Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EpiEpiNet (Epileptogenesis and Epilepsy Network: from genes, synapses and circuits to pave the way for novel drugs and strategies)
Berichtszeitraum: 2020-11-01 bis 2022-01-31
Epilepsy refers to a set of signs and symptoms having in common repeated seizures with a broad range of different etiologies (like genetic, congenital, and acquired causes), and resulting from different triggers (neurodevelopmental abnormalities, stroke, brain tumours, brain trauma, among others, if not idiopathic).
Epilepsy in Europe has a high societal and economic burden – over 3 million patients diagnosed, near 2 million at working age, over 1 million being children, adolescents or aged. Available treatments have been directed towards seizure control, with little understanding of the underlying causes (molecular, synaptic, circuitry) of the different forms of epilepsy and of the mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis. There is thus the need of not only to find new drugs with better efficacy and less side effects, but also to clarify risk factors, like genetic factors, and to identify strategies to prevent epileptogenesis.
iMM, has recognized research on the synaptic actions of endogenous antiepileptic substances, is developing pre-clinical research on novel alternative therapeutic strategies in cases of refractory epilepsy, and has recognized expertise in the clinical management of epilepsy. Yet, iMM recognizes that this promising research area requires scaling up to push it towards a European competitive levelv and to identify and deliver new solutions to mitigate the societal burden of epilepsy.
Epileptogenesis and Epilepsy Network: from genes, synapses and circuitries to pave the way for novel drugs and strategies (EpiEpiNet) aims to promote collaborative multidisciplinary and translational research in epilepsy by enhancing effective knowledge transfer, exchange of best research practices, and the mobility of early stage researchers between the iMM, and leading partners at the Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, University of Rome La Sapienza and the Epilepsy Center of LUND University. EpiEpiNet encompasses reputed neuroscientists with the common aim of understanding the basic mechanisms of epileptogenesis and their impact in synaptic and brain circuitry dysregulation, and to contribute to the development of innovative therapies against refractory forms of epilepsy. Specifically, we aim at 1) increase the scientific and technological innovation in epilepsy research in the whole network and at iMM in particular by interchange of ideas and researchers among the partners; 2) sustain the network activity beyond EpiEpiNet deadline by promoting joint grant applications and training of PhD students; 3) train of young researchers and promote their internationalisation; 4) increase the awareness of epilepsy among the caregivers and patients, by promoting joint discussions and targeted dissemination of EpiEpiNet activities and results. As tools, EpiEpiNet will promote 1) scientific meetings, 2) community-oriented debates, 3) thematic and hands-on workshops and summer schools, 4) short term and on-site training visits in and out IMM for scientific and technology transfer between partners.
The added value of EpiEpiNet will easily be spread to the University of Lisbon and to the Portuguese community, due to the existing interactions with the Mind-Brain College of the University of Lisbon, with the national neuroscientific community, and with patient and caregiver organizations.
Epilepsy in Europe has a high societal and economic burden – over 3 million patients diagnosed, near 2 million at working age, over 1 million being children, adolescents or aged. Available treatments have been directed towards seizure control, with little understanding of the underlying causes (molecular, synaptic, circuitry) of the different forms of epilepsy and of the mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis. There is thus the need of not only to find new drugs with better efficacy and less side effects, but also to clarify risk factors, like genetic factors, and to identify strategies to prevent epileptogenesis.
iMM, has recognized research on the synaptic actions of endogenous antiepileptic substances, is developing pre-clinical research on novel alternative therapeutic strategies in cases of refractory epilepsy, and has recognized expertise in the clinical management of epilepsy. Yet, iMM recognizes that this promising research area requires scaling up to push it towards a European competitive levelv and to identify and deliver new solutions to mitigate the societal burden of epilepsy.
Epileptogenesis and Epilepsy Network: from genes, synapses and circuitries to pave the way for novel drugs and strategies (EpiEpiNet) aims to promote collaborative multidisciplinary and translational research in epilepsy by enhancing effective knowledge transfer, exchange of best research practices, and the mobility of early stage researchers between the iMM, and leading partners at the Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, University of Rome La Sapienza and the Epilepsy Center of LUND University. EpiEpiNet encompasses reputed neuroscientists with the common aim of understanding the basic mechanisms of epileptogenesis and their impact in synaptic and brain circuitry dysregulation, and to contribute to the development of innovative therapies against refractory forms of epilepsy. Specifically, we aim at 1) increase the scientific and technological innovation in epilepsy research in the whole network and at iMM in particular by interchange of ideas and researchers among the partners; 2) sustain the network activity beyond EpiEpiNet deadline by promoting joint grant applications and training of PhD students; 3) train of young researchers and promote their internationalisation; 4) increase the awareness of epilepsy among the caregivers and patients, by promoting joint discussions and targeted dissemination of EpiEpiNet activities and results. As tools, EpiEpiNet will promote 1) scientific meetings, 2) community-oriented debates, 3) thematic and hands-on workshops and summer schools, 4) short term and on-site training visits in and out IMM for scientific and technology transfer between partners.
The added value of EpiEpiNet will easily be spread to the University of Lisbon and to the Portuguese community, due to the existing interactions with the Mind-Brain College of the University of Lisbon, with the national neuroscientific community, and with patient and caregiver organizations.
Since the beginning of the EpiEpiNet project we have built a robust network among researchers of the different partners, including early stage researchers to potentiate the execution of the proposed Tasks and the outcomes of this project. This was performed on a very challenging context where COVID-19 pandemics situation limited traveling among partner institutions and organization of onsite meetings.
