The main goal of Achilles is to significantly strengthen the science and technology capacity of UMinho in biophysics, cell/molecular biology and genetics/gene therapy in order to achieve global scientific excellence and competitiveness for the translation of advanced therapies/ tendon tissue engineering strategies to treat tendon injuries/diseases; At the same tine, Achilles also aims at positioning the research profile of UMinho and its staff in an outstanding international research level. This will be achieved by establishing a twinning process through knowledge sharing and collaboration between 3B’s Research Group of University of Minho (UMinho) and 2 internationally leading institutions: Department of Trauma Surgery of the University Regensburg Medical Centre (UHREG) and the Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory of the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG). Achilles will focus in defined areas in which UMinho shows a less scientific knowledge and are well-complemented by UHREG and NUIG. The project objectives are: - To significantly increase the scientific excellence in tendon tissue engineering and reinforce human resources profile of UMinho; - To significantly increase the international visibility of UMinho and unleash its networking gaps with international outstanding R&D organisations; - To create strong links between UMinho-UHREG-NUIG allowing a constant and sustained knowledge sharing and research collaboration network which will continue sustainably in the long-term; - To significantly increase the capacity of UMinho to translate excellent scientific production into new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of tendon disorders and in providing high-quality services and consulting, improved capability to compete for funding as well as generating useful intellectual property that can help to support in the long-term the sustainability of the organization.