Project description
High-throughput single molecule analysis
Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is an imaging technique that uses a needle-like tip to visualise structures of molecules on surface. This opens an exciting possibility to reveal many molecular structures of therapeutically relevant biomolecules that no techniques could access today. Despite this, structural determination using SPM is very time-consuming due to the many manual tasks involved in interpreting the SPM image. The ERC-funded Virgil project aims to eliminate these manual tasks by building a software that converts SPM images into molecular structures. This key innovation is expected to enable faster and more accurate single-molecule analysis while advancing structural biology, drug discovery and personalised medicine.
Objective
Project Virgil aims to revolutionize single-molecule analysis by developing automated, high-throughput image-to-structure software for scanning probe microscopy (SPM) images. This innovative technology addresses a critical bottleneck in biomolecular research: the low data throughput and time-consuming manual interpretation of SPM images. Building on recent breakthroughs in direct SPM imaging of single biomolecules, Project Virgil aims to create a parallel-computing program to interpret SPM images of individual macrobiomolecules into atomic-level structures. The software aims to be stable, versatile, and scalable, capable of analyzing a wide range of biomolecules up to few hundred thousands of atoms. Key activities include building the base program, implementing parallel computing, developing an IP strategy, and formulating a commercialization plan. Project Virgil main innovation lies in enabling first-time access to many previously inaccessible (bio)chemical structures and providing a single molecule analysis platform that far exceeds current manual capabilities. By enabling high-throughput single-molecule analysis, Project Virgil has significant potential across structural biology, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sectors, in reducing costs, accelerating drug discovery, and advancing personalized medicine. Project Virgil combines cutting-edge science with strategic commercialization planning, aiming to translate innovative research into a commercially viable product with significant impact on single molecule analysis. This project has the potential to reinforce European technological leadership and open new avenues for tackling important scientific and societal challenges at the single molecule level.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.