Site-selective protein-modification chemistries for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)

ended

SIMICA will provide IMM with the opportunity to integrate the European circle of research excellence institutions by cementing a sustainable science, technology and innovation network with internationally-leading organisations in the field of protein drug-conjugates. The strategy of SIMICA is based on science- and innovation-driven clustering, and is focused on the exciting and upcoming area of designing and constructing the next generation of chemically-defined and innovative protein drug-conjugates for the targeted treatment of serious conditions such as cancer. The project will allow: i) strengthening the science and technology capacity of IMM and ii) leverage its research excellence and value creation through innovation with a beneficial and quantifiable impact for the entire research and development community at IMM, the Lisbon region and Portugal. The successful implementation of this strategy will rely on specific actions, including: 1) cementing of existing and the creation of new scientific, innovative and technical collaborations through short-term staff exchanges and short-term on-site training activities; 2) training, mentoring and international exposure of IMM’s young researchers and students; 3) building an innovation ecosystem centred at IMM; 4) igniting the entrepreneurial spirit among IMM’s research community; 5) increasing science awareness among the general public through targeted dissemination and communication activities; and 6) developing a sustainability strategy to sustain the cemented network beyond project terminus. Through the completion of these activities, IMM, supported by its twinning partners, is in the best temporal and spatial position to achieve an improved capability to compete for internationally competitive research funding and to access business stakeholders. By claiming its position in research and innovation networks IMM will effectively contribute to research excellence and value creation in health at European level.