So far, we have organized 2 Annual Meetings and 2 Data Clubs involving all partners of the project with the aims of fostering joint projects, interchange of technical and scientific expertise and to promote internationalization of early stage researchers. Furthermore we organized an onsite Summer School on “Trends and challenges in epilepsy research” (in Lisbon) and an online Workshop on “Neuropathology of epilepsy” using an advanced digital pathology platform.
We also organized 2 scientific short-term missions of early stage researchers between partner institutions and planned and approved 3 other scientific and technical missions to be performed during the year 2022.
To foster successful applications to Horizon Europe competitive fundings, iMM administrative staff attended 4 Workshops on “Horizon Europe” project proposals and management.
In the context of this project, 1 book chapter, 3 review articles and 12 original research articles have been published in peer-reviewed international journals. Also in the context of EpiEpiNet, iMM members participated in 3 National Scientific Society Meetings and 1 international online scientific meetings resulting in a total of: 39 attendances, 23 poster presentations and 7 oral communications.
To strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurial capacity at iMM we identified potential partners for the creation of a Drug Discovery Network and we organized one online workshop on “Translational Research in Epilepsy” and one onsite workshop on “Technology Transfer and Data Protection”.
For interaction with society, we have created a Website and Social Network (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) and we created and disseminated a video to increase awareness on epilepsy. We also participated in outreach activities with the Portuguese Rett Syndrome patient caregiving society ANPAR and other activities in the context of the Brain Awareness Week and Pint of Science 2021.
So far, we have organized 2 Annual Meetings and 2 Data Clubs involving all partners of the project with the aims of fostering joint projects, interchange of technical and scientific expertise and to promote internationalization of early stage researchers. Furthermore we organized an onsite Summer School on “Trends and challenges in epilepsy research” (in Lisbon) and an online Workshop on “Neuropathology of epilepsy” using an advanced digital pathology platform.
We also organized 2 scientific short-term missions of early stage researchers between partner institutions and planned and approved 3 other scientific and technical missions to be performed during the year 2022.
To foster successful applications to Horizon Europe competitive fundings, iMM administrative staff attended 4 Workshops on “Horizon Europe” project proposals and management.
In the context of this project, 1 book chapter, 3 review articles and 12 original research articles have been published in peer-reviewed international journals. Also in the context of EpiEpiNet, iMM members participated in 3 National Scientific Society Meetings and 1 international online scientific meetings resulting in a total of: 39 attendances, 23 poster presentations and 7 oral communications.
To strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurial capacity at iMM we identified potential partners for the creation of a Drug Discovery Network and we organized one online workshop on “Translational Research in Epilepsy” and one onsite workshop on “Technology Transfer and Data Protection”.
For interaction with society, we have created a Website and Social Network (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) and we created and disseminated a video to increase awareness on epilepsy. We also participated in outreach activities with the Portuguese Rett Syndrome patient caregiving society ANPAR and other activities in the context of the Brain Awareness Week and Pint of Science 2021.
Until the end of the project, we expect to potentiate epilepsy research and innovation at iMM and other partner institutions by organizing: 1) one more annual meeting; 2) one conference on epilepsy; 3) 10 to 20 scientific and technical short-term missions between partners; 4) organize 2 Summer Schools and 2 Workshops for early-stage researchers; 5) 3 to 4 staff exchanges between iMM administrative staff and other partner institutions; 6) organize 2 to 3 workshops on responsible research and innovation at iMM.
We also expect to disseminate the research data obtained by iMM and partner institutions in the field of epilepsy by publishing 10 - 15 more peer-reviewed articles in international scientific journals and to still participate in a total of other 7 – 10 scientific society meetings and international scientific conferences.
To strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurial capacity at iMM, we expect to create a Drug Discovery Network and a Venture Creation Program on epilepsy to accelerate the translation of promising research results to the market through partnering with industry and start-up creation. Furthemore, we will organize at least 2 more Workshops on Translational Research in Epilepsy.
For interaction with society, we will further disseminate EpiEpiNet discoveries among society by using our website, social media and other media (TV, radio) and potentiate the dissemination of our video on epilepsy. We will also organize 2 to 4 other activities with patient caregiving societies and participate in at least 4 outreach activity events including Brain Awareness Week and Pint of Science 2022 and 2023. Altogether, we expect to reach out to at least 500 people among society to create awareness on epilepsy caregiving and research and on neurosciences in general.
We also expect to disseminate the research data obtained by iMM and partner institutions in the field of epilepsy by publishing 10 - 15 more peer-reviewed articles in international scientific journals and to still participate in a total of other 7 – 10 scientific society meetings and international scientific conferences.
To strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurial capacity at iMM, we expect to create a Drug Discovery Network and a Venture Creation Program on epilepsy to accelerate the translation of promising research results to the market through partnering with industry and start-up creation. Furthemore, we will organize at least 2 more Workshops on Translational Research in Epilepsy.
For interaction with society, we will further disseminate EpiEpiNet discoveries among society by using our website, social media and other media (TV, radio) and potentiate the dissemination of our video on epilepsy. We will also organize 2 to 4 other activities with patient caregiving societies and participate in at least 4 outreach activity events including Brain Awareness Week and Pint of Science 2022 and 2023. Altogether, we expect to reach out to at least 500 people among society to create awareness on epilepsy caregiving and research and on neurosciences in general.