A centre of excellence for molecular medicine and the promotion of enhanced application of scientific results in clinical practice are the main goals of the Horizon 2020 project, realised within the framework of the so-called Teaming programme. The tender accompanied by a funding of over 150 million forints, which was won by the consortium encompassing Semmelweis University, the University of Szeged, the University of Debrecen, the Biological Research Centre in Szeged and a German institution, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). The consortium’s participation in the project “Creating The Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine” (HU-MOLMEDEX), was co-ordinated by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NIH).
In order to draw up a strategic plan for the establishment of the centres of excellence, each winning consortium is granted a sum between 200 000 and 500 000 euros in the first phase of the programme. The HU-MOLMEDEX project was allotted 496 860 euros which is almost the highest possible amount to be granted. As a member of the consortium Semmelweis University will receive a funding of 69 000 euros without having the obligation to provide its own resources for the budget.
The primary goal of the Teaming programme is to support projects that aim at the establishment of centres of excellence by bringing together various research centres to better channel their research potentials. EMBL, by being a research institution of excellence, assists the Hungarian partners in setting up a new centre of excellence focusing on molecular medicine. The programme offers an opportunity for the participants to prepare a translational project that greatly benefits the clinical application of research results in the field of molecular medicine. Other than creating new scientific networks, the project’s manifold objectives include the identification of market opportunities, the establishment of intensive technological transfer, co-operative doctoral programmes and clinical research trainings.
After its first publication within the framework of the Teaming programme, the Horizon 2020 subproject received 169 applications, including nine project proposals from consortiums co-ordinated by Hungarian management. Based on the official Communication of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office, Hungary was one of the most successful participants of the Teaming programme, as three Hungarian institutions all together earned a grant exceeding 1.3 million euros. The evaluation of the detailed strategic plans is carried out during the second phase of the programme, when the best proposals will be rewarded with an additional funding of 15-20 million euros to realise their plans.
Semmelweis University’s victory in the first round is a great success. 31 project proposals out of 169 were selected by the European Commission and only eight projects focus on medical and life sciences.
Pálma Dobozi
Translated by: Ágnes Raubinek
