Five researchers from CIC biomaGUNE have been awarded EMBO Scientific Exchange Grants, enabling them to participate in significant research projects across various European institutions. The EMBO Grants are designed to support research exchanges of up to three months between laboratories in eligible countries. These grants aim to foster collaborations with research groups that offer expertise, techniques, or infrastructure unavailable in the applicant's laboratory, covering travel and subsistence costs for the fellow but not for any dependents

Eligibility for these grants requires applicants to be active researchers at any career stage, with a minimum of one year of research experience at the PhD student level or equivalent at the time of application. The research exchanges are intended between laboratories in EMBC Member States, Associated Member States, or cooperatively aligned countries

Here are the details of the grants awarded:

Marina Piñol, PhD student at the Molecular and Functional Biomarkers group, has been granted a fellowship in 2024 to work at the Institute for Lung Health in Giessen, Germany, for a duration of 3 months. Her project focuses on "MicroRNA29a based nanotherapeutics for pulmonary fibrosis," aiming to develop new therapeutic strategies for treating this challenging lung condition.

Gabriela Guedes, PhD student at the Biomolecular Nanotechnology group, granted in 2023, conducted her research at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, in Cambridge, United Kingdom, for 3 months. Her project, "Protein design as a tool towards a customizable theranostic agent," explores innovative approaches in protein engineering for diagnostics and therapy.

Rocío López Domene, PhD student at the Biomolecular Nanotechnology group, granted in 2023,  joined the Instituto Lavoisier de Versailles in France for 3 months. Her project on the "Immobilization of nanozymes with Metal-Organic Frameworks" investigates the potential of nanozymes in catalysis and their immobilization techniques for enhanced functionality.

Laura Pérez-Chirinos Lallana, member of the Biomolecular Nanotechology group, received in 2023 a grant for research at the University of Groningen in The Netherlands for 3 months. Her project, "Employing molecular dynamic simulations to reveal the molecular-level and supramolecular interactions of peptide-based assemblies," aims to understand the interactions at the molecular level that drive the formation of peptide-based structures.

Peio Azcoaga Azcoaga, PhD student at the Molecular and Functional Biomarkers group, spent 5 months at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology in Leuven, Belgium with a 2023 grant. His project, "The role of oncostatin M cytokine in cancer metabolism and metastasis," focuses on understanding the contributions of specific cytokines in cancer progression and metastasis.

Irati Aiestaran Zelaia, Platform Specialist, was awarded a grant to work at the University College London, Queen Square Institute of Neurology in London, United Kingdom, for 3 months in 2023. Her project, "Characterising and combating mitochondrial dysfunction in aging," aims to uncover mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and potential strategies for intervention.

These projects exemplify the wide range of research areas supported by the EMBO Scientific Exchange Grants, from molecular biology and pharmacology to neurology and cancer research, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge.