Bioengineering for the future of medicine

Established in 2005, the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is a leading-edge multidisciplinary research centre in Barcelona. It conducts excellent interdisciplinary research at the frontiers of basic and life sciences linked with engineering to generate new knowledge and applications by putting together biophysics, cell engineering, nanomedicine, biomaterials, tissue engineering and the applications of information technology to health.​Researchers at IBEC participate in innovative work in areas such as bioelectronics, regenerative medicine, and biomechanics, seeking innovative solutions to improve healthcare and quality of life.The institute promotes a collaborative environment, encouraging scientists to explore new ideas and collaborate across disciplines.
​This new knowledge has been applied during the last years to the advanced technological challenges (ATCs) such as biofabrication for tailored advanced therapies and regeneration and bioengineered living systems, as well as to the advanced societal health challenges (SHCs) such as bioengineering for cancer diagnosis and prognosis; bioengineering for healthy ageing; bioengineering for rare diseases treatments; and bioengineering against COVID-19, added due to the pandemic outbreak. IBEC has gained global recognition with impactful publications and projects.

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IBEC’s 2024-2027 scientific program focuses on 5 breakthrough scientific-technological areas to develop knowledge and technologies to answer fundamental biological questions and facilitate the uptake of Precision Medicine, Advanced and Emergent therapies and address Global Health and Pandemics. Our vision is conducting pioneering, high-impact basic and applied research addressing unmet biomedical needs through interdisciplinary bioengineering innovations. Our methodology involves fundamental, multi-disciplinary investigations to understand biological systems quantitatively from molecule, cell, tissue, organ to system levels to develop devices, therapies, and protocols leading to better diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of human diseases and improving quality of life.
​IBEC’s 5 Breakthrough Focus Areas:
​1-New information and data with advanced microscopy, imaging and biological ​mapping-G.Gomila,P. Gorostiza,G. Battaglia,I.Marco-Rius,B.Bolognesi,X. Rovira
​2-Engineering of molecular systems based on biological self-assembling, synthetic ​biology and nanomedicine for advanced therapeutic systems-S.Sánchez, S. Muro, ​E.Torrents, X.Fernández-Busquets,C. Rodríguez-Emmenegger
​3-Physical forces in Biology: tissue, cell and molecular mechanobiology-X.Trepat, P.​Roca-Cusachs, M.Salmerón-Sánchez
​4-Preserving, regenerating and fabricating human organs and tissues: Biomodels and ​tissue engineering-E. Martínez,E.Engel, N.Montserrat, J.A. del Río, Z. Álvarez
​5-Ubiquitous sensors, engineered living sensors and smart data analysis: ​Bioelectronic and biomedical signal processing-J. Samitier, J. Ramón, R. Jané, S. ​Marco


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Architectural Culture of the Early Modern Eastern Adriatic

The project AdriArchCult is a part of the ERC funding scheme. It is the first large-scale project examining the Early Modern Eastern Adriatic architectural culture from the comparative perspective focusing on four research domains: territorialisation, religious sphere, peripatetic of knowledge on architecture and architectural practice.

Globalized Memorial Museums. Exhibiting Atrocities in the Era of Claims for Moral Universals

The five-year project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) and is headed by Ljiljana Radonić. The ‘universalization of the Holocaust’ has established the Shoah as a historical reference point legitimizing a global moral imperative to respect human rights. Much has been written about the ostensible ‘globalization of memory’, but as yet no genuinely global comparative study systematically confronting this hypothesis with the actual representations of atrocities exists.

GMM examines 50 memorial museums dealing with the WWII period in the US, Israel, Europe, China, and Japan; recent genocides in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. Scholars claim that ‘globalized’ memorial museums reflect new moral standards and a new language of commemoration, but what is the price of the attendant decontextualization in the name of moral universals? This first global typology of memorial museums challenges the concept of ‘universal memory’ and the notion that memorial museums constitute a globalized space of communication and negotiation. [The project ends in August 2024, but Ljiljana Radonic will continue working on this topic also after the project runtime.]

