Promoting Croatian research excellence in molecular medicine
The FVM is an established Croatian research institute with over 178 staff members. Under the aegis of the VETMEDZG(opens in new window) (Upgrading the research performance in molecular medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb) initiative, FVM scientists aim to enhance the Faculty’s research capacity in molecular technologies. During the first project period they selected and recruited key personnel such as the European Research Area (ERA) Chair, a project coordinator and a project administrator. Important issues such as equipment purchases and researcher recruitment were discussed. As a result, VETMEDZG initiated steps to acquire important equipment, beginning with a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer. Tenders are also out to recruit four talented researchers with the requisite expertise. To ensure effective dissemination, the project website was set up and is regularly updated. Training, workshops and research staff secondments are scheduled to enable knowledge transfer in molecular medicine with emphasis on proteomics and metabolomics. Areas of focus include comparative tumour analysis, post-genomic technology and wildlife research. Future activities include laboratory upgrades and setting up a core proteomics facility. Efforts are ongoing to obtain funding and participate in EU-funded as well as bilateral national and international projects. Overall, project activities should enhance the FVM's research performance and increase its visibility, thus preventing brain drain and attracting funds for research. This in turn will facilitate integration of the FVM into the ERA network.
