New oncology centre in central Europe A new centre at the Medical University of Warsaw (MUW) addresses the need for an experimental oncology platform to support hospitals. An improved understanding of carcinogenesis could help bring about new therapeutic and diagnostic tools. Health © Andrei Kiselev, Thinkstock With EU funding, the project BASTION (From basic to translational research in oncology) supported experimental oncology development in central Europe. It helped MUW become a leading research and clinical oncology centre. Comprising internationally recognised research groups and lead scientists, BASTION aimed to strengthen MUW's research potential in basic and translational oncology. The project involved the initiation and consolidation of the cooperation between MUW and 13 EU academic and industrial partner organisations. The exchange of scientific ideas was ensured through organised workshops and an international conference on molecular oncology. The new bioinformatics group focused on personalised medicine. Project work included recruiting research and management personnel as well as acquiring modern research equipment. The acquired equipment considerably enhanced the research capabilities of BASTION teams. The automated nucleic acid extractor and laser microdissection platform provide the means to acquire and analyse DNA/RNA. The Fluidigm platform and the DNA sequencer allow efficient preparation of middle-scale libraries from isolated nucleic acids. The protein purification work station, pipetting bio-robot and multispectral microplate reader allow for further evaluation of the target gene(s) function in cell-based in vitro assays. During the BASTION project, 11 postdoctoral top-level–qualified researchers were recruited. To facilitate the development of the bioinformatics tools, a leader and two information technology specialists have joined MUW. Together, they had a great impact on the research potential in basic and translational oncology at MUW. Recruited scientists authored 32 publications, obtained seven scientific awards, and secured nine grants for additional funding for their research. The project stimulated the collaborative efforts of the involved partners and facilitated integration of research capabilities to increase efficiency in the development of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. New equipment and staff helped to raise the level of basic and translational oncology research and form a bridge to clinical applications, benefiting the population in central Europe. Keywords Medical University of Warsaw, experimental oncology, BASTION, bioinformatics, personalised medicine
