Project description
Enhancing computational magnetic resonance imaging in Turkey
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents an advanced technology enabling the monitoring of organs, bones, muscles, and blood vessels. In this context, the EU-funded TACTIX project aims to bolster Bogaziçi Universitesi’s (BU) computational MRI capabilities through collaboration with European institutions. It will establish an MRI research and development programme and integrate it into the European University NeurotechEU teaching platform. The project will undertake a joint research endeavour on multiple sclerosis and introduce a novel MRI technique for detecting more subtle changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity than the current clinical MRI protocol permits. BBB MRI holds promise as a biomarker for monitoring gradual episodes of progression independent of relapse activity, thereby enabling earlier intervention.
Objective
This project will uniquely combine the skills of European physicists, engineers, and clinicians to create the consortium Twinning Approach for Computational MRI Technology and Innovation EXcellence in Trkiye (TACTIX). TACTIX aims to enhance the scientific excellence and innovation capacity of Bogazii Universitesi (BU, Dr. E. ztrk Ik, Trkiye) in the field of computational magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) through a collaboration with two leading European institutions; FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV (Fraunhofer, Prof. Dr. M. Gnther, Germany) and the STICHTING AMSTERDAM UMC (AUMC, Prof. Dr. F. Barkhof, The Netherlands). TACTIX aims to elevate BU to the level of the other two TACTIX partners and create a long-lasting collaboration through education, mentoring, and a joint research project in line with the goals of the work programme topic Twinning Bottom-Up.
TACTIX will design an MRI research and development program for MSc and PhD students and integrate it into the teaching platform of the European University NeurotechEU, of which BU is a partner. TACTIX will organize summer schools, winter workshops, and research visits for ECRs. Additionally, exchanges and mentoring will enhance the research excellence and management capacity of BUs senior researchers and administrative staff. TACTIX will organize a joint research project on multiple sclerosis, a chronic yet incurable disease affecting over 400.000 individuals in the EU. TACTIX will implement a novel MRI method to detect more subtle blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity changes than the current clinical MRI protocol allows. BBB MRI could serve as a biomarker for monitoring insidious episodes of progression independent of relapse activity, potentially allowing for earlier intervention to preserve cognitive function. TACTIX will widely engage stakeholders via peer-reviewed publications, conferences, a project website, social media, and podcasts for lay audiences, including MS patients.
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support ActionsCoordinator
34342 Istanbul
Türkiye