MU–Varna presented the launch of a major strategic research and innovation programme “Enhancement of Translational Excellence Achievement in Medicine” with international participation at an inaugural press conference, held on 15 May 2023. The project is expected to facilitate the expansion of the capacity of higher education institutions towards increasing competences in research work. The funding of BGN 28 million is provided by the European Union through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria under the procedure for the establishment of a network of research higher education institutions. MU–Varna will implement the programme in partnership with research teams from Italy, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and France.
“Medical University–Varna will implement a research programme in the priority areas of “Food and Nutrition”, “Neurosciences”, “Regenerative Medicine and Implantology” and “Oncology”, outlined the Vice-Rector for Science and Research Corr. Mem. Prof. Dr. Christina Grupcheva. She further added that six leadership groups of MU–Varna scientists had already been established. Foreign researchers have also been attracted to the teams, who will contribute to the work of our teams and develop new and essential scientific specialisation for MU–Varna.
In the field of “Food and Nutrition”, the scientists will target their research work at identification of new biomarkers for cardiometabolic diseases; isolation of bioactive substances of natural origin with potential for control and prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases; creation of new multifunctional food supplements based on biologically active substances. In the field of “Neurosciences”, the priorities are the development of programmes exploring the nutritional status of children with the most common non-psychiatric disorders; new data on the molecular mechanisms of cortical development; and new treatments for obstructive sleep apnoea.
The priorities for the team in the field of “Regenerative Medicine and Implantology” will be the creation of implants in the fields of Dentistry, Orthopaedics and Ophthalmology; cultivation of limbal stem cells for regenerative purposes; creation of a platform for testing drugs, medical products and other methodologies on cell cultures. In the field of “Oncology”, the focus is on creating new approaches to early cancer diagnosis through liquid biopsies; innovative imaging in breast cancer; creating a prototype 3D micro-X-ray imaging system for early diagnostic imaging.
Within the framework of the programme, three scientific groups have been appointed with leaders from foreign research organisations, which will also involve scientists from MU-Varna. Moreover, nine research laboratories are to be established. Part of the equipment for the implementation of the projects is already available, while the rest is to be purchased with project funds.
Prof. Grucheva concluded that bringing together scientists from various parts of the world and predominately from leading European centres would contribute to the development of the research potential, enhance the publication activity and contribute to transforming the universities into an incubator for technology transfer. The programme runs until the end of June 2026.