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The European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA) The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência generates germ-free mice for the worldwide research community The mouse is the key model organism for research into human disease, mainly due to the similarities in development, physiology and genetic make-up between mice and humans. Mouse mutants offer the opportunity to decipher the molecular mechanisms of disease, and provide a basis for the development of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches. The European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA) is a resource centre for the deposition and distribution of mouse disease models and research tools. EMMA draws on the expertise of 10 leading research institutes across Europe, including the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC), in Portugal. The IGC offers the crucial Germ-Free Service that generates, breeds and houses mice that are free of all microorganisms. These germ-free animals are crucial in studies aimed at understanding the effects of microorganisms on a host, or dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of the immune system. To date, the germ-free facility of the IGC has generated 11 different strains of germ-free mice, requested by researchers from Portugal, Germany, USA, France and the UK. The facility has the capacity to temporarily host scientists wishing to carry out their own research with the mice at the IGC itself. The IGC germ-free facility Contacts: Jocelyne Demengeot Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência E-mail: jocelyne@igc.gulbenkian www.igc.gulbenkian.pt | www.emmanet.org Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência Epiwork: developing the framework for an epidemic forecast infrastructure The EPIWORK project brings together 12 research centres across Europe with the aim of developing a multidisciplinary approach to the appropriate framework for the design of epidemic forecast infrastructures. EPIWORK addresses the range of needs in epidemic forecast, by developing a range of tools and knowledge, namely: i) mathematical and computational methods needed to accurately and consistently forecast disease spreading; ii) large scale, data driven computational models endowed with a high level of realism and aimed at epidemic scenario forecast; iii) original data-collection schemes, such as the collection of real-time disease incidence, through innovative web and ICT applications; iv) a computational platform for epidemic research and data sharing that may generate important synergies between research communities and countries. The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC), in Portugal, hosts the internet-based monitoring system for influenza, Gripenet (www.gripenet.pt), with a proven track record in providing realtime disease incidence data. Via the Theoretical Epidemiology Group, the IGC contributes in several forms to EPIWORK: from theoretical and computational modelling of infectious diseases to the implementation of ICT monitoring and reporting systems and associated public engagement activities. The team is working with public health institutes throughout Europe to prepare the ground to extend the theoretical and technological framework developed here into an effective interface between data analysts/modellers and public health decision makers. Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência Contacts: Gabriela Gomes Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Portugal E-mail: ggomes@igc.gulbenkian.p www.igc.gulbenkian.pt Issue 9 May 2009 It’s all in the mind Neuroimaging, brainstorming and bringing Europe’s brightest minds together Reality check: Janez Potočnik at Research Connection 2009 Emerging technologies push the frontiers of tomorrow’s world Euronanoforum 2009 shows that small is bright and beautiful Portug oNanoForum O 2009 ne of the official events of the Czech Presidency of the EU, The European and International Forum on Nanotechnology, will be held in Prague on 2 – 5 June 2009 being organized by the Technology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic with the support of the European Tuesday 3 November 2009 The Stanhope, Brussels Nominations are now open: www.theparliament.com/m Agriculture Culture and Education Development Economic and Monetary Affairs Employment and Social Affairs Energy Environment Food Safety Health Internal Market and Consumer Affairs Justice and Civil Lib Exploiting nanobodies in diagnosis and treatment of African trypanosomiasis Beef cattle grazing in a tsetse infested part of Africa. Numerous doses of drugs are used to treat the animals for trypanosomiasis when they are kept in such areas. programs, and for governments to allocate adequate resource contents Issue 9 May 2009 research roundup 6 Reality check Two years into the funding framework, the commission has presented a report on the ups and downs of Europe’s new ideas 30 Play by the rules Policymakers must ensure that nanotechnology regulation is consistent, says Guillaume Artois smar research roundup | fp7 progress report Reality check Two years into the current funding framework, the commission has presented a progress report into the ups and downs of Europe’s new ideas P7 is one of the EU’s “key instruments to prepare for recovery from the crisis and to come out of it greener fp7 progress report | research roundup Science and research commissioner Janez Potočnik “It is time to boost, not cut spending on research and innovation, both to face these challenges and to lay the basis for recovery” The commissioner agrees. He explains, “The economic crisis is a good reality c research roundup | research connection Vision is not enough The commission’s recent networking conference aimed to get researchers to work together, connect