The ePerMed project is aimed at increasing the scientific excellence of EGC-UT by capitalising on knowledge transfer from two internationally renowned partners in the field of human and medical genomics – UNIL-CIG in Switzerland and UH-FIMM in Finland.
To achieve the main goal of the project, more detailed specific objectives were defined:
1. Exchange of know-how and experience through trans-national two way secondments of research staff
A total of ~30 person-months of staff exchanges in both directions were carried out during the project. Project partners held 6 joint events and 21 training seminars. During the visits EGC-UT researchers were able to establish and extend their research networks and explore future collaboration opportunities. Many of the visits also resulted in joint research projects or research plans, building a foundation for further collaborations.
2. To improve the connection between clinicians and genomic researchers through improving genetic and personalised medicine related knowledge of medical graduates and practicing clinicians.
Building connections with medical community was achieved through improving genetic and personalised medicine related knowledge of medical community by involving them in staff exchanges (total of 3,8 PM), MD workshops (3 WS) and other events held within the project. In addition, UH-FIMM researchers visited Estonia several times to give lectures and hands-on trainings to medical personnel.
3. To increase the soft skills of staff in order to enhance EGC-UT’s capacity to translate research results into clinical practice.
To build the soft skills of EGC-UT staff a total 4 events were held to train EGC–UT staff on following topics: science communication, H2020 grants, IPR, responsible research and ethics, research commercialisation and communication training.
4. To revise and elaborate a sustainable long-term development strategy for EGC-UT.
The sustainability plan compiled summarised the overview of potential funding opportunities, concluded the infrastructure developments and opportunities upraised from these, potential future research specialisation topics, collaboration networks with academia, industry and stakeholders, training and networking needs.
5. To increase the visibility of EGC-UT’s scientific excellence and its potential.
Throughout the project, members of the consortium actively participated in relevant networking events and conferences to introduce to the research community, industry partners (private sector), the results and objectives of the project and to promote EGC-UT as one of the leading international centres for genomic research. Communicating science to general public was a priority.
