The EDGE ESRs have completed a training programme to acquire skills on research and innovation. In addition, the training programme included preparation for communication with the surrounding society, ranging from laymen to stake holders in the private biotech sector. The scientific work has led to a number of interesting discoveries. This has at this stage led to more than 30 publications, 21 with the ERSs as first authors. In addition, a number of papers are still under preparation, reporting the remaining parts of the EDGE scientific programme. This extensive list of papers together with the high number of conference attendances of our ESRs highlights the success of EDGE in disseminating results of its cutting-edge research. Specific examples of results from EDGE include (i) identification of novel host mechanisms of viral sensing and viral mechanisms of host evasion; (ii) identification of antiviral activities in animal models; (iii) characterization of immune mechanisms driving protective vaccine responses against a HSV vaccine candidate; (iv) identification of novel primary immunodeficiencies conferring susceptibility to specific herpesvirus infections. It is worth mentioning that the results include important findings in both basic, applied, and clinical virology/immunology, often involving several ESRs, hence demonstrating that the programme has successfully managed to achieve collaboration between sectors. In addition, the novel primary immunodeficiencies identified, have been implicated in diagnostics practice in the clinic at Aarhus University Hospital.
EDGE has had extensive focus on the training of the individual ESR with respect to core skills for the specific projects. The success of this part is reflected in the outcome of the research programme, demonstrated by the excellent progress and the successful completion of the ESR’s individual research projects. Over the years, the consortium of EDGE has become a very well-functioning research team, in which an active exchange of experiences was practiced and future joint project ideas have been already developed and are in planning. This will doubtlessly continue to impact future collaborations of the ESRs, beyond their studies within this Horizon2020 programme. In addition, the training programme of EDGE has included a number of secondments - with significant inter-sector exchange and an acquisition of transferable skills. Finally, we have invested time in career development plans with the ESRs, and guidance on immediate and long-term career plans. Many of the ESRs have now successfully moved on to new positions, to further develop their careers, and as a documentation of the broad training goal of EDGE, ESRs have found employment in all sectors involved in the program, namely basic research, pharmaceutical industry and clinical medicine.