and cooperate. Francesca Ross reports avclav Havel, one of the Czech Republic’s most respected figures once said, “Vision is not enough, it mu research connection | research roundup Macro problem: Micro solution Innovative approaches to preventing HIV infection on a biological level were showcased at the research event in Prague. Professor Charles Kelly explainined that an effective product to protect women could be possible within five y research roundup | research connection Rifkin’s revolution Conference keynote speaker Jeremy Rifkin believes Europeans are at the helm of a third industrial revolution. Creaking energy structures need to be changed, he says, suggesting that every building could be turned into a mini power station. research connection | research roundup Communicating science Media professionals in one of the busiest parallel sessions spoke of the often difficult relationship between research and the media. Researchers looking for tips in dealing with the media were advised that, to be effective, communication The th anniversary of the Polish veterinary administration he year 2009 is of a special importance for Polish veterinary medicine. This year we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the activity of veterinary administration, which has an essential significance for public and animal health protection. Ni middle east desalination | research roundup Water under the bridge The EU has been urged to provide financial backing for a unique research centre in the Middle East. Martin Banks reports here cannot be many projects in the world that can claim to both help foster peace in the Middle East and tackl profile interview | philippe lebaube Core discussion Philippe Lebaube is head of CORDIS, the Community Research and Development Information Service. Here he talks to Research Review about his role and the service describe the work of CORDIS, and why is it important? Philippe Lebaube: In my own word philippe lebaube | profile interview hyperlinked and so on, so that users can find us very easily. RR: What feedback have you had from are using CORDIS in order to find partners, to see what the projects conducted in the past were and whether it was in their area of expertise. Together with the ne eu policy | Czech presidency news analysis | Stem Cells Presidential priorities The Czechs put a lot of energy into promoting research policies and infrastructure, setting the standard for the future says Miroslava Kopicová he official motto of the Czech presidency, Europe without Barriers, was ref Czech presidency | eu policy proposal enables the harmonisation of measurement standards so they will be comparable, and defines appropriate validated measuring and test methods, therefore underpinning the processes of scientific advancement and technological innovation in Europe. The Czech Republi research roundup | future and emerging technologies Tomorrow’s world A brain orchestra and interactive walking project were among the ideas on show at the emerging technologies conference in Prague. Francesca Ross reports “W How does it work? The multimodal brain orchestra e can [only] wonder wha future and emerging technologies | Research roundup How does it work? The natural interactive walking project The natural interactive walking project aims to reinforce our understanding of how our feet interact with surfaces. It investigates the sensations we have when we walk, which help us to int research roundup | future and emerging technologies How does it work? – 3D holograms A hologram is an alternative way of taking pictures of real world objects. It is very similar to photography but the special light setup and developing process makes the objects in the pictures look solid and three future and emerging technologies | eu policy Do the robot Milan N Stojanovic discusses the whys and wherefores of molecular robotics arge-scale robotics is a well developed discipline with a myriad of different definitions of what a robot is, perhaps boiling down to Joseph F Engelberger’s inclusive eu policy | future and emerging technologies “Conceptual advances in basic sciences often unpredictably metamorphose into practical implementations” and even tend to aphids, all the while inspiring us to rethink about what it means to be intelligent. Similar ideas about molecular robotics probably JRC open day | EU Policy Science fest Thousands of people travelled to Ispra, a small Italian town on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, for the 2009 Joint Research Centre open day redictions of rain did not deter more than 8000 people visiting the Joint Research Centre’s ( JRC) site in Ispra for Eu policy | Neuroimaging You read my mind This year’s brains in dialogue workshop provided a platform for frank and lively discussion on state of the art brain imaging technologies. Dr Chiara Saviane was there an brain imaging allow us to read minds, and if so, how should we regulate its use? Are t Neuroimaging | eu policy “A lack of clarity and consistency regarding the process of informed consent and the management of incidental findings persists across institutes and countries” roimaging applications for the treatment and understanding of psychiatric conditions. Moving from the laboratory Modelling Solutions for Complex Systems (MODELPLEX) A full eclipse-based model-driven engineering solution for complex systems S oftware engineering is an area of crucial importance to the global economy. With business growing ever-more dependent on advanced technologies, the commercial sector de EUronanoforum 2009 | future forecast A framework for success A holistic approach towards nanotechnology development is needed if breakthrough applications are to move beyond the laboratory, says Christos Tokamanis he European nanotechnology forum 2009 underlines the potential of nanotechnology to p Coordination at the European