Training program
The main training component is "training through research". All doctoral candidates (DCs) will be trained to obtain a doctoral degree. All DCs will have secondments at one of the partners to learn additional skills and experience new cultures and ways of working. In addition, TargetRNA will organize three workshops, one summer school (in collaboration with EU-Openscreen) and a final network event to equip the DCs with the required skills, foster collaboration within the network and to disseminate the results.
Hovedinnhold
Overview
RNA is an emerging target in drug discovery for a range of diseases. To unlock this potential, it is imperative to equip the next generation of scientists with the methods and scientific strategies necessary to exploit these targets. The unique and thorough training in TargetRNA relies on the integration of various disciplines and on the use of a wide range of skills and tools. The network will train 16 DCs within 10 European universities, 1 research institute (beneficiary), 4 industrial partners (1 beneficiary and 3 associated partners), 1 European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC, associated partner) and 1 pan-European infrastructure (see her for more details about the partners). This group of leading scientists will train the young researchers with cutting-edge interdisciplinary skills in the discovery and characterization of RNA ligands and the translation of these discoveries into innovations. Thus, TargetRNA will deliver a cohort of scientists with an interdisciplinary mind and skill set who are keen and able to push RNA-targeted drug discovery forward. Furthermore, TargetRNA will train the DCs also more broadly within structural biology, medicinal chemistry, microbiology and drug discovery, in addition to equipping them with transferable skills like FAIR data principles, and responsible development and sustainable implementation of new innovations. Combined with career training and training in dissemination and communication, the DCs will be highly competitive candidates for the pharmaceutical sector and at the same time be well prepared for an academic career.
Mentoring programme
A one-to-one mentoring programme will be offered to complement the supervisory relationship, to offer the DCs support, advice, and encouragement and to aid them in pursuing successful and fulfilling careers. We will recruit the mentors from the networks of the PIs and match them based on the interests of the DCs. The mentors and mentees will have two online meetings a year if not agreed otherwise between them.
Examples of scientific and transferable skills topics taught at workshops and the summer school:
The human intestinal microbiome
Targeting RNA with small molecules
Working in interdisciplinary teams
FAIR data
Fragment-based drug discovery for RNA targets
Structure-based design for RNA targets
Innovation / sustainable development and implementation of new innovations
How to start a company
Methods to determine RNA structures
GCI to determine interactions with RNA targets
High-throughput screening, assay development, and hit selection
Data reproducibility
Open access models
Regulation of gene expression in procaryotic systems
Medical microbiology
Career development / interview training
Insights from journal editors
