BIOSTRENGTH · Strengthening Regional Bioresearch Potential in Greece: Advanced scientific performance at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics in Thrace

The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) in Thrace is the only University Faculty in Greece dedicated to providing a curriculum on molecular biology and genetics. MBG was created with the vision of becoming a centre of research excellence, nationally and in Europe, fostering research on the molecular and genetic basis of Human diseases and the understanding of basic biological questions. BioStrength targets the research capacity increase of MBG by improving the quality of research and enhancing dynamic collaborative links with knowledgeable institutions, aiming at a sustained participation in FP7 and ERA and the improvement of visibility in the regional and national socio-economic context. These goals will require: improvement of knowledge base and skills via short term visits of our staff and incoming scientists, improving MBG's infrastructure by developing a unit/facility that can act as a training-pole, recruitment of researchers, transfer of knowledge via training workshops and conferences and increased public visibility within the economic and social environment. This endeavour will elevate research potential and boost MBG into a regional centre of excellence with a sustained presence in the European research community.