Amplifying RI impact with a global perspective: a Regional Hubs model

• Grant number: 22/05088-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Agreement: EU-CELAC IG (former ERA.Net - LAC)
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Villares Portugal
• Grantee: Rodrigo Villares Portugal
• Principal researcher abroad: Jose Maria Salvador Carazo Garcia
• Institution abroad: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Spain
• Host Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Alejandro Buschiazzo ; Andre Luis Berteli Ambrosio ; Antônio Carlos Borges ; Beatriz Santana Borges ; Daniel Guerra Giraldez ; Gabriela Dias Noske ; Germán Gustavo Sgro ; Kildare Rocha de Miranda ; Leonardo Talachia Rosa ; Lia Carolina Almeida Soares de Medeiros Kuczera ; Luis Lamberti Pinto da Silva ; Mariana Araújo Ajalla Aleixo ; Richard Charles Garratt ; Roberto Kopke Salinas ; Shaker Chuck Farah ; Wilfredo Evangelista Falcón

Abstract

Cooperation between Bioimaging and Structural Biology Research Infrastructures (RIs) has been strengthened in recent years, especially in the context of the EU-LAC ResInfra project. However, for these interactions to have an impact in Health, concrete global actions should be strategically planned, ensuring long-term sustainability. We are here proposing a coordinated biregional effort in capacity building through staff hiring and exchange, focused on the creation/consolidation of Regional Hubs, especially in LAC countries, and with an impact on Health. Such Hubs are conceived as entry-to-mid level RIs, well connected to high-end installations, with clear open facility access procedures and committed to open science. Regional Hubs shall accelerate the: (1) uptake of scientific and technological changes, (2) training of experts, (3) adoption of common RIs best practices, (4) connection with local industry partners, and (5) more efficient access to high-end RIs. The occurrence of global pandemics like Covid19 represents a strong push towards coordination and harmonization, combining biomedical expertise with RI developments towards a fast response facing infectious agents. Key methodological aspects of this proposal include (i) the selection of Regional Hub sites, according to excellent science and a long-standing record of open access to RIs, and their support in terms of capacity building and networking. Eight RI partners in six LAC and EU countries, will contribute with their experience, including two pan-European RI Consortia, maximizing the project feasibility; and, (ii) a strong plan for training experts in advanced Bioimaging technologies, following a well-designed network of interactions, staff exchange, visits and workshops. Besides training, these exchanges will allow best practices and FAIR data management protocols to be shared, setting common standards. This model of Regional Hubs shall contribute to a global perspective in RI management. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DE NIZ, MARIANA; GARCIA, RODRIGO ESCOBEDO; RAMIREZ, CELINA TERAN; PAKOWSKI, YSA; ABONZA, YURINEY; BIALY, NIKKI; ORR, VANESSA L.; OLIVERA, ANDRES; ABONZA, VICTOR; ALLEVA, KARINA; et al. Building momentum through networks: Bioimaging across the Americas. JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY, v. 294, n. 3, p. 20-pg., 2024-05-15. (20/06062-1, 22/05088-2)