Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TRIAD (TRIAD: Enhancing Synergism on Telomere Function in Health and Disease)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2024-05-01 al 2025-07-31
Over the past decade, ERDF and RRF investments have upgraded research infrastructures in underperforming Member States, boosting competitiveness. Yet systemic barriers remain: fragmented funding, limited training, unstable career paths, and weak international integration leave many labs underutilized and isolated from Horizon Europe. TRIAD responds by linking ERDF-funded labs in Greece, Portugal, and the Czech Republic into a network on telomere biology and genome stability—areas central to ageing, cancer, and degenerative disease. By combining complementary expertise in transcription, recombination, imaging, and RNA biology, TRIAD creates synergies beyond the reach of any single partner. Its dual aim is to establish a sustainable ecosystem for careers and innovation in widening countries while advancing Europe’s leadership in telomere research.
In RP1, WPs 1-3 & 8 were active and delivered all scheduled outputs. WPs 4-7 are scheduled mainly for later periods; placeholders are maintained here for continuity. No deviations reported.
1.2.1 WP1 – Coordination and management
Work carried out: Work carried out: Governance and management structures were fully established, including committees, reporting channels, and operational procedures as outlined in Deliverable D1.1 (Project Management Handbook). Deliverables (RP1): D1.1 submitted.
1.2.2 WP2 – Research Capacity Enhancement
Work carried out: A detailed mapping of existing infrastructure and skills across partner institutions was completed. Procedures for shared access to facilities were agreed upon, ensuring efficient collaboration. Cross-validation of core methods was initiated, including flow cytometry, RHINO, extracellular vesicle (EV) delivery, and long-read sequencing. The Lisbon meeting served as a key integration milestone, consolidating agreements and joint work, and is documented in Deliverable D2.1.
1.2.3 WP3 – Training in Methodologies & Skills
Work carried out: The TRIAD Lecture Series was launched, providing regular high-level scientific training. A series of workshops and retreats were organized on topics such as AlphaFold2, advanced imaging and flow cytometry, communication, and critical thinking. EMBO-led training sessions on research integrity and open science practices were delivered. In addition, a joint long-read sequencing pipeline was developed and applied as a practical training track (D3.1).
1.2.4 WP4 – Innovation and Industry Interfaces
Work carried out: Contracts were signed with industrial partners Pharmathen and Mitchell, establishing the foundation for collaboration with the private sector.
1.2.5 WP5 – Access to EU Networks
Work carried out: A proposal was submitted under the MSCA Doctoral Network (ITN) scheme, expanding TRIAD’s integration into European training and research networks.
1.2.6 WP6 – Research Funding Capacity
Work carried out: Significant efforts were made to strengthen research funding capacity through multiple high-level applications. These included proposals to the European Research Council ERC (Advanced Grant, Stage 2; Starting Grant), the MSCA Doctoral Network (aDDRess-ITN), a Teaming application (Stage 2), and postdoctoral fellowships supported by EMBO/Hevolution.
1.2.7 WP7 – Structural Changes in Management & Administration
Work carried out: Institutional practices were modernized in several areas. Upgrades were introduced in the governance of animal facilities with a focus on bioethics, in data management procedures for deep sequencing and mass spectrometry, and in administrative workflows through the adoption of contact-less, paper-free systems.
1.2.8 WP8 – Dissemination, Exploitation & Communication
Work carried out: Deliverable D8.1 which outlines the dissemination, communication, and exploitation plan (including channels, KPIs, and engagement with the Quadruple Helix), was submitted. The project achieved strong scientific visibility through participation in EMBO, EMBL, and YIP events, and through publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications and Nucleic Acids Research. Communication tools including the project website, newsletter, social media channels, and an ambassador scheme were also prepared and launched.
1.2.1 WP1 – Coordination and management
Work carried out: Work carried out: Governance and management structures were fully established, including committees, reporting channels, and operational procedures as outlined in Deliverable D1.1 (Project Management Handbook). Deliverables (RP1): D1.1 submitted.
