BioGeMT | Bioinformatics for Genomics in Malta

Summary
BioGeMT will merge the strengths of the University of Malta (UM) in ICT and Genomics by hosting an expert Bioinformatician and Team within the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, that will forge collaborations with existing highly specialised molecular genetics research groups. The goal is for UM to sustainably develop the field of Bioinformatics and the knowledge base and Machine Learning skills required to translate patient derived multi-Omic and clinical data into a better understanding of disease. The advancements made in high throughput -Omic technologies are locally hampered by a lack of bioinformaticians. There are benefits to rapidly developing bioinformatics in Malta: The population's genetic background and availability of large families is advantageous in elucidating the genetic basis of disease. The UM has expertise in biobanking, genetics, genomics and epidemiological research, enabled through strong ties with Mater Dei Hospital. BioGeMT complements and builds on previous investments (ERDF, TWINNING, local R&I funds) used to train researchers, build specialised labs and set up highly phenotyped disease-oriented sample collections with multi-Omic data, one with >2000 whole genomes and RNA-Seq data sets. Bioinformaticians would unlock the full potential of ongoing studies helping to overcome the problematic lack of genetic data from populations other than those of Northern European origin. BioGeMT would boost the international attractiveness, innovation and ability of the UM to compete successfully for international research funding, including IMI, Horizon Europe, charity foundations and industrial grants, by creating a highly specialised Bioinformatics centre in Southern Europe. In the long term this will increase the attractiveness of Malta to bioinformatics companies in line with the national smart specialisation strategy to expand into ICT for health, counteract brain drain, generate jobs and enable collaboration with untapped non-EU regions.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101086768
Start date: 01-12-2022
End date: 30-11-2027
Total budget - Public funding: 2 499 997,50 Euro - 2 499 997,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

BioGeMT will merge the strengths of the University of Malta (UM) in ICT and Genomics by hosting an expert Bioinformatician and Team within the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, that will forge collaborations with existing highly specialised molecular genetics research groups. The goal is for UM to sustainably develop the field of Bioinformatics and the knowledge base and Machine Learning skills required to translate patient derived multi-Omic and clinical data into a better understanding of disease. The advancements made in high throughput -Omic technologies are locally hampered by a lack of bioinformaticians. There are benefits to rapidly developing bioinformatics in Malta: The population's genetic background and availability of large families is advantageous in elucidating the genetic basis of disease. The UM has expertise in biobanking, genetics, genomics and epidemiological research, enabled through strong ties with Mater Dei Hospital. BioGeMT complements and builds on previous investments (ERDF, TWINNING, local R&I funds) used to train researchers, build specialised labs and set up highly phenotyped disease-oriented sample collections with multi-Omic data, one with >2000 whole genomes and RNA-Seq data sets. Bioinformaticians would unlock the full potential of ongoing studies helping to overcome the problematic lack of genetic data from populations other than those of Northern European origin. BioGeMT would boost the international attractiveness, innovation and ability of the UM to compete successfully for international research funding, including IMI, Horizon Europe, charity foundations and industrial grants, by creating a highly specialised Bioinformatics centre in Southern Europe. In the long term this will increase the attractiveness of Malta to bioinformatics companies in line with the national smart specialisation strategy to expand into ICT for health, counteract brain drain, generate jobs and enable collaboration with untapped non-EU regions.

Status

SIGNED

Call topic

HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-TALENTS-01-01

Update Date

09-02-2023
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Horizon Europe
HORIZON.4 Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area
HORIZON.4.1 Widening participation and spreading excellence
HORIZON.4.1.3 ERA-Chairs
HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-TALENTS-01
HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-TALENTS-01-01 ERA Chairs