CONCEPT AND OBJECTIVES

Polish science, including biomedical research, has made huge advances in the last 30 years. However, the advancement of its fundamental scientific discoveries toward medical or commercial applications still lags behind the top countries, worldwide. This gap stems from the limited experience of Polish researchers in the field of translational research. The International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB) aims to close this gap by building the capacity to translate basic knowledge into clinical innovations and by introducing an entrepreneurship culture in the scientific environment in Poland. Since its creation, the IIMCB has been a lighthouse of research and management excellence in Poland. Recognizing the Institute’s achievements and future potential, the Polish government awarded funding to build an expanded, modern IIMCB headquarters, which will increase our capacity to 20 research groups. The RACE project under the Teaming programme helps us achieve our goal of upgrading the IIMCB to a world-class translational research Centre of Excellence in RNA and Cell Biology. Together with our Advanced Partners we have identified five Specific Objectives that are key to achieve our goal:

1. Expand IIMCB Research & Innovation (R&I) activities by recruiting new research groups and broadening collaborations;
2. Train the next generation of IIMCB world-class researchers for academia and industry, aligning their expertise and skills to the best research centres across the European Research Area (ERA);
3. Enhance IIMCB methodological capabilities through the development of modern core facilities (CFs), which will provide services to both academia and industry sectors;
4. Facilitate the implementation of IIMCB discoveries by launching the IIMCB’s RACE Technology Incubator;
5. Enhance overall IIMCB science management and administrative structure to fit new challenges.

Ultimately, the RACE project will make the IIMCB a reference model in translational research countrywide and elevate the Institute to the top tier of European research centres ready to engage in competitive EU and global biomedical research and innovation projects at the frontiers of science.

RACE Work Packages:

1.       Establishment of new research groups WP1 Leader: IIMCB Gracjan Michlewski, Head of Laboratory of RNA-Protein Interactions Objective: to reach critical mass in RNA and cell biology research by establishment of 6 new groups Main tasks: Recruitment of 6 new group leaders Establishment of 6 new groups, including the recruitment of group members

2.       Researcher training   WP2 Leader: UEDIN Javier Caceres, Head of Laboratory of RNA Processing and Gene Regulation Objective: to train IIMCB staff in conducting world-class biomedical research with translational potential Main tasks: Identify common research possibilitiesResearch training in RNA and Cell Biology of IIMCB post-docs and PhD students Training in technology transfer, leadership, science management, and research integrity Knowledge transfer events

3.       Development of IIMCB Core Facilities   WP3 Leader: IIMCB Andrzej Dziembowski, Director's Representative for Core Facilities Objective: to build modern and highly efficient core facilities with services for internal and external users Main tasks: Enhance the commercial potential of Genome Engineering and Preclinical Drug Development Facilities Reaching competitive edge and commercial potential of existing CFs Building new CFs to enhance IIMCB potential and meet the needs of fast-evolving biomedical research Recruitment of CF Business Manager and training of CF staff

4.       Implementation of a RACE Incubator at IIMCB   WP4 Leader: VIB Erwin Sablon, Head of Business Development/Expert Scientist Diagnostics & Biomarkers Objective: to establish comprehensive TT support to successfully commercialize the IIMCB discoveries Main tasks: Recruitments for the RACE Incubator and IIMCB Exploitation Strategy Training of TT and IP managers Appointment and activities of a Commercialisation Advisory Council Exploitation plan – implementation and monitoring Accelerator programme for IIMCB researchers Training of TT managers in Poland and beyond

5.       IIMCB science management upscale   WP5 Leader: IIMCB Alexia Danyłow, Senior Specialist at the Grants Office/Project Assistant Objective: to develop HR activities to attract and retain the best talent, as well as digitalise science management and administrative processes; professionalise the administration for the upscaled IIMCB   Main tasks: Attracting and developing talent through professional HR management Digital transformation of IIMCB Efficient IIMCB administration

6.       Dissemination and communication     WP6 Leader: IIMCB Daria Goś, Senior Specialist at the Communications Office Objective: Proper dissemination of the project’s results and communication about RACE and IIMCB Main tasks: Recruitment and activities of PR Manager Dissemination and Communication Plan Dissemination and communication actions Dissemination and communication training

7.       Project management    WP7 Leader: IIMCB Dorota Libiszowska, Heads of Grants Office/Project Manager Objective: to coordinate and manage the project   Main tasks: Overall coordination and management Administrative and financial management and reporting Creation of a Data Management Plan

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.