Objective
Brain research still relies heavily on animal models, which raise ethical concerns and often do not fully recapitulate human physiology. Brain organoids (BOs), derived from pluripotent stem cells, have recently emerged as promising in vitro models that reproduce key human-specific features of brain. However, current BO protocols offer little control over the tissue microarchitecture, which is essential for guiding tissue structure and function. Here, scaffold-based approaches show promise, but still remain limited. An ideal scaffold for BOs should support cell adhesion, allow dynamic remodelling, and be porous to enable vascularisation. BRAINFRAME aims to fill this gap by developing a self-assembling microparticle framework that serves as a structural scaffold for BO growth and differentiation. Cell-adhesive microparticles engineered with supramolecular functionality will be fabricated by two-photon polymerisation and designed to self-assemble into porous three-dimensional frameworks. Through reversible noncovalent interactions, these microframeworks provide structural support, enable remodelling during growth, and impart a “living” characteristic that allows incorporation of additional microparticles at later stages. The intrinsic porosity of framework enables nutrient and oxygen perfusion for BO growth. The “living” quality and porosity will be further exploited to promote vascularisation of BOs. Thus, by combining microfabrication, supramolecular chemistry, and organoid technology, BRAINFRAME will establish dynamic and perfusable microstructural scaffolds for next-generation organoid models. These outcomes will have direct impact on fundamental neuroscience and drug discovery while reducing reliance on animal models. This fellowship will allow me to integrate my expertise in organic and supramolecular chemistry with bioengineering while gaining interdisciplinary skills in microfabrication and organoid culture to achieve innovative in vitro models for the future.
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 cells technologies stem cells
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
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.