Bioinformatics for Genomics in Malta

Informations projet

BioGeMT

N° de convention de subvention: 101086768

DOI

10.3030/101086768

Date de signature de la CE 24 Octobre 2022

Date de début 1 Decembre 2022

Date de fin 30 Novembre 2027

Financé au titre de

• Widening participation and spreading excellence

Coût total

€ 2 499 997,50

Contribution de l’UE

€ 2 499 997,50

Coordonné par

UNIVERSITA TA MALTA
Malta

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - BioGeMT (Bioinformatics for Genomics in Malta)

Période du rapport: 2024-03-01 au 2025-11-30

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

The ERA Chair in Bioinformatics for Genomics in Malta (BioGeMT) is designed to effect structural transformation at the University of Malta in the domain of bioinformatics. The initiative involves establishing a proficient bioinformatics team dedicated to analyzing genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and phenotypic data (collectively known as multi-omics) through machine learning and additional methodologies. This team will work closely with existing genetics and genomics research groups to enhance infrastructure and deepen the knowledge base, aiming to translate patient-derived multi-omic data into more effective disease understanding and treatment approaches.

Central to the project is the incorporation of an ERA Chair and a specialized team into UM's ongoing omics research, with a focus on building a robust, internationally engaged, and enduring bioinformatics team. Key to the project's success is fostering collaborations with both academic and industry partners, both locally and internationally.

Additionally, the project emphasizes developing bioinformatics training programs. This includes enhancing existing postgraduate programs and introducing short training courses, aimed at strengthening the collaboration between ICT, statistics, and life sciences. Such educational initiatives are intended to increase the visibility of UM researchers through high-impact publications, participation in global conferences, and collaborative projects, thereby enhancing UM's ability to secure competitive research funding.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

- Established a permanent Bioinformatics Team with Research Support Officers at various levels
- Developed and delivered a range of training programs including a week long summer school on machine learning for multiomics analysis
- Contributed to high-impact scientific publications, advancing knowledge in the field of bioinformatics applied to genomics (open access).
- Supported numerous UM research projects, significantly enhancing their research output through advanced bioinformatics methodologies.

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

Raising the Profile of UM through Research Excellence:
- Projected 12 peer-reviewed journal publications, with 3 already published in the first year and several more in pre-print or under review.
- Enhancement of bioinformatics expertise at UM with active involvement in teaching and mentoring at both the MSc and BSc levels.
- Initiation of two international collaborations within the first year of the BioGeMT grant, promoting a service-oriented approach at UM.
- Spearheading the establishment of an ELIXIR Node in Malta, enhancing UM's visibility in bioinformatics and fostering international collaborations.

Increased Competitiveness for Research Funding:
- Significant contributions to increasing UM's competitiveness for research funding, notably securing €4 million from the EU EIC Pathfinder Cardiogenomics Challenge for the TargetMI project.
- TargetMI and BioGeMT collaboration enhances the integration and effectiveness of bioinformatics research at UM.
- Secured three additional research grants in collaboration with international institutions, expanding UM’s research capabilities and international profile.

Impact of Institutional Changes:
- Ongoing consolidation of bioinformatics projects, with efforts to upgrade storage and compute servers to support advanced research needs.

Extending Impact into Clinical Applications:
- Collaboration with the TargetMI project focusing on developing novel diagnostics for myocardial infarction.
- Partnering with the University of Lleida on a grant to analyze multiomics data for diagnostics in women's heart disease, enhancing UM's role in genetic diagnostics and clinical applications.