The International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS) will soon launch a new project, 'Enhancing Cancer Vaccine Science for New Therapy Pathways' (CANVAS). One of the goals of the CANVAS project is to acquire new research tools that will advance research on cell therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) initiated by prof. Natalia Marek- Trzonkowska at ICCVS.
A partnership with the University of Rome Tor Vergata (UNITOV) in Italy, the Commission for Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy (CEA) in France and Polish biotech start-up Real Research Sp. z o.o. has been recommended for funding of €1.5 million as part of the Twinning competition in Horizon Europe. This is the first project from Horizon Europe in which UG will act as a coordinator.
The CANVAS project aims to significantly increase the scientific potential and gain new research tools that will contribute to the progress of research on cell therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) initiated by prof. Natalia Marek- Trzonkowska at ICCVS. An important element of the project is a joint pilot study that will allow the selection of an optimal research model to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed treatment.
- 'All teams in ICCVS are working on different aspects of cancer immunotherapy. We believe that a multidisciplinary approach to the problem under study and a combination of different viewpoints is necessary to develop new anti-cancer strategies. The CANVAS project is a kind of platform that will enable us to prepare in depth for lung cancer therapy with the support of international partners,' - says prof. dr hab. Natalia Marek-Trzonkowska, ICCVS director and CANVAS project coordinator. - 'In addition, this project is a unique opportunity to establish long-term scientific cooperation aimed at increasing the research and innovation capacity of the ICCVS.'
The project includes visits and internship exchanges between partners for training in the area of various aspects of cancer immunology research, summer/winter science schools and workshops to transfer knowledge between consortium partners and create space for new innovative research ideas. The project will also provide soft skills training, improved grant writing and research management skills, which will undoubtedly improve the competitiveness of ICCVS in obtaining funding for further research.
- 'CANVAS will provide excellent professional development opportunities for both researchers, managers and research administrators,' - says Izabela Raszczyk, Director of Administration at ICCVS, involved in managing the CANVAS project.
The CANVAS project will undoubtedly contribute to increasing the quality of research, and will directly affect the institutional ability to attract and retain talented researchers, strengthening UG's position as an attractive environment for outstanding scientists. The consortium members hope that the results obtained will bring them much closer to starting clinical trials.