scale leads to advances at the nanoscale anoscience research essentially relies on a convergent approach to frontier issues and therefore calls for the mobilization of topnotch competencies spreading across the whole spectrum of “conventional” disciplines. Bringing toget control at the single-molecule level. Unwanted quantum mechanical effects such as the spontaneous change of a logical 0 into a 1 (spin flip) will also be investigated. NEDQIT: nano-engineered diamond for quantum information technology Diamond attracts much attention among physicists and engineers on future forecast | Nanotechnology Play by the rules Policymakers must ensure that nanotechnology regulation is consistent or they risk stunting a vital area of European research, says Guillaume Artois he discovery and development of new technologies and materials always provides a particular challen FIBLYS Project: Design and Construction of a New Tool for Nanotechnology FIBLYS (or FIB anaLYSis) is a European funded project where leading researches and industry collaborate to create a new apparatus for nanotechnology that will unite the most advanced technologies in a unique “all-in-one” tool. future forecast | Nanotechnology “Regulating a new technology at such an early stage of its development must be done extremely carefully so as not to be detrimental to innovation and research” ics to chemicals to food additives. The report highlighted that while unknowns exist regarding nanotechnol Advanced Front-End Technology Modeling for Ultimate Integrated Circuits (ATOMICS) dvanced nanoelectronic semiconductor devices and circuits enable an overwhelming and further growing variety of applications, ranging from mobile phones, MP3 players and computers to automotive or medical applications. future forecast | euronanoforum 2009 Catalytic clusters Investment in nano-catalysts is a priority if governments are to address increasing energy consumption and its associated environmental costs, argue Flemming Besenbacher, Peter Thostrup and Ronnie Vang N Professor Flemming Besenbacher is hea NATURE DOES IT PERFECTLY LETS BE INSPIRED www.quorumsensing.eu DCOB UOW ICTP WET CNRS PECS TURKU UCL QUORUM SENSING: FROM NATURE A MODEL FOR INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGIES The Group of Molecular and Environmental Biotechnologies of the Department of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry University MD3: D Materials for Double patterning or Double exposure ouble patterning lithography has been identified as the only viable solution to support the development of the 32nm half pitch generation in a within the time limits defined by ITRS roadmap. Its main advantage consists in enabling the defini EUronanoforum 2009 | future forecast Clean motoring Nanotechnology has helped reduce poisonous emissions, enhance efficiency and increase the safety of modern cars, writes Vito Lambertini he miniaturisation of components, particularly in comto be greatly enhanced in terms of performance and costs p Development of methodology for alternative testing strategies for the assessment of the toxicological profile of nanoparticles used in medical diagnostics Maria Dusinska, Lise Marie Fjellsbø , Lang Tran, Lucienne Juillerat-Jeanneret, Francelyne Marano, Sonja Boland, Margaret Saunders, Maurice Whelan EuroNanoForum 2009 | future forecast Hitching a ride Enter the nanocosmos with the nano-Truck road show and understand why the little things are key to this century’s big developments ixty exhibits, more than half of which are interactive, a laser show, film viewings, multimedia presentations and a future forecast | sustainable nano Small talk Nanotechnology can help sustain our environment and enhance the quality of our lives, but innovation must be accompanied by safety, says Péter Krüger N Péter Krüger is head of Bayer’s working group on nanotechnology The optimisation of nano-based cat M ore than 20% of the value of each car already comes from embedded electronics. Keeping costs and space for additional functionality low requires further integration of electronic components. This is especially true for integration of low and high voltage devices and memory on a single System-on-C Towards sustainable development using Biotechnology Plant polymers, cellulose and lignin, are the main source of renewable materials in Earth. Most industrial uses of cellulose require the previous removal of lignin, which is generally burnt at the mill. However, the chemical nature of lignin makes EUronanoforum | future forecast Risky business? Much work is being done on the health and safety issues surrounding nanotechnology but solutions to these risks are slow to emerge, argues Rob Aitken he key feature of nanotechnologies is the ability to exploit the specific, novel and sometimes unpred The FP7 project MIMOMEMS a contribution to the excellence of IMT Bucharest in Micro and Nanotechnologies he FP7 project “European Centre of Excellence in MIcrowave, Millimetre Wave and Optical Devices, based on Micro-Electro-Mechanica Systems for Advanced Communication Systems and Sensors” (MIMOMEMS EUROPE MEETS AT THE RENAISSANCE With 10 years of experience, the Renaissance Brussels Hotel knows about Europe. Over the years we have hosted delegations from countries all over the Union, and like Europe, the Renaissance is constantly evolving. Our meeting rooms and our restaurant have recently bee portuguese research | building bridges Stimulated students Portugal’s Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC) is an entrance hall for high-impact biomedical research “W hen I came to the IGC to interview for a group leader position, I felt like I was at a science Summer camp,” says Lars Jansen, a D building bridges | portuguese research “As a leading life science research and graduate training centre, the IGC is unique in many ways” countries in Europe, America, Asia and