Stem cells — International collaboration
The EU-funded RAMSES project connected partner institutions from Germany, Romania and Egypt to promote cooperation between Europe and the Mediterranean Partner Countries. Their main objective was the establishment of a knowledge-sharing network between the participant countries. RAMSES facilitated a robust scientific networking between basic stem cell researchers and clinicians from Egypt and Europe through trans-national two-way exchanges of research staff. Scientific training during these visits included specific research subjects concerning adult and induced pluripotent stem cell culture, characterisation methods and cryopreservation techniques. It also included methods of molecular biology, flow cytometry, lipidomics, protein analysis, immunohistochemistry and regenerative medicine. A particular focus was on hands-on training for the junior scientists supervised by experienced members from the host institutions. RAMSES project established a model laboratory, which represented the first laboratory in Egypt dedicated to stem cell research in the field of stem cell derived cardiomyocytes. RAMSES recruited scientists for teaching and research activities to reinforce the potential of the Egyptian partner institute. New equipment and upgrade of the existing equipment created laboratory space to support innovative research. Thus they increased the research quality, competitiveness, and visibility of the Egyptian partner institution. Workshops in Egypt and Germany, conferences as well as training events were organised to facilitate knowledge transfer at national and international level. The RAMSES project set up a dedicated website to enable the project results and information to reach a broad audience. The website also supported an internal communication and reporting platform which facilitated file-sharing between the partner institutions. In addition to the website, press releases, oral and poster presentations at the conferences provided high visibility of the project through dissemination of information. RAMSES had a strong impact on the reinforcement of the international scientific collaboration and contributed to regional development. The modernisation of Egyptian partner research institute will help attract more investments and contribute to national, regional and international scientific development.
Keywords
Stem cell research, knowledge sharing, scientific networking, pluripotent, cryopreservation, training, laboratory, international