Description of the Project Working Programme

Strategic Aim

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 Hematology in Bulgaria through the establishment and recognition of a Center of Excellence for Translational Research in Haematology (CETRH), thus being in line with the NATIONAL HEALTH STRATEGY 2008-2013 (Strategic aim №2.) and the major European priorities, underlying the 7th EC FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME such as:

  • Topic 1. Biotechnology, generic tools and medical technologies for human health;
  • Topic 2. Translating research for human health;
  • Topic 3. Optimising the delivery of healthcare to European citizens.

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 are 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 hematological 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:

  • Set up of an adequately equipped and scientifically reliable infrastructure for integrated research in the field of Hematology allowing for appropriate collection, banking and investigation of biological materials with the application of new technologies in a patient driven environment.
  • Concentration of adequate number of patients’ samples, including rare haematological diseases.
  • Establishment of a well-coordinated multidisciplinary “translational team” of laboratorybased and clinical investigators, research technicians, biostatisticians and data managers with developed expertise in different fields.
  • 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.
  • Appropriate data management support.
  • Active exchange and dissemination of knowledge in the scientific community promoting a move to a more open, patient driven research process, and the embrace of a more research driven clinical practice of medicine.

The CETRH will be grounded on the existing laboratory facilities of the National Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematologic Diseases (NSBALHZ) in active collaboration with partners representing the leading clinical units in Hematology in Bulgaria (university hospitals) and the Bulgarian Society of Clinical and Transfusion Haematology. The project will be supported by a qualified mathematician group in the set up of reliable data management and biostatistics. 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 9 Work Packages (WP1-9) of integration, research and spreading of excellence, as well as plan of dissemination of results and a block of scientific and administrative management activities:

Work packages list