Africa. Research groups are encouraged to remain small (between three to six members) to ensure flexibility and cooperation The European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA) The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência generates germ-free mice for the worldwide research community The mouse is the key model organism for research into human disease, mainly due to the similarities in development, physiology and genetic make-up between mice a building bridges | portuguese research Into the unknown High quality scientists are needed to ensure high quality research, says the Champalimaud Foundation ounded in 2005, the Champalimaud Foundation is a private organisation dedicated to making advances in biomedical science. With a belief in col HydroNanoPol High Capacity nickel-metal hydride batteries could boost European industry (2006-2009) Polymer-coated hydride storage alloys increase battery capacity while solving production problems. The market for electrical storage batteries is a global battlefield in which European manufacturers a NANOPOLIBAT Nanocomponents integrated in rechargeable microbatteries (2006-2009) Nanomaterial combinations could provide the performance required for miniaturised batteries to store solar energy and power smart cards Nano-particulate electrode materials, electrode materials modified by surface layer portuguese research | building bridges Top talent The new Iberian nanotechnology laboratory hopes to create a state-of-the-art research environment, but its success depends on the quality of its scientists he Iberian nanotechnology laboratory (INL) is an international institution created to foster SERI | smart thinking Real revolution François-Denis Poitrinal speaks to Francesca Ross about the aim’s of this year’s SERI exhibition he SERI exhibition is the “number one professional event of its kind in Europe”, says co-founder FrançoisDenis Poitrinal, as it celebrates its fifth anniversary yea For accurate, real-time, tailored political information Dods EU Monitoring specialises in delivering real-time and tailored monitoring to the political and decision making community. Our team of policy specialists services a wide range of multinational corporations, trade associations and interest g SERI | smart thinking International standard The SERI conference draws exhibitors and visitors from across the world looking for bigger things from their project, explains Catherine Gautier de la Plaine W e await, like each year, a very large variety of exhibitors: institutions, research organisa smart thinking | SERI A Eureka moment The Eureka network needs more funding if it is to become a successful business portal, says Luuk Borg mall and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of the European economy. There are 23 million SMEs in Europe – 99 per cent of all businesses – employing 7 GMES/Kopernikus services: A new era starts Five new EU-funded projects mark the transition of the GMES/Kopernikus programme from the research to the operational phase. Frédéric Collomb reports. ver the past decade issues relating to the environment and security have become more important to Europe’s SERI | smart thinking Developing markets Emmanuel Leprince says that with support from the Richelieu Committee and the right nurturing, SMEs can stand up with the big boys he development of SMEs with potential is blocked by a glass ceiling. This barrier is created by the attitude of the whole of ou SERI | Smart thinking Structured thinking Nanotechnology could have a huge impact on the way we live but we must take time to check its safety, says Etienne Klein N anotechnology maybe can’t change our lives, but it can certainly change our way of life. We can now consider all kinds of applicatio smart thinking | green week Adapting for the future Coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change limate change is already impacting on biodiversity, as seen in the changed timings of biological events. This can include the advance of budburst and leafing in spring an The IMECC project: Towards an Infrastructure for Monitoring the European Carbon cycle he growing concern over global warming is driving efforts to stabilize the concentration of greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide, CO 2 ) in the atmosphere. Stabilization means reducing emissions below the level sustainable development | smart thinking Crucial changes A recent conference was told there is a “pressing need” to raise the profile of sustainability in research funding and research careers. Martin Banks reports hanges are needed in the ways in which research policy is formed and how we measure smart thinking | green week Regions in partnership The environment needs to be high on the agenda for the EU’s future cohesion policy, says François Desrentes I François Desrentes is director of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions n the early 2000s, our member regions became aware that NatForce Reinforcing Scientific and Technological Potential of the Natural Products Laboratory – University of Athens NATIONAL KAPODISTRIAN UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS estrogen/anti-estrogen, CNS) based on Molecular Modeling; SAR and optimization of lead compounds. • • Development of CDK’s / GSK3 inhib IMT-MINAFAB: a microand nanotechnology centre, open to industry Mission statement The microand nanofabrication centre from IMT-Bucharest will provide a platform of interaction devoted to multidisciplinary research and education-by-research, as well as to innovation and knowledge transfer to industry ENE HE A R GY H LT RANS T PO RT Sous le haut patronage de Monsieur Nicolas Sarkozy, Président de la République française DEFE C NSTR SERV T UC IO S ICE ED IT IO N HEMI 5 I QU P R ST Y ° E NC N 3 5 JUNE 2009 FO D O IT-IC T... 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