Center of Excellence for Translational Research in Hematology

Project Description

The strategic aim of the proposed project is to ensure and enhance the process of rapid, due and efficient transfer of basic research data into medical practice (i.e. “translational research”) in the field of haematology in Bulgaria by the establishment and recognition of a Center of Excellence for Translational Research in Haematology (CETRH) grounded on the existing laboratory facilities of the National Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematologic Diseases (NSBALHZ - assignee of the National Center of Haematology and Transfusiology) in active collaboration with partners representing leading clinical, experimental and informatics research groups. The ambition of the CETRH is to bring medical research in the rapidly developing field of onco-haematology in line with the technological and conceptual standards of the EU thus raising the research potentials and competences in Bulgaria and, ultimately, leading to improved patient care and public health.

The main objectives of the current project is to create the conditions required to translate genetic and epigenetic research into new diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic predictive markers or algorithms for improved patient care and options for patients with haematological malignancies and to transfer these markers into simplified clinical tests for personalised therapeutic or prognostic value.

This will be achieved by addressing the following secondary objectives:

  1. set up of an adequately equipped and scientifically reliable infrastructure for integrated research in the field of haematology allowing for appropriate collection, banking and investigation of biological materials with the application of new technologies in a patient driven environment;
  2. concentration of adequate number of patients’ samples, including rare haematological diseases;
  3. Establishment of a well-coordinated multidisciplinary “translational team”;
  4. providing opportunities for collaboration in a novel, improved, dynamic and interactive research environment that would attract new research collaborators as well as young scientists in effective national and international networks;
  5. appropriate data management support;
  6. active exchange and dissemination of knowledge and education.

The center will follow the best practices of a leading European center, represented by the Haematopathology Section, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain, that will provide advice, guidelines, training and transfer of novel technologies.

The project activities are summarized in

  1. 9 Work Packages of integration, research and spreading of excellence:
  2. plan of dissemination of results;
  3. a block of scientific and administrative management activities.