NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology

The rise of chronic diseases is shaping health policy priorities worldwide. As the population ages, these conditions affect increasing portions of society and are more difficult to manage, causing suffering in patients and their families for many years. Such increasing prevalence is a threat to the sustainability of healthcare systems. Thus, an increasing focus has been put on disease prevention and awareness, as well as on precision medicine. The Teaming project will create a new Centre of Excellence, NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology (NIMSB), which will use the most advanced cell analytics and experimental in vitro systems, combined with computational approaches to understand and fight chronic diseases. The core of the project will be the integration of multi-omics data from single cells from patient biopsies and derived organoids, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence, cell and molecular biology, and relevant animal model studies, to develop quantitative models that can inform on mechanisms of disease progression. Researchers and clinicians will collaborate to use this knowledge to implement novel precision medicine solutions, aiming to intercept diseases before symptoms develop, and also by improving diagnosis, disease course prediction and response to treatment. NIMSB will contribute to clinical practice improvement not only with technology but also by training the next generation of researchers and medical doctors in precision interceptive medicine and digital-transformation technologies. The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine is the best possible advanced partner, as it is a world leader in this research topic and has recently created the Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, which is a model for NIMSB. Champalimaud Foundation (FC) (PIC 967498371, VAT: 507131827) is included as a third-party entity providing in-kind contributions, in accordance with Article 9.2 of the Horizon Europe Model Grant Agreement. The FC costs will be reported with no profit margin, under internal rates applied to FC researchers, and will be supported by complementary (non-HEU) funding sources.