RACE Project: RNA and cell biology – from fundamental research to therapies

A new chapter in the development of the IIMCB

On September 1, 2023 the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB) officially started the project entitled 'RNA and Cell Biology – from Fundamental Research to Therapies’ (acronym RACE). With this grant, we aim to become a world-class Centre of Excellence in RNA and Cell Biology, combining scientific excellence with professional commercial activities.

Over 6 years and with a budget of almost 15 M euro, we will entail 20 scientific groups with complementary expertise in RNA and cell biology; well trained, entrepreneurial researchers; sustainable, industry-ready core facilities; a professional incubator for technology transfer and a professional and digitized administration. All this will eventually be accommodated in the IIMCB’s new, modern headquarters.

The project is funded in the Teaming for Excellence programme under Horizon Europe and conducted in partnership with: The Medical Research Council, Human Genetics Unit of the University of Edinburgh and The Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB). 

Title:	RNA and Cell Biology – from Fundamental Research to Therapies
Acronym:	RACE
Main goal:	Elevate the IIMCB to a world-class Centre of Excellence in RNA and Cell Biology that will translate cutting-edge fundamental research into clinical applications and innovations
Coordinator:	Prof. Marta Miączyńska
Implementation period:	1 September 2023 – 31 August 2029
Budget:	14 993 885 EUR
Funding:	Horizon Europe Widening participation and spreading excellence and UK Research and Innovation

Coordinator:

The International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw is one of the most modern research institutes in Poland. It is the only Polish research institute created under auspices of the UNESCO, securing the Institute independence. Since its foundation in 1998, the IIMCB has built strong research expertise in RNA and cell biology, taking approaches at the levels of molecules, organelles, cells, and organisms.

Partners:

Medical Research Council, Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh (UEDIN), Great Britain – combines scientific and clinical expertise to study human genetic disease and normal development. UEDIN supports the IIMCB in broadening its scientific scope by training its researchers. It also engages in enhancing the IIMCB methodological capabilities through the development of modern core facilities and upgrading IIMCB science management.

Flanders Institute of Biotechnology (VIB), Belgium is an entrepreneurial research institute that is a European leader in translational research. VIB supports the IIMCB in creating a Technology Transfer Office and training researcher staff. It also helps the IIMCB in developing modern core facilities and science management and administration. The partnership between the IIMCB and VIB is boosted by the supportive culture of excellence within the EU-LIFE alliance.