Periodic Reporting for period 2 - VISION (Strategies to strengthen scientific excellence and innoVation capacIty for early diagnoSIs of gastrOintestinal caNcers)
Reporting period: 2021-01-01 to 2023-06-30
Despite progress in diagnosis and treatment, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and digestive system cancers are particularly prevalent. Slovakia ranks third for the incidence of colorectal cancer and is the sixth highest in pancreatic cancer. An early cancer diagnosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes and optimizing healthcare resources. Additionally, there is a need to identify factors contributing to the high incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in Slovakia to develop targeted prevention strategies.
The overarching objectives of the VISION project are:
i) Strengthen the Excellence and Innovation Capacity. VISION aims to enhance the credibility, competitiveness, and recognition of the BMC SAV in the European Research Area (ERA). By fostering networking with four leading European institutions, VISION seeks to elevate the quality and impact of translational cancer research in Slovakia.
ii) Improve Early Diagnostics and Innovative Treatment Approaches. VISION endeavors to overcome gaps in oncology research, especially in GI cancers. By leveraging expertise from VISION partner institutions, BMC SAV implements novel approaches to improve cancer detection and patient care.
iii) Accelerate Personal and Professional Development. VISION empowers the next generation of cancer scientists and medical doctors by providing them access to cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art knowledge, and training opportunities in international teams.
iv) Enhance Public Awareness and Education. VISION aims to improve the education process at universities and positively impact public awareness of cancer and the significance of primary prevention and a healthy lifestyle. The VISION project seeks to build a knowledge society.
The established strong partnership between VISION partners made achieving all project's goals. VISION strengthened the scientific excellence of BMC SAV, accelerated early-stage researchers' carrier growth, enhanced the quality of the education process, and aroused high school and undergraduate students' interest in science. VISION deepened collaboration between scientists and clinicians and contributed to increased general public awareness of cancer and the importance of prevention and a healthy lifestyle.
The overarching objectives of the VISION project are:
i) Strengthen the Excellence and Innovation Capacity. VISION aims to enhance the credibility, competitiveness, and recognition of the BMC SAV in the European Research Area (ERA). By fostering networking with four leading European institutions, VISION seeks to elevate the quality and impact of translational cancer research in Slovakia.
ii) Improve Early Diagnostics and Innovative Treatment Approaches. VISION endeavors to overcome gaps in oncology research, especially in GI cancers. By leveraging expertise from VISION partner institutions, BMC SAV implements novel approaches to improve cancer detection and patient care.
iii) Accelerate Personal and Professional Development. VISION empowers the next generation of cancer scientists and medical doctors by providing them access to cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art knowledge, and training opportunities in international teams.
iv) Enhance Public Awareness and Education. VISION aims to improve the education process at universities and positively impact public awareness of cancer and the significance of primary prevention and a healthy lifestyle. The VISION project seeks to build a knowledge society.
The established strong partnership between VISION partners made achieving all project's goals. VISION strengthened the scientific excellence of BMC SAV, accelerated early-stage researchers' carrier growth, enhanced the quality of the education process, and aroused high school and undergraduate students' interest in science. VISION deepened collaboration between scientists and clinicians and contributed to increased general public awareness of cancer and the importance of prevention and a healthy lifestyle.
VISION utilized multiple channels and platforms to disseminate its achievements effectively.
1. The VISION website – is accessible in four languages (Spanish, Greek, English, and Slovak) and is linked to partners' websites and vice versa, ensuring broad availability and engagement with diverse audiences;
2. A promotional Video – provides information about VISION's goals and activities to attract interest from professionals, stakeholders, and the general public;
3. Social Media – VISION uses four social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn) to disseminate and promote its activities;
4. Leaflet, banner, and educational flyer - disseminate and promote the VISION objectives, activities, and scope; the flyer on colorectal and pancreatic cancer symptoms, risk factors, and prevention is intended for the general public;
5. Training Activities, Courses, and Webinars: 20 online courses, two webinars, and 24 in-person training internships, were organized to increase academic literacy, knowledge exchange, and access to progressive technologies;
6. VISION Conference: BMC SAV hosted a notable scientific event that brought together almost 50 participants from all VISION partner institutions and special guests, providing a platform for sharing research findings and networking;
7. Scientific Publications: 27 articles, gold open access, in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, acknowledging the VISION project (the mean IF is 5.506) were published;
8. Conferences Participation: More than 106 abstracts have been published in international and national proceedings acknowledging the VISION project. The VISION logo was used in any presented work.
VISION utilized multiple tools to exploit its achievements effectively.
1. Project Proposal Applications: 39 projects were submitted, of which 12 were successful and funded. Twelve proposals are still being evaluated;
2. Recognition in ERA: BMC SAV's involvement as an external host training institution in two HE MSCA projects demonstrates its growing credibility and reputation. Moreover, BMC SAV became a member/collaborator in prestigious initiatives/networks such as PRECEDE, PANDoRA, PAcMEN, and ENETS;
3. Retarding Brain Drain: Acquiring leadership skills and self-confidence of Ph.D. students contributed to the sustainability of high-quality translational cancer research and helped retain talents in Slovakia;
4. Development of Innovative Nano-based Products: as a member of the "Centre for Advanced Materials SAS," BMC SAV is involved in developing promising nano-based products suitable for biomedical applications. The patenting of these products can potentially create new market opportunities and boost the biomedical industry in Slovakia;
5. Bridging the Gap between Basic and Clinical Research: The collaboration between scientists and clinicians has deepened during the VISION project. The clinicians are involved in several submitted international project proposals;
6. Building of Knowledge Society: BMC SAV continued its public engagement efforts to raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment options. Close collaboration with non-governmental organizations permanently contributes to building a knowledge society.
