Project description
New solutions for SAD prevention, diagnosis and treatment
Systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates on a global level. As a result, they represent a major challenge for researchers and clinicians in the detection of evidence-based solutions for SAD prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The Riga Stradins University (RSU) is an important hub for viral infection-induced autoimmunity research. The EU-funded VirA project aims to improve the RSU's research excellence by establishing close scientific collaborations with the University of Ferrara, Ulm University and Tel Aviv University, world leaders in immunology, virology, morphology and clinical data management and modelling. The project will increase the RSU’s research capacity to achieve precise and early diagnostics as a base to move towards personalised medicine and deliver a better understanding of chronic diseases and comorbidities.
Objective
The specific challenge of VirA Twinning project is to enhance networking activities between the Riga Stradins University (RSU) located in Latvia as a Widening country and internationally-leading counterparts at EU level, in the field of autoimmunity research. RSU is an institution that has proven itself over several decades on a local and regional level as an important island of research excellence in viral infection-induced autoimmunity research. Further raising the research excellence requires widening the network and establishing closer cooperation with global leaders in science, sharpening the institutional profile of RSU. Project aims at strengthening the close scientific cooperation with counterparts: in Italy - University of Ferrara, in Germany - Ulm University, and in Israel - Tel-Aviv University. The partner universities are the excellence centres (world leaders) that are forerunners in immunology, virology, morphology and clinical data management and modelling, and are capable of inspiring positive change in the research field and significantly influence future developments at RSU via joint activities.
Systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, creating a challenge for researchers and clinicians to find evidence-based solutions for SAD diagnostics, treatment and prevention. Due to the complexity of autoimmune disease research, which requires multidisciplinary approaches, a problem is insufficient research capacity at low-performing EU Member State research institutions. Research capacity, able to deliver precise and early diagnostic is of high importance to move towards the development of methods for personalized medicine and better understanding of triggers and mechanisms in autoimmunity, leading to better understanding of chronic diseases and comorbidities and searching for therapy options. VirA project will optimally address the challenges and strengthen the ERA in autoimmunity.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.4.b. - Twinning of research institutions Main Programme
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinator
1007 Riga
Latvia