FORGENOM II · Fostering Excellence in Advanced Genomics and Proteomics Research at Comenius University in Bratislava

Genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics play an increasingly important role in the current societal challenges. These scientific fields bring tools and technologies that can significantly improve the health of citizens. In personalized medicine it contributes to the development of more targeted personalized drugs, therapies and interventions for serious diseases (cancer, rare diseases). Genomics has also a significant role in the data-driven COVID-19 pandemic response. Genomics and bioinformatics in Slovakia has rapidly developed also thanks to the Comenius University in Bratislava (CU). Nevertheless, the CU’s capacity and expertise still lags behind the leading research institutions. The main aim of the TWINNING project FORGENOM is to improve access to excellence at the Comenius University Science Park (CUSP) and raising the research profile of the institution and its staff in the field of biomedical genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics via targeted networking and mentoring and training activities with internationally leading research institutions in the area of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics – European Molecular Biology Laboratory and Milano-Bicocca University. By networking activities with global leaders will be developed the potential of the Comenius University to become European-wide known centre with increasing R&I contributions and achievements. These will increase the participation of the teams from CU in European and international projects.FORGENOM project will help to increase the scientific level, research quality, international visibility, and competitiveness of theComenius University through targeted twinning activities aimed at career development, transfer of knowledge, institutionaldevelopment, exchange of best practices and networking. Enhancing the scientific excellence of CU and transfering of know-how from experienced countries will have a systemic impact on the entire Slovak R&I system.