Funder: European Commission

Project leader: Dr. Nataša Veličković, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade

Period: 2024-2027

Team members from IBISS:

Dr. Danijela Vojnović Milutinović, Department of Biochemistry
Dr. Ana Đorđević, Department of Biochemistry
Dr. Ivana Stojanović, Department of Immunology
Dr. Svetlana Dinić, Department of Molecular Biology
Dr. Uroš Gašić, Department of Plant Physiology
Dr. Ana Teofilović, Department of Biochemistry
Dr. Jelena Brkljačić, Department of Biochemistry
Dr. Sanja Kovačević, Department of Biochemistry
Dr. Mirna Jovanović, Department of Biochemistry
Dr. Bojana Mićić, Department of Biochemistry
Miloš Vratarić, Department of Biochemistry

Administrative legal service:
Dr. Ljiljana Kundaković, leading associate for scientific and technical cooperation
Milena Terzić

Accounting and financial service:
Nikola Jevtić

External advisors:
Prof. Matej Orešič, Örebro University (ORU), Sweden
Prof. Max Nieuwdorp Amsterdam University Medical Center (AmsterdamUMC), University of Amsterdam, Netherland
Prof. Cecília Rodrigues, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon (ULisboa)

Abstract

Curbing obesity-related diseases is one of the key priorities of the Horizon Europe 2023-2024 work programme. Although metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease and prominent manifestation of metabolic syndrome, its real socioeconomic burden is likely underestimated. Serbia is affected both socially and economically by the increasing incidence of MASLD, with a prevalence of 45%. Therefore, the establishment of a center for metabolic disease research in this region is an important priority. The STRIMHealth project aims to develop a joint research strategy of the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” (IBISS) with three leading European institutions, in order to step-up and promote scientific excellence and innovation capacity of IBISS, and to establish the Metabolic Disease Research Unit as European Knowledge Hub. The project partners have multidisciplinary skills and complementary knowledge that will significantly enhance the research and management capacity of IBISS and increase its visibility, attractiveness, and networking.
The objectives of the STRIMHealth project are: 1) to enhance IBISS´ scientific excellence by creating an impactful research framework with leading EU research institutions; 2) to strengthen IBISS´ research capacity for forefront translational research; 3) to sustain IBISS' growth by improving its research management and administrative capabilities; 4) to strengthen and expand IBISS' networking with both academia and industry. These aims will be achieved through a series of research partnerships, workshops, trainings, knowledge exchanges, and staff visits, and transfer of experience between partners. STRIMHealth project will increase IBISS research capacity in the field of metabolic disease, link it to existing EU initiatives, and develop a competitive multidisciplinary research unit with strong international networks.