Improving biomedical research capacity in FYROM
In the last two decades, political and socioeconomic developments have had a negative impact on biomedical research in FYROM. In particular, research quality and capacity has declined and interest in research has dropped. An EU-funded project, ʹNational reference centre for genomics and proteomicsʹ (MACPROGEN), aided in the transformation of the RCGEB and improved the capacity of the centre in the fields of genomics and proteomics. The first step involved upgrading the infrastructure. This was accomplished by purchasing new state-of-the-art equipment and developing new research protocols for use with the new equipment. In addition, the project improved networking with other EU research institutions and initiated collaborations. RCGEB researchers in other EU institutions were trained, and expert visits and workshops were organised. The project has contributed to the enhancement of research quality and capacities in the country and surrounding areas. The centre now has the potential to participate in competitive research and to become further involved in collaborative projects.