Project description
Digital twin solution for augmenting biology
Computational analysis of experimental measurements is key to the advancement of basic biotechnology and biomedicine. The introduction of novel technologies and methodologies has led to the rapid generation of increasingly complex data from cellular research. However, this progress has outpaced current computational tools, resulting in the loss of valuable information. The ERC-funded NEWTON project will develop a digital twin solution for experimental procedures and laboratory equipment. The digital twin will operate as a computational mirror, augmenting current tools and providing key insights that could advance both computational tools and the fields they study. Furthermore, the project will test the solution and assess the scalability of the technology.
Objective
Computational analysis of experimental measurements is crucial for advancing fields ranging from basic biotechnology to applied biomedicine. However, the rapid generation of increasingly complex data by laboratory equipment has outpaced the development of computational tools, leading to significant loss of valuable information. NEWTON addresses this challenge by developing Digital Twins (DTs) for (i) laboratory equipment and (ii) experimental procedures. These DTs will serve as computational mirrors, replicating the equipment used for sample characterization and the protocols employed in experiments. By capturing the intrinsic features of the equipment, how it derives experimental values from living cells, and the impact of protocols on samples, DTs will unlock unprecedented insights from experimental data. Existing computational tools could be integrated with DTs to enhance their analytical capabilities. Importantly, DTs are not intended to replace existing tools but to augment them, enabling comparisons and predictions that are currently unattainable, thus overcoming current bottlenecks. A preliminary test using a DT of a flow cytometer has already demonstrated its potential within our laboratory, allowing us to investigate bacterial phenotypes in novel ways and revolutionizing our approach to cytometry data analysis. Building on this success, NEWTON will advance initial conceptual studies to practical validation in small- and large-scale setups. Use cases during this validation phase will span biomedical applications, industrial cytometry fabrication, and bioengineering research. Looking ahead, NEWTON will assess the scalability of this technology, with a long-term vision of creating a modular DT of an entire molecular biology laboratory—where NEWTON DTs serve as foundational components. A comprehensive exploitation plan will ensure the project’s impact extends well beyond its lifespan, driving innovation across multiple domains.
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.
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computational science
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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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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.
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-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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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) ERC-2025-POC
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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.
28006 MADRID
Spain
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.