Periodic Reporting for period 2 - NAR-SAR-IPH (Regional Center of Excellence at the Orbeli Institute of Physiology)
Période du rapport: 2024-03-01 au 2025-11-30
The Regional Center of Excellence at the Orbeli Institute of Physiology (NAR-SAR-IPH) aims to strengthen the research and innovation environment at the institute, one of Armenia’s leading biomedical institutions with over 75 years of history. The project is revitalizing IPH’s scientific capacity through the addition of new scientific directions, infrastructure upgrades, compliance training, and the use of advanced bioimaging technologies. It aligns with Armenia’s scientific priorities and increases IPH’s ability to attract sustainable state funding beyond the grant period.
Led by the ERA Chair holder, the project has several interrelated objectives: establishing a biovisualization core, creating a spectroscopy and autofluorescence imaging research group, implementing tissue engineering protocols, and improving compliance with international standards. The new group focuses on advanced hyperspectral imaging for physiological targets, particularly surgical applications. Protocols for tissue-engineered skin substitutes and other scaffold materials are also being developed. Sustainability is supported by the training of junior personnel and the establishment of collaborations with international and local academic entities.
The project enhances IPH’s regulatory framework by establishing an Ethics and Compliance Committee with sub-committees on animal care, human participant research, and biohazard management, along with the renovation of the animal facility.
Led by the ERA Chair holder, the project has several interrelated objectives: establishing a biovisualization core, creating a spectroscopy and autofluorescence imaging research group, implementing tissue engineering protocols, and improving compliance with international standards. The new group focuses on advanced hyperspectral imaging for physiological targets, particularly surgical applications. Protocols for tissue-engineered skin substitutes and other scaffold materials are also being developed. Sustainability is supported by the training of junior personnel and the establishment of collaborations with international and local academic entities.
The project enhances IPH’s regulatory framework by establishing an Ethics and Compliance Committee with sub-committees on animal care, human participant research, and biohazard management, along with the renovation of the animal facility.
Project implementation progressed with the continued integration of the ERA Chair team into the existing IPH structure, the expansion of research capacity, the recruitment of professional personnel, and the strengthening of scientific and compliance frameworks.
Key activities and achievements included:
• Establishment of Armenia’s Biovisualization Research Excellence Core (ABREC): Total 220 m² of laboratory space was renovated, increasing capacity for research and training. Essential bioimaging and spectroscopy equipment was procured, installed, and fully integrated with existing hardware and software packages. ABREC is now a fully functional biovisualization research hub.
• Recruitment of the ERA Chair team: The recruitment process involved national and international calls, resulting in the formation of a multidisciplinary team comprising eight core research staff, ABREC instructors, and administrative support personnel.
• Development of advanced training modules: New modules on cell staining, hyperspectral imaging, and image processing were developed, complementing existing modules on atomic force and confocal microscopy. Educational curricula and syllabi were designed to support structured training.
• Preparation of the “Manual of Key Biomedical Imaging Techniques and Protocols”: This manual provides standardized methodologies for imaging-related research activities.
• Scientific application of the ME-HSI approach: ERA Chair team has led the expansion of HSI technology into the second spectral dimension. This novel approach is being applied currently to identify and classify diverse biological targets. In parallel, computational pipelines for managing, visualizing, and quantitatively analyzing large 4D datasets are being developed, tested, and validated. Also, a custom-built experimental pulsed field ablation (PFA) generator has been successfully fabricated.
• Capacity building of early-career researchers: Multiple workshops and seminars were held. Topics included effective presentation techniques, biostatistics, grant writing and application evaluation, budgeting and compliance requirements.
• Strengthening of the research compliance environment at IPH: The Ethics and Compliance Committee (ECC), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Biosafety Committee (IBC), and Institutional Review Board (IRB) were established. Manuals and standard operating procedures for animal care and use, laboratory safety, research ethics, and biosafety were developed. Training materials were prepared, introductory seminars and online training were delivered, and online submission forms for research protocols were implemented.
• Organization of an international scientific conference: In 2024, the project organized a conference that brought together over 150 researchers and featured invited speakers from leading international universities as well as the Armenian research community.
• Sustained collaboration with national and international partners: Several collaborative projects with local educational institutions, including the American University of Armenia, were initiated. Joint events and workshops were conducted to disseminate ERA Chair research activities, and team members presented research results at national and international scientific conferences.
• Publication of scientific outputs: A growing number of peer-reviewed papers and conference proceedings has been published.
Other activities included:
• Continuous development of the ERA Chair website, including training modules, online protocol submission, access to scientific resources and outputs, and regular project updates.
• Upgrades to the animal facility through renovation, improving regulatory compliance and expanding surgical and experimental capacity.
• The submission of competitive proposals, resulting in four research grants exceeding €400,000 and seven grants for training and conference participation.
