Glycomics meets genomics

Over the past decade significant resources have been committed to development of capacities for genomic research in Croatia. These efforts have lead to formation of the Centre for Functional Genomics of the Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Zagreb. Within the national confines, Centre for Functional Genomics formed strong links with other Croatian groups interested in genomic research, as well as with recognized centers of excellence in European Union (in Scotland, Portugal and Germany), and also with the Harvard University (USA). Initially formed through common research interests, these collaborations resulted in award of several research grants from the Croatian Ministry of Science, as well as international grants with EU partners (from The British Council, Royal Society UK, The Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council UK, National Institutes of Health USA and European Union). The project therefore seeks to strengthen and reinforce Centre for Functional Genomics of the Zagreb Medical School and its existing links with Croatian and EU centers.

It is the main goal of the awarded project entitled “INTEgrating and Strengthening GEnomic Research in South-Eastern Europe” to strengthen and reinforce Centre for Functional Genomics of the Zagreb Medical School and its existing links with Croatian and EU centers. Main objectives of the project are to upgrade existing and purchase new state-of-the-art genomic equipment, employ promising researchers in the field of genomics, organize scientific events aimed at promoting genomic advances in biomedicine and finally to disseminate all of the achievements of the project not only to interested scientists in the Republic of Croatia, but also in the region of South-Eastern Europe. In the end, these efforts should result in increasing the competitiveness of scientists in the region in securing substantial international research funding and publication of research results in high-impact journals.