i3S Strategic Plan 2015-2020

HEALTH CHALLENGING MINDSSTRATEGIC PLAN 2015 - 2020

i3S brand was built based on a key premise: the acronym itself is the foundation for the brand, thus

lending it an historical weight that will make it easily identifiable and recognizable. From there, the

visual elements were designed, resulting from the deconstruction of the acronym and subsequent

reconstruction into an iconic element, which reflects the strength and solidity of the building, but

stands on its own. The detail that immediately catches the eye - a roughly sketched number “3” - is

made up of three “i” drawn in a loop, an embodiment of the previous deconstruction. The numeral is

portrayed in such magnitude that it may even seem it’s an exponentiation: it follows the underlying

concept, which dictates that the whole set of competences is greater than the sum of the parts. The

modular design is inspired on the building’s interior, where the metric of the building blocks is in plain

sight of the visitor, and allows turning the acronym into a single visual feature. The choice of hue

stems from the common denominator present in the three logos from the comprising institutes - the

primary color cyan -, whereas the encompassment of i3S into the universe of the University of Porto

is conveyed by the use of black.

Welcome to the INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN HEALTH UNIVERSITY OF PORTO

01. vision02. mission

03. historyour heritage

04. our guiding principles

05. researchour research agendaour research focusour research groups

06. action plan promoting excellence consolidating research and competitivenessresearch valorizationintegrated responsible research and innovation

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i3S STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2020 | 01

an integrative institute inspiring people to design a healthier future

Our vision is to nurture an atmosphere able to attract the brightest minds and to position i3S in the forefront of European institutions dedicated to health sciences and technologies. We intend to accomplish a better and healthier tomorrow through brilliant people and by catalyzing innovation, which will be attained by making Health a priority.

02 | i3S STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2020

01. VISION

The mission of i3S is to integrate complementary competences to become a leading international playerin health and life sciences and technologies.

We are bringing together internationally recognized researchers with competences in basic, translational and clinical research to tackle complex health questions in cancer, neurodegeneration, infection and tissue repair. We are assembling a scientific critical mass in a robust university campus to steer competences and to promote the emergence of new scientific areas and solutions in strong interaction with hospitals and companies. We’re also fostering continuous advanced training for scientists and a solid implementation in the community to answer present and future societal challenges.


02. MISSION

The i3S, headed by the University of Porto, brings together

three research institutes and researchers from several

schools of the University. It results from a long-term

collaboration between IBMC, INEB and IPATIMUP, with a long

and successful history of excellent people encompassing

joint research projects, co-supervision of PhD students, and

sharing of large equipment under coordinated policies.

IBMC – Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular – is a

multidisciplinary research institute formed in 1997 with the

aim of rounding up researchers working within the University

of Porto and affiliated hospitals to produce a unique

environment promoting research in the life sciences. INEB

– Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica – is a bioengineering

research institute founded in 1989. Its motto – “Engineering

for life” – reflects its commitment to the development of

technologies and devices aimed at improving patients’

quality of life and to continuous learning with living

organisms. IPATIMUP – Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia

da Universidade do Porto – established in 1989, whose main

lines of research are cancer and genetics.

Six schools of the University of Porto (FMUP, ICBAS, FMDUP,

FCUP, FEUP and FFUP) and three hospitals (CH S João, CH

Porto and IPO) are also engaged in the activities of i3S.

This wide participation of schools, research institutions and

hospitals in a research institute is unique in Portugal and is

a valuable asset for science and technology development.

This combination creates a favorable environment for

real breakthrough research and translation of discoveries

to the clinic. The location of the new building hosting all

i3S researchers provides a vibrant environment for new

scientific discoveries, which translates into improvements in

health care.

our heritage

It results from a long-term collaboration between IBMC, INEB and IPATIMUP, with a long and successful history of excellent people encompassing joint research projects

03. HISTORY


Scientific excellence and health as research priority are the

pillars of i3S. Excellence is raised by the brightest researchers

and observed through an external evaluation carried out

on a regular basis by the External Advisory Board, and by

promoting integration of basic, applied and translational

activities.