1. The VISION website – is accessible in four languages (Spanish, Greek, English, and Slovak) and is linked to partners' websites and vice versa, ensuring broad availability and engagement with diverse audiences;
2. A promotional Video – provides information about VISION's goals and activities to attract interest from professionals, stakeholders, and the general public;
3. Social Media – VISION uses four social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn) to disseminate and promote its activities;
4. Leaflet, banner, and educational flyer - disseminate and promote the VISION objectives, activities, and scope; the flyer on colorectal and pancreatic cancer symptoms, risk factors, and prevention is intended for the general public;
5. Training Activities, Courses, and Webinars: 20 online courses, two webinars, and 24 in-person training internships, were organized to increase academic literacy, knowledge exchange, and access to progressive technologies;
6. VISION Conference: BMC SAV hosted a notable scientific event that brought together almost 50 participants from all VISION partner institutions and special guests, providing a platform for sharing research findings and networking;
7. Scientific Publications: 27 articles, gold open access, in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, acknowledging the VISION project (the mean IF is 5.506) were published;
8. Conferences Participation: More than 106 abstracts have been published in international and national proceedings acknowledging the VISION project. The VISION logo was used in any presented work.
VISION utilized multiple tools to exploit its achievements effectively.
1. Project Proposal Applications: 39 projects were submitted, of which 12 were successful and funded. Twelve proposals are still being evaluated;
2. Recognition in ERA: BMC SAV's involvement as an external host training institution in two HE MSCA projects demonstrates its growing credibility and reputation. Moreover, BMC SAV became a member/collaborator in prestigious initiatives/networks such as PRECEDE, PANDoRA, PAcMEN, and ENETS;
3. Retarding Brain Drain: Acquiring leadership skills and self-confidence of Ph.D. students contributed to the sustainability of high-quality translational cancer research and helped retain talents in Slovakia;
4. Development of Innovative Nano-based Products: as a member of the "Centre for Advanced Materials SAS," BMC SAV is involved in developing promising nano-based products suitable for biomedical applications. The patenting of these products can potentially create new market opportunities and boost the biomedical industry in Slovakia;
5. Bridging the Gap between Basic and Clinical Research: The collaboration between scientists and clinicians has deepened during the VISION project. The clinicians are involved in several submitted international project proposals;
6. Building of Knowledge Society: BMC SAV continued its public engagement efforts to raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment options. Close collaboration with non-governmental organizations permanently contributes to building a knowledge society.
Beyond increased scientific performance and education activities, VISION has socio-economic impacts and broader societal implications:
1. Establishing a Joint Translational Laboratory is a promising starting point crucial in advancing translational oncological research, leading to more efficient diagnoses, targeted therapies, and ultimately improving patient outcomes and well-being.
2. The innovative nano-based biomedical cancer research initiated within the VISION project can improve patient outcomes, reduce the burden on healthcare facilities, and positively impact public health while economizing resources within the healthcare system in the long term. The Centre for Advanced Materials SAS, of which BMC SAV is a member, is an excellent assumption to reach this effort.
3. Scientific literacy and innovative technology acquired during the VISION implementation have fostered a new generation of highly skilled researchers and medical doctors and promoted research excellence in Slovakia.
4. Education activities organized by VISION have motivated gifted undergraduate students to choose biology and medicine as topics for their further professional development. Slovakia has long been struggling with a shortage of young talented scientists.
5. Disseminating information about a healthy lifestyle and physical activity and emphasizing primary prevention through VISION outreach activities have contributed to building a knowledge society.
In summary, the collaborations and partnerships formed within VISION have enhanced BMC SAV's reputation and credibility, paving the way for continued excellence in translational cancer research. The project's potential socio-economic impacts and broader societal implications demonstrate its significance in promoting knowledge exchange, innovative research, and enhanced healthcare outcomes in the fight against cancer.
1. Establishing a Joint Translational Laboratory is a promising starting point crucial in advancing translational oncological research, leading to more efficient diagnoses, targeted therapies, and ultimately improving patient outcomes and well-being.
2. The innovative nano-based biomedical cancer research initiated within the VISION project can improve patient outcomes, reduce the burden on healthcare facilities, and positively impact public health while economizing resources within the healthcare system in the long term. The Centre for Advanced Materials SAS, of which BMC SAV is a member, is an excellent assumption to reach this effort.
3. Scientific literacy and innovative technology acquired during the VISION implementation have fostered a new generation of highly skilled researchers and medical doctors and promoted research excellence in Slovakia.
4. Education activities organized by VISION have motivated gifted undergraduate students to choose biology and medicine as topics for their further professional development. Slovakia has long been struggling with a shortage of young talented scientists.
5. Disseminating information about a healthy lifestyle and physical activity and emphasizing primary prevention through VISION outreach activities have contributed to building a knowledge society.
In summary, the collaborations and partnerships formed within VISION have enhanced BMC SAV's reputation and credibility, paving the way for continued excellence in translational cancer research. The project's potential socio-economic impacts and broader societal implications demonstrate its significance in promoting knowledge exchange, innovative research, and enhanced healthcare outcomes in the fight against cancer.