ImAgE-D will train a new generation of Doctoral Candidates (DCs) in the development and application of newly developed high speed and high-resolution imaging tools in biomedical research. The 10 DCs will be cross-pollinated with concepts and skills in physics and biomedicine, in particular in super-resolution imaging, analytical image reconstruction, and optical micro-manipulation methods. These skills will be applied to reveal for the first time the functionality and morphology (below the diffraction limit of light) of living endothelial cells (EC) that present the main barrier between the blood/lymph and all organs and tissues, and how these vital cells change with ageing. These specialised, highly trained and mobile DCs will have greatly enhanced career prospects. The training in novel physical methods with highly relevant experience in the biomedical sciences will allow them to confidently navigate at the interface of academic, clinical and private sector research within Europe and the world at large.
The Key Research Objectives of ImAgE-D are:
1. To develop novel high-speed super-resolution technologies that enable the dynamic visualisation of living ECs and live imaging of pharmaceutical effects on ECs in microfluidic perfusion chambers.
2. To develop open-access tools for SR-SIM and AFM image reconstruction and blue-prints for high-speed, real-time image reconstruction.
3. To extend SR-SIM and AFM based nanoscopy methods to 3D cell culture, in situ tissue studies, and in vivo studies of endothelium.
4. To obtain mechanistic descriptions of small molecule/pharmaceutical/endogenous plasma factor effects using SR-SIM and AFM on living ECs, and the effect of these agents on ageing EC.
5. To obtain a battery of endothelially active compounds that are beneficial for ageing EC, using the tools developed above.
The Key training objectives of ImAgE-D:
1. To produce a cohort of 10 PhD graduates each with a high level of scientific/research expertise and 1-3 publications in the translation of cutting edge nanoscopy methods, plus transferable skills from compulsory courses in English, entrepreneurship, grant/bid writing, communication and project management.
2. To encourage and enable the DCs to be leading players in cutting-edge research projects with researchrelated skills in cutting edge optical methods, i.e. adaptive optics and high-speed optical nanoscopy, and other methods such as AFM.
3. To nurture entrepreneurial skills in the DCs by equipping them with the skills needed to play leading roles in converting knowledge and ideas into innovative new products and services through exposure to SME environments.
4. To produce well-rounded professionals with an expansive portfolio of transferrable skills, which enable them to solve problems and manage projects independently, resulting in a wide perspective of potential career paths and career development in the European marketplace.
5. To create an active DC network, whose members will shape the future of knowledge generation and innovative diagnostics and therapeutics development in Europe
