BIOTIN project successfully performed several key activities as highlighted below:
1- Recruitment of DCs (Work Package (WP) 3): The BIOTIN Team organized a comprehensive and transparent selection process through two open calls with wide dissemination activities across various digital platforms and human resources portals promoting gender equality among applications.
The recruitment processes were carried out by academic and non-academic independent experts in accordance with MSCA guidelines, ensuring diversity and gender balance. The recruitment process adhered strictly to the European Charter for Researchers. The BIOTIN project commenced on January 01, 2023. The DCs started the program between November 2023 and October 2024. While all 10 DC positions were filled at the end of the recruitment processes, the program currently has 8 DCs due to withdrawals.
2- Research and Training (WP 5): The scientific component of BIOTIN has focused on highly interdisciplinary research activities combining life sciences, engineering and data science to tackle complex challenges related to disease modeling, drug delivery systems, organoid technologies nanobiomaterials and smart prosthetic devices. Interdisciplinary and industry-experienced supervisor teams guide research projects and ensure that DCs receive top-tier mentoring.
BIOTIN has placed a strong emphasis on comprehensive training and skill development. Key events carried out in the first reporting term included mandatory PhD courses tailored to the research needs of DCs, an introduction event at implementing and associated partner organizations and a training session on innovation and entrepreneurship.
3- Career Development (WP 5): Another key achievement was the preparation and implementation of Personal Career Development Plan (PCDP) tailored for each DC. These plans were designed to address both the individual research/technical needs and long-term career aspirations of the fellows. Each PCDP has been monitored and updated regularly to ensure alignment with research goals and career milestones. Progress has been evaluated using 37 well-defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track achievements in each semester.
4- Management (WP 2): The BIOTIN program is being managed by the BIOTIN Management Committee (MC). The MC has carried out all the required tasks on time, including submission of all milestones and deliverables, planning of all training, networking and dissemination activities, management of IPR, ethical and financial issues. During the first reporting term, the MC prepared detailed documents for application, selection and recruitment processes as well as supervision and ethical issues to ensure the compliance of the BIOTIN program with the grant agreement and MSCA rules.
5- Data Management (WP 2): A detailed Data Management Plan was developed and submitted to the REA to ensure proper data management during the project timeline. Data management practices in BIOTIN follow FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable), ensuring that data generated within the research projects is properly stored and shared in accordance with Horizon Europe standards.
6- Ethics (WP 1): BIOTIN program ensures full ethical compliance with fundamental ethics principles and the major European and national regulations on ethical issues, including those reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the relevant ethics rules of Horizon Europe. Accordingly, a detailed Ethics Guide was prepared and shared with all fellows and supervisors to maintain ethical standards.