Three trans-disciplinary programs cluster major areas of

competence and realize our research priority – the human

health:

- Cancer

- Host Interaction and Response

- Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders

A policy of valorization of research and services to the

scientific community are essential aspects in the pursuit

of our goals. Therefore, the core scientific services and

our advanced technologies are shared for the benefit of

the scientific community, and technology transfer and

entrepreneurship is actively promoted. In permanent

dialogue with the the most vital sectors of the scientific

system, i3S provides regular advanced training to scientists

and clinicians and prepares new generations of scientists

through integrative PhD programs in accordance with i3S

major research lines.

We are committed to delivering high quality translation of

cutting-edge knowledge to the clinic and to rendering the

corresponding services, and into new inclusive approaches

in education for healthcare professionals. We are a leading

institution in health and science communication for citizens,

aiming to contribute to the knowledge society and to

improve general well-being.

our guiding principles

The pillars of i3S are scientific excellence and health as research priority.

A policy of valorization of research and services to the scientific community are essential aspects in the pursuit of our goals.

i3S provides regular advanced training to scientists and clinicians and prepares new generations of scientists through integrative PhD programs

We are committed to delivering high quality translation of cutting-edge knowledge to the clinic and to rendering the corresponding services and to improve general well-being

04. GUIDING PRINCIPLES



researchi3S revolves around three Integrative Programs: Cancer, Host Response and Interaction, and Neurobiology and Neurologic Disease. The trans-disciplinary character of our projects is addressing questions that require participation of basic and applied sciences.

05. RESEARCH

i3S revolves around three Integrative Programs: Cancer, Host

Response and Interaction, and Neurobiology and Neurologic

Disease. The trans-disciplinary character of our projects is

addressing questions that require participation of basic and

applied sciences, such as:

01.

The development of fundamental research to solve basic

biological questions is a priority and it lays the groundwork

for future advancements;

02.

The development of effective and reliable in vitro diagnostic

tools, namely for early detection of gastric cancer and bacterial

infection, combining molecular targets and nanotechnologies,

with particular emphasis on in vivo bioimaging.

03.

The development of carriers, scaffolds and cell isolation, and

manipulation technologies for effective cell therapies and

tissue engineering strategies in neurological diseases and

trauma, particularly for elderly and diabetic patients.

We expect to achieve these objectives by hiring new

researchers capable of tackling these challenges.

A Clinical Advisory Panel renders translation of research from

bench to bedside more effective and identifies emerging

health issues.

our research agenda

A Clinical Advisory Panel renders translation of research from bench to bedside more effective and identifies emerging health issues

i3S revolves around three Integrative Programs: Cancer, Host Response and Interaction, and Neurobiology and Neurologic Disease.

05. RESEARCH


our research focus

05. RESEARCH


Our research is organized into three Integrative Programs

that cluster major areas of competence:

01. CancerThis program intends to identify risk factors for cell and

tissue transformation, as well as the molecular and cellular

mechanisms involved in cancer development and progression.

Nanoparticle-based systems functionalized with molecular

probes capable of specifically targeting invasive tumor cells

are also being used to design efficient new therapeutic

strategies. The Program on Cancer includes research

groups working on Cell Division, Cell Cycle, Oncobiology,

Pathology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Cancer Genetics,

and Population Genetics and Metabolism, in association with

groups working in Bioengineering.

02. Host Interaction and ResponseThis program aims to understand, decipher and modulate

the complex crosstalk that takes place between the host

immune system and foreign entities, namely pathogens and

bioengineered materials. We are developing novel prevention,

diagnosis and drug-delivery systems for anti-infective

strategies, as well as immunomodulatory and biomaterial-

based regenerative therapies. This program is gathering

internationally established groups working on pathogenesis,

immunity, clinical and population genetics, biomaterials,

tissue regeneration and nanomedicine.

i3S aims to understand, decipher and modulate the complex crosstalk that takes place between the host immune system and foreign entities, namely pathogens and bioengineered materials

i3S aims to identify risk factors for cell and tissue transformation, as well as the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in cancer development and progression


i3S aims to understanding the biology of neurons and glia, the causes for and mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction and degeneration, on exploring the use of biomaterials in neural regeneration, and on developing therapeutic strategies to ameliorate or delay onset of neurological conditions

03. Neurobiology and Neurologic DisordersThis program is focusing on understanding the biology

of neurons and glia, the causes for and mechanisms of

neuronal dysfunction and degeneration, on exploring the

use of biomaterials in neural regeneration, and on developing

therapeutic strategies to ameliorate or delay onset of

neurological conditions.

