOSTRENGTH project has fostered strategic partnerships with academia, research institutes and industry. Ranging from life science research and diagnostics to microscopy, imaging and high-tech cameras, applications for deliverables will span many life sciences fields. Long-term, MBG participation at national and international levels should grow to attract future EU funding and participation in research consortia.