Project description
Strengthening biospectroscopy-based research in Portugal
Metals play an essential role in life as part of proteins. For example, haemoglobin wouldn’t be able to carry oxygen to tissues if it wasn’t for iron. Nevertheless, a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action of metals in metalloproteins is necessary. The aim of the EU-funded TIMB3 project is to strengthen the capacity of the ITQB-NOVA Institute in Portugal to perform world-class metalloprotein research through biospectroscopy. Biospectroscopy is an emerging field that exploits sensor technologies to study the composition of biological samples. Through scientific exchange with TIMB3 partners, the host institution aims to carry out research in metal homeostasis and trafficking, and improve its international visibility.
Objective
TIMB3 offers the unique opportunity to capitalize on the existing infrastructure and human resources of ITQB-NOVA (Portugal) on biospectroscopy applied to the study of metals in biology to raise its scientific profile and achieve integration in the top league of research intensive institutions. The essential role of metals in biology is well recognized even by the general public (think of iron in blood). Notwithstanding, there is a growing appreciation of the potential of their study to radically transform our capacity to improve health and well-being and to develop novel biotechnological solutions to pressing environmental problems. This project emerges from successful test runs with the world class partners CIRMMP (Italy) and TUB (Germany), using networking instruments of narrower reach such as COST actions and bilateral partnerships. The scientific theme underlying the execution of TIMB3 is the enhancement of the capacity of ITQB-NOVA in performing world class research in biospectroscopy applied to metal homeostasis and trafficking and applied to bioinspired catalysis. The research profile of ITQB-NOVA staff will be raised by a combination of exchange missions with counterparts on the partner institutions, and structured training events on scientific and soft skills, including project writing and IP awareness. These activities will enable ITQB-NOVA to create a virtual platform for biospectroscopy to be used by non-specialists to learn the potential of this versatile group of methods to solve their specific research and development problems, broadening the social awareness to the capacities of biospectroscopy applied to the study of metals in biology. At the end of TIMB3, ITQB-NOVA will be able to enter international scientific consortia and compete for funding at the highest level establishing itself as a bona fide member of the top league of research intensive institutions.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.4.b. - Twinning of research institutions Main Programme
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinator
1099 085 Lisboa
Portugal