WP3: Training and soft skills to develop human resources

Work package number

WP3

Work package title

Training and soft skills to develop human resources

Objectives:

1. Scheduled training seminars on Horizon Europe program

2. Training on methodologies and tools on telomere structure and function

3. Training in Transferrable skills

Description of work

Task 3.1. Scheduled training seminars on Horizon Europe program: The Garinis, Azzalin, and Krejčí labs will collaborate with their national contact points to stay updated on the calls and requirements within the Horizon Europe framework. The TRIAD research teams will receive extensive training (online and in hybrid mode) covering proposal preparation, evaluation procedures, and requirements for both Pillar 1 (MSCA and ERC calls) and Pillar 2 (Health missions). This training will also encompass essential aspects such as ethics, gender balance, open sciences, and legal and financial considerations. Furthermore, the ERDF labs will participate in online training sessions conducted by EU academy and EU key events into specific RIA calls, including EIC pathfinder, transition, and accelerator programs, along with expert guidance on topics such as data management, intellectual property rights, and entrepreneurship.

Task 3.2. Training on methodologies and tools on telomere structure and function: iMM and MU, in collaboration with UC, will host a focused summer school on telomere structure and function. This school will delve into the latest advancements in telomere biology, including its role in organism homeostasis, disease, and evolution. Participants will explore topics such as telomere organization, chromatin and transcription, telomerase regulation, replication stress management, consequences of telomere dysfunction, and therapeutic perspectives for telomeropathies. Moreover, iMM and MU will assist UC in providing a course on advanced cell and animal models used to study aging mechanisms and associated diseases. The course aims to develop rational intervention strategies against chronic illnesses. UC will offer a bioethics course incorporating lectures on topics related to stem cells and cloning research, genetic testing, and ethical regulations in biomedicine.

Task 3.3 Secondments and joint mentorships of PhD students: TRIAD will actively involve ESRs, postdoctoral, and staff scientists through close collaboration among UC, iMM, and MU in joint projects and secondments. This exposure to new ideas and research environments stimulates creativity and fosters innovation, leading to potential breakthroughs. ESRs and postdocs gain valuable experiences and skills, enhancing their resumes and career prospects. Temporary 2-month placements also facilitate collaborations between labs, creating opportunities for future joint research projects and grants. The program will implement a joint mentoring PhD program for the PhD students to integrate new technologies related to telomere study into their research projects. Each PhD student will have a supervisor and co-supervisor from different ERDF labs. They will receive critical feedback on their progress, scientific papers, and research presentations in seminars. To ensure effective training, students will provide annual progress reports through oral presentations at network meetings and are encouraged to present their work at departmental and (inter)national conferences. TRIAD will actively promote team members' participation in workshops, both on-site and in hybrid mode, organized by EMBO, FEBS, and ESFRI meetings. This ensures personnel stay updated on emerging topics in aging research and telomere biology.

Task 3.4. Training in Transferrable skills: UC and MU will support iMM in establishing three structured courses in science communication, scientific writing, and presentation skills. The science communication course will enhance researchers' ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences using clear narratives and visual aids. The scientific writing course will equip researchers with essential tools for effective communication in peer-reviewed journals. The presentation skills course will empower researchers to deliver compelling presentations at conferences and seminars. Additionally, iMM and UM, with the support of UC's TT and innovation centre PRAXI network, will offer training on IPR, entrepreneurship, and business aspects related to animal models in aging research and modelling age-related diseases. MU will assist iMM in organizing a course on experimental design involving animal models in research, covering appropriate species selection, sample size determination, ethical treatment of animals, and adherence to the 3Rs principles. Furthermore, iMM's Project Office Personnel will provide training on planning, project management, research creativity, group dynamics, networking, self-awareness, and stress management. TRIAD will also invite a representative from the International Project Management Association and feature contributions from successful SMEs focusing on aging research.