Project description
Improving tendon tissue engineering research in Portugal
Tendons are the flexible, tough fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, and when injured, they cause inflammation, pain and disability. Current repair strategies mainly involve surgery, but the clinical outcome is poor, demanding alternative approaches. Tissue engineering is emerging as a promising strategy for reconstructing injured tendons, which, however, requires better insight into tendon biophysics and biology. The aim of the EU-funded Achilles project is to strengthen the research capacity of the 3B's Research Group of University of Minho (UMinho) in Portugal in tendon tissue engineering. Moreover, through twinning it with other partner institutions, Achilles is expected to increase the international visibility and networking capacity of UMinho.
Objective
The main goal of Achilles is to significantly strengthen the science and technology capacity of UMinho in biophysics, cell/molecular biology and genetics/gene therapy in order to achieve global scientific excellence and competitiveness for the translation of advanced therapies/ tendon tissue engineering strategies to treat tendon injuries/diseases; At the same tine, Achilles also aims at positioning the research profile of UMinho and its staff in an outstanding international research level. This will be achieved by establishing a twinning process through knowledge sharing and collaboration between 3B’s Research Group of University of Minho (UMinho) and 2 internationally leading institutions: Department of Trauma Surgery of the University Regensburg Medical Centre (UHREG) and the Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory of the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG). Achilles will focus in defined areas in which UMinho shows a less scientific knowledge and are well-complemented by UHREG and NUIG. The project objectives are:
- To significantly increase the scientific excellence in tendon tissue engineering and reinforce human resources profile of UMinho;
- To significantly increase the international visibility of UMinho and unleash its networking gaps with international outstanding R&D organisations;
- To create strong links between UMinho-UHREG-NUIG allowing a constant and sustained knowledge sharing and research collaboration network which will continue sustainably in the long-term;
- To significantly increase the capacity of UMinho to translate excellent scientific production into new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of tendon disorders and in providing high-quality services and consulting, improved capability to compete for funding as well as generating useful intellectual property that can help to support in the long-term the sustainability of the organization.
Fields of science
- medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologygenetic engineeringgene therapy
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicinesurgery
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicinephysiotherapy
- medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologytissue engineering
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biology
Keywords
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.4.b. - Twinning of research institutions Main Programme
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinator
4704 553 Braga
Portugal