Key activities and achievements included:
• Establishment of Armenia’s Biovisualization Research Excellence Core (ABREC): Total 220 m² of laboratory space was renovated, increasing capacity for research and training. Essential bioimaging and spectroscopy equipment was procured, installed, and fully integrated with existing hardware and software packages. ABREC is now a fully functional biovisualization research hub.
• Recruitment of the ERA Chair team: The recruitment process involved national and international calls, resulting in the formation of a multidisciplinary team comprising eight core research staff, ABREC instructors, and administrative support personnel.
• Development of advanced training modules: New modules on cell staining, hyperspectral imaging, and image processing were developed, complementing existing modules on atomic force and confocal microscopy. Educational curricula and syllabi were designed to support structured training.
• Preparation of the “Manual of Key Biomedical Imaging Techniques and Protocols”: This manual provides standardized methodologies for imaging-related research activities.
• Scientific application of the ME-HSI approach: ERA Chair team has led the expansion of HSI technology into the second spectral dimension. This novel approach is being applied currently to identify and classify diverse biological targets. In parallel, computational pipelines for managing, visualizing, and quantitatively analyzing large 4D datasets are being developed, tested, and validated. Also, a custom-built experimental pulsed field ablation (PFA) generator has been successfully fabricated.
• Capacity building of early-career researchers: Multiple workshops and seminars were held. Topics included effective presentation techniques, biostatistics, grant writing and application evaluation, budgeting and compliance requirements.
• Strengthening of the research compliance environment at IPH: The Ethics and Compliance Committee (ECC), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Biosafety Committee (IBC), and Institutional Review Board (IRB) were established. Manuals and standard operating procedures for animal care and use, laboratory safety, research ethics, and biosafety were developed. Training materials were prepared, introductory seminars and online training were delivered, and online submission forms for research protocols were implemented.
• Organization of an international scientific conference: In 2024, the project organized a conference that brought together over 150 researchers and featured invited speakers from leading international universities as well as the Armenian research community.
• Sustained collaboration with national and international partners: Several collaborative projects with local educational institutions, including the American University of Armenia, were initiated. Joint events and workshops were conducted to disseminate ERA Chair research activities, and team members presented research results at national and international scientific conferences.
• Publication of scientific outputs: A growing number of peer-reviewed papers and conference proceedings has been published.
Other activities included:
• Continuous development of the ERA Chair website, including training modules, online protocol submission, access to scientific resources and outputs, and regular project updates.
• Upgrades to the animal facility through renovation, improving regulatory compliance and expanding surgical and experimental capacity.
• The submission of competitive proposals, resulting in four research grants exceeding €400,000 and seven grants for training and conference participation.
The establishment of ABREC has strengthened the research capacity of IPH. The renovated laboratory space, new equipment, and the creation of a hyperspectral imaging research group have expanded IPH’s technical capabilities and increased its visibility in the field of biovisualization.
The expertise acquired by ERA Chair team members through targeted training activities, including hands-on training in established laboratories abroad, was shared within the ERA Chair team and across IPH, contributing to broader improvements in institutional research skills. Collaboration with the American University of Armenia has resulted in increased student participation in training and joint research activities.
The project aided the development of a comprehensive IPH Knowledge Management Strategy. Updated knowledge management practices aligned with FAIR principles are being implemented within the ERA Chair laboratory, with a gradual rollout across the institute.
The ERA Chair team achieved tangible results in research funding and dissemination. Several competitive grants were awarded during the project period, securing over €400,000 in research-related funding. Team members published scientific papers, participated in international conferences, and expanded their professional networks. The international conference organized in 2024 further supported knowledge exchange and future collaboration opportunities.
At the institutional level, the establishment of the IACUC, IBC, and IRB strengthened IPH’s ethical governance framework and increased its attractiveness as a partner for international research organizations. To support further uptake and long-term sustainability, additional research funding, follow-up projects, international collaboration, and support for technology transfer and regulatory compliance will be essential.
The expertise acquired by ERA Chair team members through targeted training activities, including hands-on training in established laboratories abroad, was shared within the ERA Chair team and across IPH, contributing to broader improvements in institutional research skills. Collaboration with the American University of Armenia has resulted in increased student participation in training and joint research activities.
The project aided the development of a comprehensive IPH Knowledge Management Strategy. Updated knowledge management practices aligned with FAIR principles are being implemented within the ERA Chair laboratory, with a gradual rollout across the institute.
The ERA Chair team achieved tangible results in research funding and dissemination. Several competitive grants were awarded during the project period, securing over €400,000 in research-related funding. Team members published scientific papers, participated in international conferences, and expanded their professional networks. The international conference organized in 2024 further supported knowledge exchange and future collaboration opportunities.
At the institutional level, the establishment of the IACUC, IBC, and IRB strengthened IPH’s ethical governance framework and increased its attractiveness as a partner for international research organizations. To support further uptake and long-term sustainability, additional research funding, follow-up projects, international collaboration, and support for technology transfer and regulatory compliance will be essential.