TWINNING FOR EXCELLENCE TO STRATEGICALLY ADVANCE RESEARCH IN CARCINOGENESIS AND CANCER

Project Information

CutCancer

Grant agreement ID: 101079113

DOI

10.3030/101079113

Project closed

EC signature date 1 August 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2025

Funded under

• Widening participation and spreading excellence

Total cost

€ 1 197 550,00

EU contribution

€ 1 197 550,00

Coordinated by

NACIONALNI INSTITUT ZA BIOLOGIJO
Slovenia

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CutCancer (TWINNING FOR EXCELLENCE TO STRATEGICALLY ADVANCE RESEARCH IN CARCINOGENESIS AND CANCER)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The CutCancer project aimed to strengthen and increase the research and innovation capacity and excellence of the National Institute of Biology (NIB) in Slovenia. This was achieved through targeted twinning activities with three internationally renowned institutions: Swansea University from the UK (SWAN), Stockholm University from Sweden (SU) and Stichting Amsterdam UMC from the Netherlands (VUmc), all of which poses specific, unique and complementary knowledge and expertise that is highly desired and needed at NIB. Together with ongoing substantial infrastructural improvements and significant research equipment upgrades, CutCancer enabled implementation of cutting-edge approaches and methodologies (including advanced in vitro 3D cell models, spatial and single-cell analyses), facilitating frontier research in the field of preclinical 3D cancer research. CutCancer encompassed the development of synergies between research institutions, fostering networking and participation in future Research and Innovation processes. CutCancer went beyond the purely scientific aspects and raised the management and administrative capacity of NIB to reach a top level. Twinning activities included specific hands-on training (10 trainings accomplished with 12 participants), expert visits (14 short visits accomplished with 19 participants), webinars, workshops and summer school, job shadowing (within the project lifetime 3 corporative staff exchanges with 20 participants were accomplished) and exchange of best practices, targeting strategically selected research and administrative areas. Results were disseminated at 54 international and national conferences and targeted events for relevant stakeholders ranging from the scientific community to the health sector, professional networks, students, and the general public. By the end of the project, a total of 47 new international research project proposals, 40 research and innovation networks, and 7 research support-related projects had been prepared and submitted in collaboration with CutCancer partners and/or external institutions, building directly on the knowledge, methodologies, and approaches transferred through the twinning activities. In terms of outcomes, by the end of the project, a subset of the submitted proposals was selected for funding (altogether 20 projects), enabling immediate follow‑on research and consolidation of the twinning results at NIB and across partner labs. The CutCancer strategic action plan was designed to ensure long-term sustainability of project outcomes, including continued collaboration within the consortium and beyond, future joint research proposals coordinated by NIB, and the shared use and further development of newly implemented methodologies and infrastructure.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The main activities and achievements of the CutCancer project include the acquisition of state-of-the-art fundamental and applied knowledge in the fields of genetic toxicology and in vitro 3D cell models, in situ sequencing, and imaging mass cytometry. The project also resulted in the publication of 22 open-access scientific articles (available at (https://zenodo.org/search?q=CutCancer&l=list&p=1&s=10&sort=bestmatch) as well as the presentation of results at 54 conferences and symposiums.
The investments were made in new research infrastructure at the premises of the NIB, specifically within the Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology (NIB-GEN). Extensive training and networking activities were carried out among the CutCancer partners, namely SU, VUmc, SWAN, and NIB, fostering strong scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The project also supported the preparation and submission of national and international research proposals, including Horizon Europe applications, involving NIB-GEN together with the CutCancer consortium and additional partners. As a result of the project, the visibility, attractiveness, and scientific reputation of NIB-GEN were significantly enhanced, leading to increased interest from MSc and PhD students in the fields of genetic toxicology and cancer research.
Finally, the CutCancer project contributed to the upgrading and further development of the research strategy at the National Institute of Biology, ensuring long-term scientific impact and sustainability of the project outcomes.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The potential impacts of the CutCancer project include improved scientific excellence, innovation capacity, and resources at NIB, particularly within NIB-GEN. Significant knowledge transfer and the development of new research approaches were achieved through training and networking activities between CutCancer partners and NIB-GEN. The newly acquired state-of-the-art knowledge in genetic toxicology and in vitro 3D cell models enables researchers to further strengthen their expertise and expand existing competencies.
In addition, knowledge in innovative in situ sequencing and imaging mass cytometry enhances the understanding of cellular and molecular interactions in organoid tumour models, before and after standard cancer treatments. The new NIB-GEN infrastructure, together with strengthened research excellence, contributes to the further development of academic excellence in Slovenia. Capacity building at NIB extends beyond scientific aspects, the project duration, and national boundaries.
Increased mobility of researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff has facilitated the acquisition and transfer of knowledge and best practices. Improved excellence, capacity, and resources position NIB at a higher competitive level, enabling success in national, EU, and international funding. The project achieved broad impact through engagement of stakeholders across research, training, dissemination, and sustainability.
Beyond the project, impacts include improved public understanding of environmental and health issues related to chemical exposure and cancer. The project contributes to public health, prevention of diseases, and reduction of risks linked to hazardous chemicals and cancer. It also supports the wider implementation of advanced cancer research methodologies in the scientific and clinical community.

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