Health Program
- Call Code: PS/272/PS_P5/OP1/RSO1.1/PS_P5_RSO1.1_A9
- Call Title: Support for the implementation of research solutions of strategic importance in the medical field: genomics; non-communicable diseases (e.g., development of research solutions for cancer treatment); vaccines, serums, and other biological medicines
- Fund: European Regional Development Fund
- Project Code: 324809
- Project Title: Development of Genomic Research in Romania (ROGEN)
- Beneficiary: “CAROL DAVILA” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest
- Partner (P5): “Stefan S. Nicolau” Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest
- Total Budget: 422,304,303.91 RON, of which the European Regional Development Fund (approximately 51%) is 214,096,622 RON, the State Budget (approximately 49%) is 207,586,978 RON, and the private sector (SMEs – 0.1%) contributes 620,703.32 RON.
- Budget for IVN: 21,424,683.08 RON
Project Objectives:
SO 1. Development of RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) capacity in the field of genomics through the creation of a national genomic research network in medicine, and the development of national infrastructure for sequencing, a national network of biobanks, secure storage and processing of large volumes of genomic and phenotypic data, related standards, and facilitating access to these advanced technologies for researchers from both the public and private sectors.
SO 2. Implementation of RDI activities such as pilot projects for prevention and early detection, and studies on functional genomics, prognosis, and personalized precise treatment of prioritized conditions such as cancer, rare diseases, infectious diseases, cardiovascular and neurological disorders.
SO 3. Transfer of genomic research results into the national healthcare system through the national genomic research network in medicine, to improve the quality of medical services by leveraging the outcomes of research activities conducted in pathologies such as cancer, infectious diseases, rare diseases, cardiovascular and neurological disorders.
Activities:
A.1. Research infrastructure modernization and equipment acquisition activities directly related to RDI activities:
A.1.1. Acquisition of equipment directly related to RDI activities
A.1.2. Acquisition of hardware and software necessary for RDI activities, including artificial intelligence platforms
A.2. Implementation of RDI activities in genomics, omics sciences, bioinformatics, and biotechnology, and capitalization of results
A.2.1. Determination of the reference genome for the presumably healthy population in Romania, development of the national genomic database, secure storage and usage of the resulting data and information to improve prevention and diagnosis in cancer, rare diseases, and other priority conditions, and integration with European initiatives (L1-L60)
A.2.2. Conducting research and development activities in genomics, bioinformatics, and other omics sciences and utilizing results in pathologies: cancer, rare diseases, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and renal-urinary system diseases.
A.2.2.1. ONCOGENOMICS RESEARCH DIRECTION
A.2.2.2. RARE DISEASES RESEARCH DIRECTION
A.2.2.3. INFECTIOUS DISEASES RESEARCH DIRECTION
A.2.2.4. CARDIOGENOMICS RESEARCH DIRECTION
A.2.2.5. PHARMACOGENOMICS RESEARCH DIRECTION
A.3.1. Research, innovation, and technology transfer activities in the field of genomics
A.3.2. Knowledge transfer activities in genomic research in medicine
A.4. Cross-cutting activity to ensure project management, information and publicity, as well as other activities necessary for project implementation
Expected Results:
R1. National Genomic Research Network implemented: technical, ethical, legal, and social framework for genomic research in Romania, in line with national and European legislation (responds to SO1)
R2. National reference genome created: genetic variants and haplotypes for all individuals in the general population cohort; a graph-based pangenome structure capable of integrating biological characteristics and additional computational levels (responds to SO1, SO3)
R3. Relevant genetic markers identified for early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prevention strategies (responds to SO2, SO3)
R4. Secure, open, and controlled access resources for biospecimens, metadata collection, omics and phenotypic data, and developed bioinformatics analysis methods (responds to SO1, SO2)
R5. Molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of studied pathologies, as well as in population traits, identified through functional analyses targeting key genes and validated molecular pathways (responds to SO2, SO3)
Project web page: https://rogen.umfcd.ro/
Consotium:
The project is coordinated by the “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest and includes prestigious partners such as: I. Chiricuță Oncology Institute, Cluj-Napoca, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Ovidius University of Constanța, University of Bucharest, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara, Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, C. I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Transilvania University of Brașov, “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș” National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Victor Babeș National Institute of Research and Development in Pathology and Biomedical Sciences, Bucharest, University of Oradea, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Institute of Biochemistry, Research and Development Institute in Genomics, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology, Târgu Mureș, and Molecular Genomics SRL.
The participation of Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology in the ROGEN project strengthens its role in promoting and developing interdisciplinary research. Through its academic expertise and involvement in this national project, IVN contributes to advancing genomic research in oncology, infectious diseases, and pharmacogenomics, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients in Romania.
Contact:
Carmen C. Diaconu, PhD
Executive coordinator for P5 IVN
Mihai Bravu 285, sector 3, Bucharest,
Tel: 0213242590
e-mail: ccdiaconu@yahoo.com; carmen.diaconu@virology.ro