Frontiers of Infectious Diseases 

The profound impact of infectious diseases on society, notably underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic, accentuates the imperative for in-depth research to comprehend the intricate dynamics of infectious agents. This includes understanding their modes of transmission, the factors within hosts that influence disease outcomes, and the identification of effective intervention strategies. The urgency of this research has been particularly evident during the pandemic, highlighting the pivotal role of scientific investigation in addressing global health challenges.

The Infectious Diseases Research Program at CIC bioGUNE stands as a vanguard in scientific exploration, pioneering an initiative committed to unraveling the complex and dynamic molecular foundations of infectious diseases. 

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The profound impact of infectious diseases on society, notably underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic, accentuates the imperative for in-depth research to comprehend the intricate dynamics of infectious agents. This includes understanding their modes of transmission, the factors within hosts that influence disease outcomes, and the identification of effective intervention strategies. The urgency of this research has been particularly evident during the pandemic, highlighting the pivotal role of scientific investigation in addressing global health challenges.

The Infectious Diseases Research Program at CIC bioGUNE stands as a vanguard in scientific exploration, pioneering an initiative committed to unraveling the complex and dynamic molecular foundations of infectious diseases.

Molecular Frontiers of Cancer

Cancer, a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, poses a formidable challenge worldwide. Its impact on society is profound, affecting millions of lives and presenting a substantial burden on healthcare systems. The need for comprehensive research to unravel the intricacies of cancer biology and develop advanced strategies for diagnosis and treatment has never been more crucial.

The Cancer Research Program at CIC bioGUNE is a multidimensional exploration focused on unraveling the complexities of cancer, specifically targeting Prostate, Breast, Colorectal, and Liver cancers. 

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This program encompasses several crucial research areas:

• Molecular Basis of Cancer Progression: Investigating the molecular signatures and signaling pathways that drive the progression of Prostate, Breast, Colorectal, and Liver cancers. Our goal is to identify potential targets for precision medicine and advance the development of tailored therapeutic interventions.

• Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment: Applying precision medicine approaches to develop targeted therapies for different cancer types. This includes deciphering the genetic and molecular variations that contribute to cancer heterogeneity and tailoring treatments accordingly.

• Biomarker Discovery for Diagnostic Advancements: Identifying and validating biomarkers that enhance cancer diagnostics and prognostics. Through advanced molecular profiling and bioinformatics analyses, we aim to contribute to the development of reliable biomarkers for various cancer types.

Molecular Perspectives of Rare Diseases

Rare diseases, often referred to as orphan diseases, encompass a broad spectrum of disorders that collectively affect a relatively small number of individuals within a population. These diseases are characterized by their low prevalence, typically afflicting fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. Despite their individual rarity, the cumulative impact of rare diseases is substantial, with estimates suggesting that there are thousands of distinct rare diseases, collectively affecting millions of people worldwide.

Many rare diseases are chronic, debilitating, and life-threatening, often manifesting early in life. Due to their complex and often unpredictable nature, these diseases can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens on patients and their caregivers. Moreover, the lack of effective treatments exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals living with rare diseases.

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The importance of research dedicated to rare diseases lies in its potential to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms, genetic factors, and cellular processes driving these conditions. Investigating genetic mutations associated with rare diseases provides crucial insights into the fundamental aspects of human biology and the consequences of genetic abnormalities. Understanding the molecular basis of disease progression is essential for developing targeted therapies that can alter the course of the disease, improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

The impact of rare diseases research extends beyond the laboratory, directly influencing clinical practice, healthcare policies, and societal perceptions. By identifying potential therapeutic targets, researchers contribute to the development of novel treatment approaches and pave the way for precision medicine tailored to the unique genetic and molecular profiles of individuals with rare diseases. Additionally, advancements in rare diseases research contribute to the broader understanding of biological processes, benefiting the entire field of medicine.

