Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NANOBIO4CAN (Nanobiotechnologies for Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer)
Reporting period: 2023-11-01 to 2025-10-31
NANOBIO4CAN is a new collaborative research & training programme of excellence for the recruitment of 24 postdoctoral fellows in the field of “Nanobiotechnologies for Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer” led by Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM) in collaboration with 3 leading Turkish research centers in life sciences: TUBITAK Marmara Research Center (TUBITAK-MAM), Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) and Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG). NANOBIO4CAN focuses on cancer research while providing a tailor-made accelerator programme to educate tomorrow’s researchers in a broad set of scientific, transferable, and business skills to develop the mindset of an entrepreneur in parallel to the academic career. The programme is designed around international networking, intersectoral mobility & interdisciplinary research topics to enhance the career opportunities of experienced researchers in the global market and to reach the benefits of employing creative researchers with high professional expectations in the programme’s research priorities: Drug Development; Targeting System Development; Delivery Systems and Testing & Validation Systems. Through the programme it is aimed to create roadmaps NANOBIO4CAN will deliver impact by putting research and innovation into a new role, combined with new forms of joint efforts and collaboration, as well as by engaging citizens. This postdoctoral programme will contribute to broader the impact within Europe’s economy and society, also contributing to the essential Horizon Europe Societal Challenge “Health & wellbeing”. The programme is also aligned with Horizon Europe’s Cancer Mission Area and its Health Global Challenge.
The first international call was successfully completed, and postdoctoral researchers were recruited and integrated into host institutions. Individual research projects in nanobiotechnology and cancer research were initiated under structured supervision frameworks.
Scientific monitoring and supervision mechanisms were established to ensure methodological robustness and progress tracking. The scientific training programme was launched, addressing advanced research methodologies, research integrity and Open Science practices. Preparatory work for secondments was initiated, including the identification of host institutions and the alignment of scientific objectives.
In parallel, the second international call was launched and completed, and 12 candidates were selected. The necessary administrative procedures for recruitment have been initiated, with the appointments planned to be finalised during 2026.
Overall, the programme progressed as planned, and all scientific and technical activities remain on track for achieving the expected outcomes.
Scientific monitoring and supervision mechanisms were established to ensure methodological robustness and progress tracking. The scientific training programme was launched, addressing advanced research methodologies, research integrity and Open Science practices. Preparatory work for secondments was initiated, including the identification of host institutions and the alignment of scientific objectives.
In parallel, the second international call was launched and completed, and 12 candidates were selected. The necessary administrative procedures for recruitment have been initiated, with the appointments planned to be finalised during 2026.
Overall, the programme progressed as planned, and all scientific and technical activities remain on track for achieving the expected outcomes.
The NANOBIO4CAN programme contributes beyond the state of the art by strengthening research capacity and human capital in the field of nanobiotechnology and cancer research. Through interdisciplinary postdoctoral projects, structured supervision, targeted scientific training and international mobility, the programme enhances the quality, robustness and innovation potential of the research performed. Its main impact lies in equipping early-career researchers with advanced technical skills, Open Science practices and international experience, thereby supporting the long-term production of high-quality scientific results. Further uptake and success of the programme outcomes will benefit from continued research activities, access to advanced research infrastructures through secondments, and sustained support for Open Science, research integrity and collaboration within European research networks.