The groups committed to this program have international

recognition, specifically on spinal networks and myelination,

amyloid neuropathy, movement disorders, lysosome and

peroxisome storage disorders, pain, neuro-urology, addiction,

structural biology, axonal regeneration, design of biomaterials

to improve nerve regeneration, and animal science.

Each Program encompasses three key components

intimately linked:

• Molecular and cellular basis of living systems

• Mechanisms underlying disease

• Novel preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Addiction Biology

Ageing & Stress

Basic & Clinical Research on Iron Biology

Biocomposites

Bioengineering & Synthetic Microbiology

Biomaterials for Multistage Drug & Cell Delivery

Biomolecular Structure & Function

Cancer Drug Resistance

Cancer Signalling & Metabolism

Cell Activation & Gene Expression

Cell Division & Genomic Stability

Cell Division Mechanisms

Cell Growth & Differentiation

Chromosome Instability & Dynamics

Cytoskeletal Dynamics

Differentiation & Cancer

Epithelial Interactions in Cancer

Expression Regulation in Cancer

Fish Immunology & Vaccionology

Gene Regulation

Genetic Diversity

Genetic Dynamics of Cancer Cells

Genetics & Arthritis Research

Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction

Glial Cell Biology

Glycobiology in Cancer

Immunobiology

Iron & Innate Immunity

Laboratory Animal Science

Metabolism, Nutrition & Endocrinology

Microenvironments for New Therapies

our research groups

05. RESEARCH


Molecular Microbiology

Molecular Neurobiology

Molecular Parasiotology

Monitoring & Simulation of Perinatal Asphyxia

NanoBiomaterials for Targetd Therapies

Nephrology & Infectious Diseases R&D

Nerve Regeneration

Neuronal Networks

Organelle Biogenesis & Function

Pain Research

Parasite Disease

Phenotypic Evolution

Population Genetics & Evolution

Reproductive Genetics & Embryo-fetal Development

Structural Biochemistry

Thymus Development and Function

Translational NeuroUrology

Unit for Genetic & Epidemiological Research on Neurological

Disorders

Yeast Signaling Networks


action plani3S is implementing an integrated strategy in order to accomplish the identified objectives in the period of 2015-2020. This action plan is following a bottom-up approach, with all members of the founding institutes and with the community at large. In this section, we focus on the major tasks that respond to the quality level that we pursue, as well as the identified gaps that we need to fill in in order to make a difference.


06. ACTION PLAN

i3S presents itself as the perfect setting to explore

interdisciplinary interfaces. It is also an excellent

environment to foster synergies between our research

groups and internationally reputed scientists, currently

working on basic medical research, molecular and cell

biology, and tissue engineering, perceived as consolidated

in the RIS 3 report.

The possibility to share knowledge and facilities with

renowned regional hospitals will close the gap between

research and the clinic, thus enabling the convergence of

resources and a high-throughput of biomedical knowledge

and technologies. It also ensures that clinical medicine

joins the ranks of the i3S competences performed at a level

of excellence. i3S is, to that end, aiming at increasing even

more the present involvement of clinicians in our research

activities, whether in or out the institution, in close proximity

with the regional and national healthcare systems.

i3S is offering an array of high quality services with state-

of-the-art technologies, most of which are certified and

included on international networking platforms. By rallying

these services into the same location and providing the

conditions for them to cooperate, the entire scientific

community will benefit from a unique set of exceptional

platforms:

- Genomics

- Biomolecular analysis

- Cell analysis

- Imaging

- Animal experimentation

promotingexcellence

i3S presents itself as the perfect setting to explore inter-disciplinary interfaces, perceived as consolidated in the RIS 3 report.

06. ACTION PLAN

The possibility to share knowledge and facilities with renowned regional hospitals will close the gap between research and the clinic

i3S is offering an array of high quality services with state-of-the-art technologies


i3S is actively promoting integrative research by articulating

research groups working on basic biological sciences,

molecular medicine, bioengineering, and clinical fields,

whose track record was assessed by an international panel

of the European Science Foundation and granted the title

of ‘exceptional’ by the FCT – the Portuguese Foundation for

Science and Technology.

We are regularly invigorating our research groups with new

generations of scientists. In order to do so, i3S has set in

motion strategies to search and attract the most promising

young scientists, a goal for whose accomplishment our

international and integrative PhD programs play a crucial role.

To encourage participation in international projects and to

raise the capacity to attract funding for research activities, i3S

is providing the integrative research programs with project-

management support, from pre-award to grant management,

bolstering the valorization of knowledge and competences

developed in the institute. In addition, i3S is fostering close

and fruitful contacts with relevant funding bodies, in particular

with the European Commission, and with similar offices from

other institutions and countries.

The pre-award and grant management specialists are

working in close collaboration with the technology transfer

experts on: (i) mapping existing knowledge, technology and

competences (ii) ensuring the identification of the best route

for its acknowledgement; (iii) and cultivating innovation and

entrepreneurship within the i3S scientific community.

consolidating research and competitiveness

i3S is actively promoting integrative research

06. ACTION PLAN

i3S has set in motion strategies to attract and to train promising young scientists

Pre-award support will be provided in close collaboration with technology transfer experts to effectively boost the valorization path


research valorization

06. ACTION PLAN

i3S is committed to the valorization of research results through

technology transfer and validation of health technologies.

Therefore, a specialized team is engaging with researchers

in order to transfer the knowledge developed at i3S to

society. This process involves all relevant stakeholders in the

endeavor of exploring and profiting from this knowledge, by

subsequently translating it into high-standard products and

services that fulfill clinical and healthcare needs.

Achieving a widespread valorization of i3S research requires

several long-term commitments:

- motivating and supporting researchers in the process of

technology transfer;

- fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the i3S

research community;

- ensuring the protection of relevant IP and its acknowledgement;

- corresponding i3S capabilities and expertise to the clinical

needs from healthcare environment;

- providing support to the determination, elaboration and

implementation of R&D clinical and translational projects;

- promoting industry/academia R&D cooperative strategies.

In the short to medium term, we are also setting our sights on

expanding our activities on diagnosis, counseling and clinical

research in neurodegenerative disorders (carried out at the

Center for Predictive and Preventive Genetics), developing

new diagnostic tools for early identification of cancer

(involving the Molecular Diagnostics and Pathology Unit), and

developing new therapies and biomaterials for regenerative

medicine.

i3S is committed to the valorization of research results through technology transfer and validation of health technologies

Relevant healthcare stakeholders engagement will be promoted to ensure the knowledge translation into clinical benefits


integrated responsibleresearch & innovation

06. ACTION PLAN

The European concept of Responsible Research and

Innovation (RRI) goes beyond tackling the ethical issues

arising from research itself. It requires a broader consideration

of science and innovation with all its dimensions.

Implementing the concept of RRI demands interdisciplinary

expertise, appropriate infrastructures and innovative thinking.

In the process of developing an RRI strategy, i3S is building

upon existing structures, such as research ethics committees,

interdisciplinary research, science and society services, and

advanced training.

It is paramount that ethical issues are taken into consideration

from different viewpoints, so the members of the existing

ethics committees - for human research subjects and for

animals – lend valuable expertise in science, law, medicine,

veterinary medicine, animal care and animal welfare.

Societal issues are a matter of concern for the future, as well.

Our Communication Unit works closely with researchers

and focuses on communicating the science carried out in

the institution, both to the public at large and the academia.

Similarly, we strive to answer the increasing need to improve

health literacy. Our multidisciplinary team is putting together

programs designed to fulfill this purpose:

- Promotion of communication for health professionals;

- Promotion of health literacy for schools;

- Promotion of health literacy in patient associations

We aim to play a crucial role in the development of a

sustainable and sound regional strategy to help the northern

region grow and flourish to its full potential, namely regarding

the domain of well-being and health tourism.

RRI - Responsible Research and Innovation demands interdisciplinary expertise, appropriate infrastructures and innovative thinking

our research agenda is shaped along with research ethics committees, interdisciplinary teams, advanced training programs and taking into account science with and for society timely concerns


great minds with a passion: solving health challenges

CONTACT US:Address: Rua Alfredo Allen, 208 4200-135 Porto, PortugalPhone: +351 220 408 800 Email: [email protected]

Documents

i3S Strategic Plan 2015-2020