The Rare Diseases Research Program at CIC bioGUNE plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by rare diseases. By exploring the intricate molecular pathways, genetic factors, and cellular mechanisms associated with rare diseases, the program contributes not only to scientific knowledge but also to the development of innovative diagnostic methods and targeted therapeutic strategies. The societal impact of this research is substantial, offering hope and improved outcomes for individuals grappling with rare diseases and their families.

Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies

The mission of the Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS) is to advance the highest quality research at Aarhus University (AU) by attracting talented, highly qualified fellows worldwide and within all disciplines. Fellows are provided ideal opportunities to further develop their research in short to long fellowship periods by ensuring fellows’ participation in various kinds of collaboration and exchange with researchers, research groups and advanced students at AU and abroad. The primary criterion for selection of fellows is excellence and not research topic. Therefore, fellows represent a broad scope of academic disciplines and are hereby contributing to the multidisciplinary setting of the Institute. Fellows are encouraged to engage with each other and with local researchers. We strive for diversity in all ways, and host fellows and researchers from all disciplines and nationalities.

CEITEC Masaryk University

Harnessing knowledge of plant biology for crop improvement, infectious diseases; RNA/nucleic acids in health and disease; correlative approaches to connect dynamics and structure of living systems; cancer biology; and brain disorders.

Centre for Science Studies

The Centre for Science Studies at Aarhus University is a leading institution dedicated to pioneering research in several key domains of science studies, encompassing philosophy of science, history of science and technology, and science communication. Our comprehensive approach in these areas reflects our commitment to deepening the understanding of science and its societal impacts.

In the realm of philosophy of science, our work is at the forefront of exploring fundamental questions and debates. Our focus includes a critical examination of realism versus anti-realism, delving into how these philosophical standpoints influence our understanding of scientific truth. Additionally, we are investigating the role of theoretical virtues in the process of theory choice, offering insights into how scientific theories are selected and validated. A significant portion of our research is also dedicated to the social epistemology of science, with a particular emphasis on issues related to scientific authorship, collaboration, and the dynamics of scientific publication.

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Our history of science and technology research delves into the transformative scientific and technological advancements of the 20th century. We are exploring the environmental impacts and implications of these developments, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in shaping the modern world. Furthermore, our research extends to examining the historical significance of popular science, investigating how it has influenced public perception and engagement with scientific knowledge.

In the field of science communication, our research is breaking new ground in several key areas. We are analyzing the evolving landscape of science journalism and the representation of science in the media, addressing how these mediums shape public understanding and discourse. Our research also encompasses the innovative intersections of art and science, examining how these collaborations can enhance public engagement with scientific concepts. A critical aspect of our work in science communication is understanding public trust and mistrust in scientific expertise, a topic that has become increasingly relevant in contemporary society.

Through our rigorous and interdisciplinary research, the Centre for Science Studies at Aarhus University is not only contributing to academic discourse but also addressing vital questions about the role and perception of science in our world today.

ERC@UC Science Journalism Initiative

Research Projects at UC:

  • Dulce Freire, Rural History, Starting Grant (StG), SH3, ERC-2017-STG, ReSEED, Rescuing seeds’ heritage: engaging in a new framework of agriculture and innovation since the 18th century. Hosting conditions: Image/ video journalist for 5 months in early 2024;
  • Jorge Almeida, Cognitive Neurosciences, Starting Grant (StG), SH4, ERC-2018-STG, ContentMAP, Contentotopic mapping: the topographical organization of object knowledge in the brain. Hosting conditions: 1st semester of 2024;
  • Bárbara Gomes, End of life care, Starting Grant (StG), SH3, ERC-2020-STG, EOLinPLACE, Choice of where we die: a classification reform to discern diversity in individual end-of-life pathways. Hosting conditions: Oct 2024 – Feb 2025 would be good for us but can also consider other later dates.
  • Leona Polyanskaya, Multilingualism, Starting Grant (StG), SH4, ERC-2021-STG, TypoMetaLing, Effect of linguistic experience on metacognition in language tasks and transfer to non-linguistic behaviour. Hosting conditions: April-June 2024 or September-December 2024.