WP1 - Recruitment of experienced researchers (M1-M60)
1.1. ERA chairs holder recruitment
The ERA Chair selection criteria was based on the CV of the candidate, evidenced by both high scholarly productivity and impact, and outstanding clinical and research activities.
According to the evaluation criteria and ratings for each of the candidates, and only having the possibility of hiring one coordinator researcher under this research position, it was decided to hire Subhas Chandra Kundu (contract signed on 1st September 2016).
1.2. ERA chairs team recruitment
Due to fact that ERA Chair holder has been recently hired, the selection of the ERA Chair team has a slightly deviation and could be concluded in early November. The call for hiring FIVE Assistant Researchers has been published. The final selection process was performed on Nov. 10th, 2016. It is noteworthy that several outstanding applications (n=25) have been received for the five ERA Chair Team positions (both from inside EU and outside), which assured that all positions are fulfilled with outstanding candidates:
WP2 - Exchange of knowledge and experience through secondments (M7-M54)
Due to the fact that ERA Chair holder is recently hired, the selection of the ERA Chair team is just completed. Thus, the predicted secondments from and to UMINHO did not start yet. It is expected that incumbents may join by end of December 2016.
WP3 - Intellectual Property (IP) Management (M1-M60)
This WP is devoted to the development and implementation of instruments for assuring a complete protection of potential exploitable results. The researchers will be instructed to create routines to effectively access the patent databases during execution of experimental activities, and to critically evaluate patenting drivers for all technologies developed, such as innovation, novelty and industrial applicability. For that purpose a training SOP will be available and will be presented to ERA Chairs.
WP4 - Organization of workshops and conference (M19-M54)
This WP is planned to start on month 19th. Despite, several research activities have already been developed, such as the organisation of a symposium on silk fibroin biomaterials at TERMIS 2017. In addition, the ERA CHAIR was invited to attend and present work at TERMIS AP, Taiwan as Key note speaker and chair the session held in September, similarly TERM STEM conference as Invited Speaker held on October, 2016.
WP5 - Dissemination of knowledge (M1-M60)
The work developed during this 1st year is being prepared for submission in scientific journals. The ones that, upon evaluation by the IP and Innovation manager, is considered to present a significant industrial and commercial relevance might be considered for patenting.
WP6 - Project Management (M1-M60)
We achieved most of the main objectives for the period. The deviations are essentially due to delays in the public tenders for the hiring of ERA Chairs holder and, consequently, the ERA Chairs Team.
Finally, the project logo, and project website were created.
