REMIX recruited 15 highly motivated ESRs in order to train them to become the next generation leading scientists in the field of mitochondrial research. REMIX fellows began a scientific training in their own groups, and more importantly through network-based activities. Fellows attended 5 courses in transferable skills timely planned to follow scientific progress of ESRs including: (1) Statistical Literacy, (2) Scientific Writing, (3) Data analysis, (4) Data Visualisation, (5) Proposal Writing. Besides, fellows attended specialized workshops like: (1) Mass Spectrometry (2) Drug Development, (3) EMBO Workshop on Molecular Biology of Mitochondrial gene Expression, (4) EMBO/FEBS Advance Course on Mitochondrial in life, death and diseases, (5) Remix RNA School. The most important training was through the research they’ve conducted and accomplished through the three REMIX research WPs: (i) Novel insights into maintenance of mitochondrial genome, (ii) Molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial transcription and (iii) RNA processing and Identification of novel factor governing mitochondrial ribosomal assembly and protein synthesis. Within REMIX, we developed a number of novel models for mitochondrial dysfunction that allowed us to further examine the in vivo role of many proteins involved directly or indirectly in mitochondrial gene expression. We also modeled in mice some of the most common patient mutations found in mitochondrial diseases. Combining the in vivo approaches with sophisticated biochemical methodology, in a collaborative effort (MRC-UCAM), together with (UGOT) and (UCO), provided evidence that explain the detailed molecular mechanism leading to mtDNA deletions and depletion in the most common mutations of mtDNA polymerase gamma (POLG). Similarly, (UGOT) together with (UNEW) and (UCO) focused on understanding the role of mitochondrial matrix protease LONP1 in the regulation of mammalian mitochondrial gene expression. They managed to crystalize the human LONP1 with its substrate TFAM, and also work on development of drugs targeting LONP1 function. These collaborative projects would not be possible without REMIX. Fellows actively attended international scientific conferences where they presented their results. Unfortunately, during 2020 this abruptly stopped due to force major – covid 19 pandemic that resulted in majority of international conferences being postponed. Nevertheless, we hope, our fellows will be able to publish and present their scientific achievements in front of larger audience in near future. REMIX website aimed to address different audiences but also enabled communication within Consortium. The website contains a section dedicated to communication and dissemination of results where fellows posted their experiences in the form of blogs. To maximize dissemination of results and public engagement, active social media dissemination started from Month 18 through 3 channels, where all 15 fellows post pro-actively. The sites remain active and still used by the fellows. Direct outreach aimed toward general public, elementary and high school students, as a part of e.g. European Researcher’s Night or Light up for Mito: Global Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week.
