Improving genomics and proteomics research
The BSRC was established in 1998 and became one of the most rapidly developing research centres in Greece in a number of biological disciplines. To become a leading centre in biomedical research in Europe, however, it needed to expand further into next generation high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and proteomics technologies. The 'Enhancing BSRC Al. Fleming research potential in genomics and proteomics applications' (GENPRO) project aimed to accomplish this. Initial stages of the project involved upgrading the Center's facilities by purchasing high-throughput instruments. Initial testing and experiments conducted on the instruments proved a great success and highlighted their high functionality in genomics and proteomics research. GENPRO recruited experts in the field who became involved in various projects. They played a role in developing and improving high-throughput DNA sequencing and proteomics techniques and algorithms. These novel algorithms were made available for use in similar research elsewhere. Project members formed collaborations and shared knowledge with top researchers in several mentor laboratories. The members were involved in, among other activities, training, project planning and the development of new computational tools. The project has allowed for a significant improvement in the quality of research conducted at the BSRC. The success and the improvement in high-throughput genomics and proteomics research at the Center were made evident by higher numbers of successful funding applications.
