Research models in infection, cancer and regeneration: replacement and translation

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REMODEL combines the existing local expertise in bioengineering, cancer and infectious diseases with partners at the frontline in developing organoid systems, manipulating them to fit specific purposes and validating their use as models, in order to build capacity to work with innovative model systems that can replace animal experiments and increase translational relevance. In doing so, REMODEL addresses a key issue in today’s biomedical research: how non-animal model systems can be developed to meet the needs for translationally relevant research in the era of precision and personalized medicine, whilst at the same time accounting for societal pressure to replace animal experiments. REMODEL will capacitate the coordinating institution, IBMC-i3S, through the establishment of organoid advanced in vitro models and their customization for the main areas of research (infection, cancer and tissue regeneration). REMODEL will contribute to raising the research profile of the institution and scientific skills of its staff developed through training schools and short-term scientific training periods as well as transferable skills training and mentoring of Early Stage researchers, but also through staff participation in international conferences presenting work within the REMODEL themes / framework. Organoids as experimental models are at the frontline of methodological development in biomedicine, and demonstrating competence in working with such models will place i3S in the spotlight in an international research context, and make the institution an attractive partner for future collaborations beyond the REMODEL network. On the European level, REMODEL represents an important initiative to bring together key partners in the development of innovative models to overcome the present fragmentation of European organoid research and move towards applications in animal replacement.