Activity Funded

CNC. IBILI

Reference
UID/NEU/04539/2013

Project Start Date
2015-01-01

Project End Date
2018-12-31

Principal Investigator

Catarina Oliveira 1511-44D1-457C 0000-0001-6942-4328

Scientific Area
Medical and health sciences

Funding Program
Financiamento do Plano Estratégico de Unidades de I&D - 2013/2015 - OE

Abstract

CNC.IBILI is a new unit that results from the fusion of two biomedical research institutes of excellence in Portugal - CNC and IBILI - and incorporates the largest critical mass of biomedical investigators in the Center region of Portugal. Deeply rooted at the University of Coimbra, CNC.IBILI joins together researchers from the Faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, and the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research around common objectives of biomedical research. The synergies created by the fusion of CNC and IBILI will generate the opportunity for novel achievements in neurosciences, vision, aging, brain diseases and advanced therapies. CNC.IBILI is composed of 21 groups supported by strong Core CVs of researchers integrated in prestigious international networks. These groups are organized in three Thematic Strands. The Neuroscience, Vision and Brain Diseases Thematic Strand comprises researchers with a comprehensive know-how, ranging from molecular studies to human brain imaging. The Strand is focused on understanding brain and visual function at the molecular and cellular levels as well as on identifying brain circuits implicated in behavior and in brain diseases. We propose to integrate evaluation of molecular and phenotypic parameters with state-of-the-art in vivo physiological recordings and imaging of the brain, in a multilevel approach to address fundamental questions on brain function and its impairment. The groups in this strand aim to pinpoint mechanisms of vision and brain diseases, focusing particularly in defects on synaptic processes and on brain metabolism, in order to design effective therapies. The Metabolism, Aging and Disease Strand links cellular dysfunction (namely mitochondrial activity, oxidative stress and protein folding), with metabolism-based changes in diabetes, neurodegenerative and aging-related disorders, in order to both unveil basic mechanisms that may suggest possible molecular and cellular therapeutic targets for these conditions, and provide novel non-invasive diagnostic strategies using metabolite tracers. The Stem-cell-based and Molecular Therapies Strand aims at investigating translational advanced therapies for neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and infectious diseases, as well as cancer. For this we take advantage of stem cells and of molecular therapy strategies aiming at i) establishment of disease models and study of molecular mechanisms of disease, ii) investigation of new advanced nucleic acid-based therapies with viral and non-viral vectors approaches, iii) establishment of stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of ischemic diseases, iv) development of novel methods for cell reprogramming and stem cell modulation/differentiation and v) creation of stem cell–based assays and in silico approaches for drug screening. CNC.IBILI is uniquely positioned in terms of transforming excellent basic research to both translational interventions and increased economic value. The close connection to the Coimbra University Hospitals Health System (CHUC), one of the largest in Portugal, provides access to clinical know-how, patient samples, and patients themselves, ensuring the possibility of both CNC.IBILI pioneered initiatives, and the participation in international consortia. Collaborations with AIBILI allow CNC.IBILI to implement clinical trials and take the research results into clinical practice. On the other hand, collaboration with industry, namely in the biotechnology entrepreneurship campus created in Biocant Park, ensures that novel scientific ideas and methodologies will contribute to a more competitive knowledge-based economy in the region. CNC.IBILI is totally committed to two other crucial aspects of any research institute that aims to excel, namely training and science communication. In-house masters and PhD Programs and international training networks coordinated by CNC.IBILI will ensure the high-level and multidisciplinary mentoring of PhD students, clinicians and postdoctoral fellows in an international environment that fosters creative critical thinking in both basic and applied science. The need to be socially active and provide an efficient outreach program that helps create an informed citizenship on scientific matters is another important aspect of the CNC.IBILI mission statement. CNC.IBILI is a hub for high-level expertise for basic and translational research, as well as for creating value through innovation and entrepreneurship, and for training biomedical students and clinicians according to the highest standards. Throughout the time of this proposal CNC.IBILI aims to be an international reference in its areas of intervention, and a magnet for knowledge-based regional development and economic growth.

Institutions

Main Institutions

Universidade de Coimbra Instituto de Investigação Clínica e Biomédica de Coimbra (UC iCBR)
Universidade de Coimbra (UC)

Other Institutions

Universidade de Coimbra Instituto de Ciências Nucleares Aplicadas à Saúde (ICNAS)
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular (CNC-UC)

Funding 10.494.840,00 €

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Portugal

10.494.840,00 €

2015-01-01 a 2021-12-31
UID/NEU/04539/2013