1.2.2 WP2 – Research Capacity Enhancement
Work carried out: A detailed mapping of existing infrastructure and skills across partner institutions was completed. Procedures for shared access to facilities were agreed upon, ensuring efficient collaboration. Cross-validation of core methods was initiated, including flow cytometry, RHINO, extracellular vesicle (EV) delivery, and long-read sequencing. The Lisbon meeting served as a key integration milestone, consolidating agreements and joint work, and is documented in Deliverable D2.1.
1.2.3 WP3 – Training in Methodologies & Skills
Work carried out: The TRIAD Lecture Series was launched, providing regular high-level scientific training. A series of workshops and retreats were organized on topics such as AlphaFold2, advanced imaging and flow cytometry, communication, and critical thinking. EMBO-led training sessions on research integrity and open science practices were delivered. In addition, a joint long-read sequencing pipeline was developed and applied as a practical training track (D3.1).
1.2.4 WP4 – Innovation and Industry Interfaces
Work carried out: Contracts were signed with industrial partners Pharmathen and Mitchell, establishing the foundation for collaboration with the private sector.
1.2.5 WP5 – Access to EU Networks
Work carried out: A proposal was submitted under the MSCA Doctoral Network (ITN) scheme, expanding TRIAD’s integration into European training and research networks.
1.2.6 WP6 – Research Funding Capacity
Work carried out: Significant efforts were made to strengthen research funding capacity through multiple high-level applications. These included proposals to the European Research Council ERC (Advanced Grant, Stage 2; Starting Grant), the MSCA Doctoral Network (aDDRess-ITN), a Teaming application (Stage 2), and postdoctoral fellowships supported by EMBO/Hevolution.
1.2.7 WP7 – Structural Changes in Management & Administration
Work carried out: Institutional practices were modernized in several areas. Upgrades were introduced in the governance of animal facilities with a focus on bioethics, in data management procedures for deep sequencing and mass spectrometry, and in administrative workflows through the adoption of contact-less, paper-free systems.
1.2.8 WP8 – Dissemination, Exploitation & Communication
Work carried out: Deliverable D8.1 which outlines the dissemination, communication, and exploitation plan (including channels, KPIs, and engagement with the Quadruple Helix), was submitted. The project achieved strong scientific visibility through participation in EMBO, EMBL, and YIP events, and through publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications and Nucleic Acids Research. Communication tools including the project website, newsletter, social media channels, and an ambassador scheme were also prepared and launched.
TRIAD is already generating results that move beyond current practice in the field. Joint development of methodological pipelines—such as long-read sequencing approaches to profile telomeric RNAs and innovative live-cell imaging techniques—provides tools not widely available elsewhere and strengthens the technological base of the participating institutions.
Equally important is the way these results are being achieved: through cross-border collaboration and integrated training. This model ensures that advances are not confined to single laboratories but are embedded across the consortium, increasing reproducibility and sustainability. The emphasis on combining scientific progress with researcher training and open science also sets a benchmark for collaborative excellence.
Looking ahead, these results have clear potential to support further breakthroughs in understanding telomere biology and its links to ageing and disease. They also strengthen the capacity of the participating institutions to compete successfully in future European research programmes, to attract young talent, and to engage with industry and healthcare stakeholders in the long term.
Equally important is the way these results are being achieved: through cross-border collaboration and integrated training. This model ensures that advances are not confined to single laboratories but are embedded across the consortium, increasing reproducibility and sustainability. The emphasis on combining scientific progress with researcher training and open science also sets a benchmark for collaborative excellence.
Looking ahead, these results have clear potential to support further breakthroughs in understanding telomere biology and its links to ageing and disease. They also strengthen the capacity of the participating institutions to compete successfully in future European research programmes, to attract young talent, and to engage with industry and healthcare stakeholders in the long term.