Building a proteomics centre in Croatia
High-quality antibodies have been demanded worldwide as research tools due to their significance in the studies of viral disease origins. They have also been attractive as diagnostic tools - for detection and monitoring of numerous diseases. Antibody-based therapeutics have become increasingly popular due to low toxicity and a lack of side-effects compared to chemical drugs. The major objective of the CAPRI2010 project was to upgrade the technological capacity of the Center for Proteomics at the University of Rijeka in order to attract scientists with an interest in antibody technology and proteomics. To achieve this goal, the project team acquired new equipment, recruited 13 scientists with experience in antibody production and generated or further characterized several hundred hybridoma cell lines secreting antibodies to a variety of target proteins. The investigators also invited top-notch scientists from all over the world to participate in the two seminar-conferences and share their expertise in proteomics, immunology and virology. The Center organised a few short-term visits to and from other universities to train researchers and facilitate scientific collaboration. The scientific work of the Center resulted in the publication of 14 articles in highly ranked journals and in the joint applications of 25 project proposals to the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) and other international calls. To promote visibility and enhance networking, the project team also designed a website (http://www.capri.com.hr/capri2010). In addition to CAPRI2010, the Center for Proteomics’ team submitted another application to the Research Potential programme (TransMedRi). The success of these grants has encouraged other laboratories in Croatia to apply to the FP7.
