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Activity Funded

Molecular, Structural and Cellular Microbiology – Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier

Microbiologia Molecular, Estrutural e Celular - – Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier

Reference
UIDB/04612/2020
Project Start Date
2020-01-01
Project End Date
2024-12-31
Principal Investigator
Scientific Area
Natural 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 MOSTMICRO-ITQB is the largest Research Unit of ITQB NOVA, an academic institution of the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. ITQB NOVA is devoted to research and training in life sciences, chemistry and associated technologies; its core values are excellence in research and training. The vision of MOSTMICRO-ITQB is to unveil biological processes at the Molecular, Cellular and Population levels, with a focus on microbes that are important for human health, biotechnology and the environment. The specific objectives are to study the molecular bases of microbial processes, the mechanisms of pathogenesis, the organisation of microbial cells and the dynamics of populations, the basis for novel therapies and new processes for clean biotechnology. To achieve this, MOSTMICRO-ITQB gathers a unique diverse set of researchers; a distinctive multidisciplinary combination that provides an ideal setting in which to carry out studies at the interface of several disciplines, for a deeper understanding of microbial life and its impact on Health and the Environment. The broad objectives for the period 2018-2022 are: -To excel in molecular microbiology research and to seed innovation, -To incubate and nurture talent -To widen the impact of research. These objectives will be fulfilled by a team of 256 researchers, organised into 34 independent Labs. The labs are assembled into 10 Groups, supported by a Science Communication, Funding and Innovation group. These groups contribute to 3 Thematic Lines (TLs), addressing key research problems and societal challenges in Health and Sustainability. The specific goals of the TLs are: TL1) Molecular Mechanisms of Biological Processes; to understand the fundamental processes of microorganisms, from a molecular perspective. TL2) Anti-Infective Strategies against Microbial Pathogens; to study important microbial pathogens and model organisms, ranging from single molecule to population-level studies, with the ultimate goal of fighting infectious diseases. TL3) Microbial Factories for Health and Sustainability; to explore the genetic and metabolic potential of microbes, and their enzymatic machinery, for the production of added-value molecules and processes. The strategy for 2018-2022 will be developed around Scientific Development (Axis 1), Researcher Training and Career Development (Axis 2) and Wider Impact (Axis 3). Actions to promote Research will target new collaborative projects, human resources, internationalisation and infrastructure. The Executive Committee, formed by the Unit Coordinator, the TL Coordinators and a Science Manager, is responsible for managing the Unit. A Scientific Advisory Board, composed of eminent scientists, will provide council and will annually review the Unit´s performance. The plan for 2018-22 will increase the impact and international visibility of MOSTMICRO-ITQB and ensure its continued success in top-quality research and training. 10.3 Summary in English for evaluation MOSTMICRO-ITQB is the largest Research Unit of Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), an academic institution of the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. Sinceits foundation in 1986, ITQB NOVA has been made very significant contributions to research in the life sciences, chemistry and associated technologies. The institute´s core values are excellence in research and training, both carried out from a multidisciplinary perspective. The vision of MOSTMICRO-ITQB is to unveil biological processes at the Molecular, Cellular and Population levels, with a focus on microbes that are important for human health, biotechnology and the environment. The specific objectives are to study the molecular bases of microbial processes, the mechanisms of pathogenesis, the organisation of microbial cells and the dynamics of populations, as the basis for novel therapies and new processes for clean biotechnology. To achieve this, MOSTMICRO-ITQB gathers a uniquely diverse set of researchers, comprising microbiologists, biochemists, structural biologists, computational biologists, cell biologists, geneticists, molecular epidemiologists and chemists. This distinctive multidisciplinary combination provides an ideal setting in which to carry out studies at the interface of several disciplines, for a deeper understanding of microbial life and its impact on Health and the Environment. The broad objectives for the period 2018-2022 are: -To excel in molecular microbiology research and to seed innovation -To incubate and nurture talent -To widen the impact of research carried out in the Unit. These objectives will be fulfilled by a group of 256 (107 PhD holders, 61 PhD students, 48 other students, 5 technicians and 35 collaborators) organised into 34 independent Labs (a growth of ca. 20% compared to 2013-2017). The structure of the Unit was kept simple to ensure maximum efficiency. The labs are assembled into 10 research Groups, supported by a Science Communication, Funding and Innovation Group. These groups contribute to 3 Thematic Lines (TLs), addressing key research problems and societal challenges in Health and Sustainability. The TLs have the following specific goals: TL1-Molecular Mechanisms of Biological Processes: to understand the fundamental processes of microorganisms, from a molecular perspective. TL2-Anti-Infective Strategies against Microbial Pathogens: to study important microbial pathogens and model organisms, ranging from Single Molecule to population-level studies, with the ultimate goal of fighting infectious diseases. TL3-Microbial Factories for Health and Sustainability: to explore the genetic and metabolic potential of microbes and their enzymatic machinery for the production of value-added molecules and processes. The strategy for 2018-2022 will be centred on 3 core lines of action: Axis 1 - Scientific Development Axis 2 - Researcher Training and Career Development Axis 3 - Wider Impact Actions to promote Scientific Development will target new collaborative projects, human resources, internationalisation and infrastructure. Internal calls for Synergy Projects on specific topics will be implemented in order to stimulate new avenues of research and collaboration between groups. MOSTMICRO-ITQB funds will be used to strengthen existing positions for researchers and technical staff in key areas and to attract or secure new talent and leadership. New equipment, necessary to maintain state-of-the-art scientific facilities, will be acquired. These acquisitions will address current needs and will also anticipate future requirements arising from expanding research activities. The international competitiveness and visibility of MOSTMICRO-ITQB is progressing. The Unit has been awarded 3 ERC grants, one FET-Open, 5 COST Actions, and has recently submitted 3 Twining, 1 ERC Synergy and 8 ITN grants. MOSTMICRO-ITQB will continue to prepare international and national applications, providing support and coaching in proposal preparation. Researchers will be further supported in increasing the international dissemination of their work. New actions will promote Researcher Training and Career Development, aimed particularly at graduate students and junior PIs. The high standards of Masters and Doctoral training at ITQB NOVA will be reinforced and a new post-graduation Programme in entrepreneurship and translating science to the market will be launched; in cooperation with the NOVA School of Business and Economics. New practices in career mentorship will be implemented for researchers at all levels. New actions to develop transferable skills and to promote the employability of researchers will be implemented. The societal impact of the Unit´s research will be increased through planned outreach and dissemination actions which will also stimulate links with stakeholders. Open Access publication will be encouraged and value creation will be promoted, by providing support on securing intellectual property, and research contracts with industry. The Coordinator of MOSTMICRO-ITQB is the Dean of ITQB NOVA. Each TL is coordinated by a senior scientist assisted by a vice coordinator. The Coordinator, along with the coordinators and vice coordinators from each TL, together with a Science Manager, form the Executive Committee responsible for the Unit´s management. This committee will ensure full delivery of the Unit´s strategy, identify risks and propose solutions. A Scientific Advisory Board, composed of eminent scientists, will provide council and will annually review the Unit´s performance. During 2013-17, the setting up of MOSTMICRO-ITQB was instrumental for focusing research, expanding collaborations and international funding networks, and increasing productivity. The plan for 2018-22 is designed to improve on this groundwork; to increase the impact and international visibility of MOSTMICRO-ITQB and to ensure its continued success in top-quality research and training.

Institutions

Main Institutions

  • Universidade Nova de Lisboa Molecular Structural and Cellular Microbiology (ITQB Nova MOSTMICRO)
  • Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL)

Funding 3.001.491,60 €

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

3.001.491,60 €