Project description
Next-generation gene therapy vectors
Gene therapy is a promising approach to medical treatment whereby genetic material is delivered to cells, changing how they produce proteins. However, the science is still in its early stages and requires further research into the mechanisms and development of effective techniques that will not cause dangerous side effects. The EU-funded GCure project aims to expand research and innovation in biomolecular medicine at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. An expert chair to lead the research and innovation team has already been appointed to advance viral vector-based delivery systems. The project will set up a training programme on gene therapy knowledge and technology transfer, aimed at enhancing the university’s recognition by attracting international collaborations and funding opportunities.
Objective
GCure aims at unlocking the Research & Innovation (R&I) potential of the University of Coimbra (UC) in Biomolecular Medicine. The actions involves establishing an ERA Chair dedicated to next-generation Gene Therapy Vectors, building upon UC's strong foundation in Gene Therapy research at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC-UC). Gene Therapy, utilizing genetic material to treat or prevent diseases at their root cause, promises a significant shift in medical treatment paradigms, particularly for inherited diseases. With 24 approved gene therapies and ongoing developments, the field shows promise, yet faces challenges, notably in viral vector-based delivery systems.
The specific objectives of GCure include creating a core R&I cluster on next-generation Gene Therapy Vectors, optimizing UC's viral vector production facility, establishing a training program on Gene Therapy knowledge & technology transfer, expanding UC's participation in collaborative R&I projects, and enhancing UC's international recognition in the field. To achieve these goals, renowned gene therapy pioneer R. Jude Samulski has been appointed as the GCure ERA Chair holder. Samulski's expertise and achievements in the field, including multiple FDA-approved gene therapies and numerous patents, ensure leadership in advancing UC's Gene Therapy initiatives.
GCure also aims to attract international researchers to UC, fostering a sustainable research group and enhancing resources. Synergies between diverse research subjects will improve UC's research and innovation performance, attracting high-value collaborations and funding opportunities. In-house reforms in research management and open science strategies, coupled with a robust training program, will maximize GCure's contribution to the knowledge-based economy and society. GCure represents a strategic endeavor to propel UC to the forefront of Gene Therapy research and innovation, fostering significant advancements in healthcare and well-being.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology genetic engineering gene therapy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.4.1 - Widening participation and spreading excellence
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-TALENTS-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3004-531 Coimbra
Portugal
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.