Project description
Training programme on innovative organoids for viral infection studies
The common approaches to studying viral infections include the use of animal models and 2D cell cultures. In the case of human viral infections, however, the downstream and secondary effects caused by viruses can't be fully studied using these models. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the OrganoVIR project will develop a research training network to study human viral infection in 3D cell cultures (organoids). The goal is to establish human organoids as superior models for viral pathogenesis studies and antiviral testing, replacing animal models. This programme will educate young researchers on the scientific and technical aspects of organoids for virus research and also on the financial, ethical, commercial and legal aspects of organoid technology.
Objective
OrganoVIR (Organoids for Virus Research) will train young researchers (ESRs) in the field of organoids and virology. Human viral infection studies lack suitable experimental models as animal models or conventional 2-dimensional (2D) cell cultures do not translate to human infection. OrganoVIR makes use of the breakthrough in the culturing of primary human cells into 3D cultures (organoids). Within this ETN programme, organoids will be used for the first time to study human viral infections in their natural environment.
OrganoVIR includes leading partners in virology and organoid technology covering 7 academic institutes, 3 life science companies, 1 organoid technology private company, 2 non-profit organisations, a national public health institute and a business school originating from 8 countries.
The aim is to introduce and establish human organoids as superior models for viral pathogenesis studies and antiviral testing, thus replacing animal models and reducing animal use. OrganoVIR provides a full package ETN programme for ESRs to learn the science of innovative 3D culture systems for virus research as well as financial, commercial, ethical, communicative, policy and dissemination aspects for optimal valorization. The projects are intensified by significant secondments at commercial, governmental and non-profit partner institutes.
OrganoVIR provides:
- High-ranked scientific and technical training in an interdisciplinary, intersectoral and international top research project
- Training in transferrable managerial skills, including a pre-MBA
- Implementation of innovative organoid technology for viral pathogenesis studies and antiviral development
- Innovation in organoid technology by co-culture design and high throughput screening.
OrganoVIR combines frontier research with an innovative training programme in a complementary network, certifying high impact scientists.
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Coordinator
1105AZ Amsterdam
Netherlands