On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the financing contract for the project “Development of Genomic Research in Romania – ROGEN,” the largest national project dedicated to advancing scientific research in genomics, was signed at the Faculty of Medicine within the “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest. The Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology (IVN) is a key partner in this endeavor.
The ROGEN project is a strategic initiative aimed at modernizing and enhancing genomic research in Romania, offering innovative solutions for the prevention and treatment of complex diseases. The funding will strengthen the national research infrastructure and provide access to cutting-edge technologies, thereby advancing Romanian medicine.
Additionally, the project aims to train highly specialized human resources in genomics, establish research hubs focused on modern technologies, create data clusters for genomic storage, and identify relevant genetic markers for early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prevention strategies.
The Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology plays a crucial role as a key partner in the consortium, actively contributing to genomic research, precise personalized prognostics, and treatments for priority diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases.
During the contract signing event, the Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology was represented by Dr. Carmen C. Diaconu, IVN’s director and legal representative.
ROGEN Project Objectives:
- Enhance research, development, and innovation (RDI) capacity in genomics by creating a national genomic research network in medicine, developing a national sequencing infrastructure, a network of biobanks, and secure systems for processing large volumes of genomic and phenotypic data, as well as establishing associated standards and facilitating access to these advanced technologies for both public and private sector researchers.
- Conduct RDI activities, including pilot projects for prevention and early detection, as well as functional genomics studies, precise personalized prognosis, and treatment for priority diseases such as cancer, rare diseases, infectious diseases, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders.
- Transfer genomic research results to the national healthcare system through the national genomic research network, improving the quality of medical services by leveraging research findings in areas such as cancer, infectious diseases, rare diseases, cardiovascular, and neurological pathologies.
The project, with a total value of €85 million, spans 60 months and focuses on implementing innovative genomic research solutions. Major funding sources include the European Regional Development Fund (approximately 51%), the State Budget (approximately 49%), and private contributions (SMEs – 0.1%).
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, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients in Romania.
