Project description
Training in biological process imaging
Advances in imaging technologies now allow the visualisation of biological processes in animal models at cellular or subcellular level. To investigate pathological conditions and pave the way for the design of novel therapies, these novel imaging capabilities must be adjusted to the biological specimens commonly employed in research labs. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ImageInLife project will train the next generation of scientists in imaging complex biological systems. The project will address scientific bottlenecks and challenges related to sample preparation optimisation, instrument development and image analysis. Researchers will also focus on new software design for medical image analysis and modeling.
Objective
This proposal sprang from European scientists in both academia and industry who identified a common challenge: setting up a training frame to educate the next generation of imagers in complex biological systems (healthy & pathological), so they are able to master all major aspects of this competitive field and bring important innovations to universities and companies.
The long-term goal of any initiative to image biological processes is reaching cellular or subcellular resolution in a complete organism. This is now possible using vertebrate embryos as models and the most recent technological advances as tools. ESRs will be trained by addressing the following scientific bottlenecks and challenges:
-Preparing vertebrate embryos (rodent & zebrafish) for optimal imaging
-Fine-tuning sensors, reporters and actuators to track cell types, cellular processes and behaviours in living organisms
-Developing and implementing new imaging instruments
-Analysing complex sets of big-data images to extract relevant information
-Using processed images to design computational and mathematical models of development and pathologies
-Comparing these models with experimental data and create a feedback loop improving the whole work chain from sample preparation to instrumentation and analysis.
This interdisciplinary training is based on an intersectoral organisation of the consortium with partners from academia and companies that need these future experts to develop new instruments, screen drugs and chemicals in living systems and develop software to analyse and model medical images. The full training programme is based on an optimal balance between training through research and many network-wide training events, including conferences with physical presence, digital conferences and monthly videolink events.
Consortium members are keen to implement both classical and original outreach activities (eg MOOCs, serious games, Lego designs) to bring state-of-the-art microscopy to the classroom.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-ITN-ETN - European Training NetworksCoordinator
34090 Montpellier
France
See on map
Participants (11)
2311 EZ Leiden
See on map
75794 Paris
See on map
CB2 1TN Cambridge
See on map
81243 Bratislava
See on map
08860 Castelldefels
See on map
75724 Paris
See on map
M15 6BH Manchester
See on map
Participation ended
75179 Pforzheim
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
841 04 Bratislava
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Participation ended
91370 Verrieres Le Buisson
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
75179 Pforzheim
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Partners (6)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
73447 OBERKOCHEN
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
28009 MADRID
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
69120 Heidelberg
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
91190 Gif-Sur-Yvette
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
75006 Paris
See on map