The CardioSCOPE proposal aims to bring together experts from Companies and Αcademia throughout Europe to exchange and expand their expertise on interdisciplinary approaches, to enhance the Research and Innovation capacity of Europe in the field of cardiovascular diseases. Connecting and expanding Europe-wide biobanks and expertise through a comprehensive multiomics approach for the discovery of novel pathological players, CardioSCOPE will give deeper insights into acute coronary syndrome (ACS) development and progression towards major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We will use well-defined prospective cohorts to discover and validate novel genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic signatures specific for ACS and MACE, to be combined in multimarker models by machine learning/artificial intelligence algorithms, enabling more accurate ACS diagnosis and MACE prediction. This excellent research network aims at building scientists competent for the upcoming “omics” era by training and knowledge transfer. Specific research skills not available at home institutions will be acquired through individually designed secondment plans, training schools, webinars and short-term courses. Intersectoral activities will improve entrepreneurial skills of consortium staff and facilitate transformation of scientific breakthroughs into commercially available products/services. CardioSCOPE includes experts with a wide clinical and research experience, access to patients with ACS and the expertise required for achieving set goals. World-class institutions gathered within this consortium (from 6 countries: 7 academic, 4 companies, 1 hospital) offer specific expertise, state-of-the-art equipment and adequate human resources to address these challenges. In summary, the results of this project will transcend our own scientific interests to enable a transfer of knowledge into a multidisciplinary environment and achieving significant impact on ACS management and policies in Europe.

ACHILLES is a Doctoral Network (DN) program designed to train the next generation of leaders in hemato-oncology, with a focus on the development of novel therapeutic solutions for hematological malignancies. The network brings together 14 institutions from 10 EU countries and one associated state, along with partners from the biotechnology and drug discovery sectors, including two European policy leaders in hematology, the European Hematology Association (EHA) and the European School of Hematology (ESH). Through this collaboration, ACHILLES will train 16 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) to develop essential skills in experimental hemato-oncology, including the design, development, and preclinical validation of innovative therapies. ACHILLES is structured around three key scientific objectives (SOs): (1) creating novel experimental models and analytical methods, (2) exploring the oncogenic mechanisms of hematologic malignancies, and (3) developing and validating new therapies, especially targeted treatments for leukemia and lymphoma. The program will integrate cutting-edge technologies such as AI, multi-omics, and computational modeling to push the boundaries of current research and therapy development. These innovations will be applied to generate better diagnostic tools, predict treatment responses, and optimize therapeutic strategies. With a patient-centered approach, ACHILLES aims to foster both academic and industrial collaboration, bridging gaps between scientific research and clinical application. This initiative aligns with the EU's Beating Cancer Plan, with a particular focus on improving survival rates and treatment accessibility, especially in Widening Countries. Through strong academic-industrial partnerships, ACHILLES will help create a sustainable impact on the field of hemato-oncology, advancing research, therapies, and ultimately the health outcomes of leukemia and lymphoma patients worldwide.

Due to the chronic relapsing nature of mental disorders and increased life expectancy, the societal burden of these non-communicable diseases will increase even further. Treatments for mental disorders are available, but their effect is limited due to patients’ (genetic) heterogeneity, low treatment compliance and frequent side effects. Only one-third of the patients respond to treatment. Today, medication selection in psychiatry relies on a trial-and-error approach based mainly on physicians’ experience. Pharmacogenetic testing enables assessing person-specific genetic factors that predict clinical response and side effects. Recent studies show that genotyping of drug-metabolizing enzymes can increase the effectiveness of treatment, which could benefit millions of patients. PSY-PGx is the first initiative to propose a large-scale non-industry sponsored clinical study that demonstrates the clinical benefits and potential of implementing pharmacogenetics for psychiatric patients in existing medical settings. To this end 1) available biobank data (www.biobankki.fi, www.ukbiobank.ac.uk), with the aid of AI, will be searched for pharmacogenetics that influence medication response. This information is used to 2) perform a clinical trial that will be the first large international, multicenter clinical trial on using pharmacogenetic-based treatment personalization in real-life psychiatric care for depressed, anxiety or psychotic disorder patients. All data is combined with AI to set-up an algorithm for personalizing medication prescription for psychiatric patients that reduces side effects and increases effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. PSY-PGx will thus deliver a new model of care for sustainable healthcare systems and reduce the suffering of psychiatric patients.

The adverse effects of pharmaceuticals on the central or peripheral nervous systems are poorly predicted by the current in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies performed during Research and Development (R&D) process. Therefore, increasing the predictivity of the preclinical toolbox is a clear need, and would benefit to human volunteers/patients (safer drugs) and Pharmaceutical Industry (reduced attrition). By combining top level scientists in neurobiology/toxicology with successful software developers, the NeuroDeRisk | Neurotoxicity De-Risking in Preclinical Drug Discovery Consortium will aim at tackling three of the most challenging adverse effects: seizures, psychological/psychiatric changes, and peripheral neuropathies. Our approach will be global, starting with an in-depth evaluation of knowledge on mechanisms of neurotoxicity (biological pathways as well as chemical structures and descriptors, using in particular historical data). Then we will search for innovative tools, assays and studies covering in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches. This will include in particular: molecular design platform, artificial intelligence, human induced pluripotent stem cells, blood-brain-barrier models, immunohistochemistry, transcriptomics, RNA editing biomarkers, video-monitoring and telemetry of animals, pharmacokinetics, etc. The last step will aim at combining these tools in an integrated platform for better risk-assessment and decision-points throughout R&D process, and thus better protection of human volunteers and patients.