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Activity Funded

Institute for Research and Innovation in Health

Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde

Reference
UIDB/04293/2020
Project Start Date
2020-01-01
Project End Date
2024-12-31
Principal Investigator
Scientific Area
Medical and health sciences
Funding Program
Concurso de avaliação no âmbito do Programa Plurianual de Financiamento de Unidades de I&D (2017/2018) - Financiamento Base

Abstract

10.2 Summary in English for general dissemination purposes i3S is a multidisciplinary Unit focused in research, innovation and training in Biomedical Sciences. It brings together internationally recognized researchers with competences in basic, translational and clinical research, in a model that potentiates the full cycle “from bench to bedside”. Research is organized in 3 Programs: i) Cancer; ii) Host Interaction and Response; and iii) Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders. They combine strengths of i3S research groups, including Molecular and Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Molecular Pathology and Bioengineering. To set and maintain the highest standards, our strategy relies on cutting-edge Scientific Platforms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Our approach is highly integrative: in each Program fundamental scientific questions on the molecular and cellular bases of living systems, mechanisms underlying disease, and development of novel tools for screening, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are combined. We established an effective cross-fertilization ecosystem in which our multidisciplinary Programs have strong interactions with hospitals and medical faculties of UPorto. i3S is a dynamic research hub, with over 1200 professionals, ca. 430 researchers with PhD and ca. 250 PhD students. It is a key stakeholder in 6 accredited PhD programs and holds an Advanced Training Unit that delivers high-level training. Our stimulating and dynamic research environment is shaped by a regular seminars series and by scientific interest clubs. We regularly organize international workshops and conferences designed for students and researchers. Future recruitment of scientific leaders in key strategic areas will consolidate emerging areas and bridge the research carried out by the 3 Programs to consolidate the necessary critical mass and inter-disciplinary culture. The impact of i3S surpasses scientific achievements: in line with the Responsible Research and Innovation framework, we have strong bonds with academia, industry, health-services and local communities. Ethical and responsible conduct is core to our activities. To further engage the civil and scientific community around the i3S project we have a strong outreach program on prevention, wellness and care delivery; we are embedded in the cultural landscape through a science culture program. For translation, the Knowledge Transfer Office continuously scouts i3S for research valorisation and IP protection, promotes R&D contracts with industry, and curates an acceleration program. i3S has 2 clinical services: Ipatimup Diagnostics and the Centre for Predictive and Preventive Genetics. Both units are accredited and together they perform over 38,000 exams/yr and 4,000 consultations/yr; have agreements/projects with the Portuguese Health System and with pharmaceutical companies; and sustain robust links with patient associations. 10.3 Summary in English for evaluation i3S is a multidisciplinary Research Unit focused on fundamental and translational research, innovation and training in Biomedical Sciences. Funded by FCT since Jan. 2015, it brings together internationally recognized researchers in cell division, oncobiology, neurological disorders, infection and biomaterials, in a model that potentiates the full cycle “from bench to bedside”. Research is organised in 3 Programs: i) Cancer; ii) Host Interaction and Response; and iii) Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders. These Programs integrate fundamental questions on the molecular and cellular bases of living systems, as well as on the mechanisms underlying disease, with pre-clinical research and the development of novel strategies for disease monitoring and therapeutics. The Cancer Program is built on the fertile grounds of molecular and cell biology, including cell division, cell cycle and tissue organization, to shed light on the molecular networks leading to cell transformation, tissue growth, invasion and metastization. We aim to develop non-invasive strategies and identify biomarkers for cancer monitoring, while identifying factors that promote cell communication locally and at distance, or contribute to the acquisition of cancer stem cell-like properties that might contribute to therapy resistance. Building on our expertise on infection, immunity and regenerative medicine, the Host Interaction and Response Program is focused in studying how foreign agents invade the host and modulate its immune response; how the host senses, controls and eliminates these agents; and how inflammation/tissue regeneration is impacted by these interactions. This knowledge is key to explore new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including the delivery of bioactive molecules, genes and cells, to treat infectious disease, cancer and promote regeneration. The Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders Program fosters synergies across different disciplines to generate mechanistic insight into how neuron-glia interactions shape the nervous system in health and disease. Groups within this Program have been using multiple tools that span from cells in culture to sophisticated animal models, to dissect the role of neurons and glia and their cellular and molecular interactions. This knowledge is essential to understand how the nervous system is assembled, maintained healthy throughout life, as well as to restore physiologic normality in disease. i3S is a dynamic hub, with over 1200 professionals (~430 PhD researchers; ~250 PhD students), and a key stakeholder in 6 PhD programs. To set and maintain the highest scientific standards, our strategy relies on cutting-edge Scientific Platforms equipped with state-of-the-art technology and headed by qualified staff. These Platforms are accessed on an open policy basis, and investment in new equipment is strategically aligned with the needs of the intramural and extramural scientific community, reinforcing complementarity and networking. We foster the interaction between our groups and hospitals and medical schools, boosting opportunities for translational and clinical research and training, and access to patient material. We host an internal seminars' program, scientific clubs and international workshops/conferences that promote a vibrant research atmosphere. This stimulating environment facilitates mentoring of postdocs and students, while establishing a culture of institutional citizenship. This will be reinforced by a Postgraduate Unit to oversee the training of all students. In addition, we promote the employment of junior researchers, encouraging them to pursue an independent career. i3S aims at increasing our international scientific community beyond the existing 10% among PhD students and researchers. We continue to pursue the recruitment of international scientific leaders in key strategic or emerging areas (H2020 ERA chairs pending applications; EU Teaming Discoveries Centre) to bridge the research carried out by the 3 Programs. In line with the Responsible Research and Innovation framework, we have strong relationships with academia, industry, health-services and general public. Ethical and responsible conduct is core to our activities. We are committed with open-access and are creating a public repository. Our 58 research groups publish in the best journals of each field (50% in international collaboration; 70% in 1st quartile). To further engage the civil and scientific communities we will expand our outreach program by engaging in collaborative projects on health prevention, wellness and care, and in the cultural landscape by a Sci&Arts program. i3S identity will continue to be strengthened by strategic communication actions. i3S's international profile is echoed by participation in international projects, COST actions and scientific/infrastructure networks. Since 2015, the i3S was rewarded with competitive R&D funding from national (>€18M) and international sources (of which 4 ERCs and 3 ITNs: >€9.1M). The Technology Transfer and Programs Unit scouts for research valorisation and IP protection opportunities. In 2015-17 i3S submitted 19 patents, developed 12 prototypes, established 23 licensing agreements (3 marketed products), secured 26 R&D contracts with industry; generated 3 spin-offs; launched an acceleration program and sponsored an international innovation award. i3S has 2 clinical services: Ipatimup Diagnostics and the Centre for Predictive and Preventive Genetics. Both units are accredited (ISO 15189; ISO/IEC 17025); perform over 38,000 exams/yr, 4,000 consultations/yr; have agreements with Portuguese Health System and pharmaceutical companies; and sustain robust links with patient associations (e.g. Europacolon and NoStomachForCancer).

Institutions

Main Institutions

  • Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S)
  • Universidade do Porto Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S)

Other Institutions

  • Universidade do Porto Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (UP IBMC)
  • Universidade do Porto Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular (IPATIMUP)
  • Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB)
  • Universidade do Porto (UP)

Funding 13.249.334,63 €

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

13.249.334,63 €