Periodic Reporting for period 2 - WELCOME2 (Welcoming ERA Chair to Centre of excellence in nutrigenomics for optimising health and well-being in the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences)
Reporting period: 2022-04-01 to 2024-06-30
The Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IARFR PAS) is a leading national research centre that brings together interdisciplinary research to investigate the mechanisms of environmental impact on the health and well-being of humans and animals. The main objective of WELCOME2 is to upgrade the research potential of IARFR PAS to achieve excellence on sustainable basis and fully participate in European Research Arena (ERA). Through the project, an outstanding researcher with high leadership skills (ERA Chair holder) and research group will be permanently employed at IARFR PAS to create and lead a Centre of Excellence in Nutrigenomics for optimising health and well-being. In parallel, we will implement structural changes for responsible research and effective science management that will enable delivery of IARFR’s science as public good. Introducing policies on Good Laboratory Practices, Open Access, Open Data Management and ethics will make IARFR a competitive and credible ERA-recognised centre. Upgraded Human Resources unit will underpin proficient execution of the principles of the European Charter & Code for Researchers and OTM-R values, fostering ERA priorities of gender equality, research freedom and training, and thus increase IARFR’s attractiveness for excellent mobile researchers. Under Chair’s guidance we will run “Rising Managers Academy”, advancing our research management and administrative skills to improve IARFR's capacity to compete successfully for international funds. WELCOME2 received support from authorities, industry and research stakeholders, and demonstrates a strong synergy with European Structural Investment Funds. Project’s ambitions will feed into regional and national smart specializations, as well as Horizon2020 Societal Challenges, HorizonEurope Pillar2 Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness and UN Sustainable Development Goals. We will disseminate WELCOME2 outcomes to external stakeholders in open trainings, scientific seminars and Knowledge Arena Workshops, and this way modify research and innovation landscape of region and country.
The WELCOME2 project focuses on strengthening IAR&FR’s research capabilities and visibility through strategic objectives aligned with ERA priorities. During the reporting period, substantial progress was made in attracting high-quality human resources under the direction of Prof. Carsten Carlberg, the appointed ERA Chair holder. An international recruitment process for the ERA Chair position included two global calls, attracting numerous top-tier candidates. The process involved a rigorous evaluation, including CV reviews, interviews, and consultation with external experts. Ultimately, Prof. Carlberg, a renowned specialist in biochemistry and nutrigenomics with over 30 years of experience, was selected.
Following his appointment, further recruitment efforts successfully brought on board one postdoctoral researcher and four PhD students, forming a high-caliber team focused on investigating the effects of vitamin D and other nutritional compounds on the epigenome and transcriptome of tissues in both healthy and (pre)diseased individuals. These recruitment actions directly contributed to achieving the objective of attracting outstanding talent under a highly qualified researcher and manager, enhancing IAR&FR’s capacity for significant advancements in nutrigenomics.
A new interdisciplinary strategy, led by Prof. Carlberg, was developed to optimize the use of EU-funded research facilities and consolidate ongoing studies. The Institute secured funding for several high-profile projects, including NUTRIOME and CROSSPATHS, while also building partnerships with leading research centers across Europe through joint projects, twinning visits, and matchmaking events. Prof. Carlberg also played a pivotal role in the EIT Food’s Healthy Ageing Think Tank, leveraging his expertise in nutrigenomics to promote health strategies for aging populations.
Structural changes to improve research management and administration included the recruitment of a Grant Specialist, who updated the Research Management Guidance (RMG) platform and led training sessions on proposal preparation, benefiting 67 participants from IAR&FR and external stakeholders. The Rising Managers Academy was also established to develop leadership skills among mid-career researchers, further enhancing the Institute's capacity to secure and manage international research funding.
The project implemented the HRS4R roadmap to reinforce C&C principles, focusing on researcher development, complaint management, and conflict resolution. Innovative doctoral training principles ensured transparent, merit-based recruitment, enhancing doctoral education quality. Research rigor was strengthened through improved RDM and OA practices, including the introduction of a Data Management Plan Template and new data storage procedures. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) management was enhanced through staff training, surveys, and expert support.
Efforts to increase visibility included publications in open-access journals, presentations at international conferences, and public engagement events, such as Science Picnics and Knowledge Transfer Arena workshops, significantly raising IAR&FR’s profile within Europe. These initiatives have positioned IAR&FR as a leader in nutrigenomics research, establishing a strong foundation for future achievements.
Overall, the WELCOME2 project has successfully advanced IAR&FR’s research capabilities, visibility, and engagement within the European Research Area, setting a strong foundation for future scientific achievements.
Following his appointment, further recruitment efforts successfully brought on board one postdoctoral researcher and four PhD students, forming a high-caliber team focused on investigating the effects of vitamin D and other nutritional compounds on the epigenome and transcriptome of tissues in both healthy and (pre)diseased individuals. These recruitment actions directly contributed to achieving the objective of attracting outstanding talent under a highly qualified researcher and manager, enhancing IAR&FR’s capacity for significant advancements in nutrigenomics.
A new interdisciplinary strategy, led by Prof. Carlberg, was developed to optimize the use of EU-funded research facilities and consolidate ongoing studies. The Institute secured funding for several high-profile projects, including NUTRIOME and CROSSPATHS, while also building partnerships with leading research centers across Europe through joint projects, twinning visits, and matchmaking events. Prof. Carlberg also played a pivotal role in the EIT Food’s Healthy Ageing Think Tank, leveraging his expertise in nutrigenomics to promote health strategies for aging populations.
Structural changes to improve research management and administration included the recruitment of a Grant Specialist, who updated the Research Management Guidance (RMG) platform and led training sessions on proposal preparation, benefiting 67 participants from IAR&FR and external stakeholders. The Rising Managers Academy was also established to develop leadership skills among mid-career researchers, further enhancing the Institute's capacity to secure and manage international research funding.
The project implemented the HRS4R roadmap to reinforce C&C principles, focusing on researcher development, complaint management, and conflict resolution. Innovative doctoral training principles ensured transparent, merit-based recruitment, enhancing doctoral education quality. Research rigor was strengthened through improved RDM and OA practices, including the introduction of a Data Management Plan Template and new data storage procedures. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) management was enhanced through staff training, surveys, and expert support.
Efforts to increase visibility included publications in open-access journals, presentations at international conferences, and public engagement events, such as Science Picnics and Knowledge Transfer Arena workshops, significantly raising IAR&FR’s profile within Europe. These initiatives have positioned IAR&FR as a leader in nutrigenomics research, establishing a strong foundation for future achievements.
Overall, the WELCOME2 project has successfully advanced IAR&FR’s research capabilities, visibility, and engagement within the European Research Area, setting a strong foundation for future scientific achievements.
In the first 3 years and 9 months of the WELCOME2 project, the team has successfully achieved all the expected deliverables and milestones, positioning IAR&FR to continue meeting the project's intended impacts:
1. Increased Attractiveness of IAR&FR, the Region, and Poland for Internationally Excellent and Mobile Researchers: The recruitment of Prof. Carsten Carlberg as the ERA Chair holder, along with the addition of one postdoctoral researcher and four PhD students, has significantly enhanced the Institute's appeal to top-tier researchers worldwide.
2. Enhanced Research Excellence of IAR&FR in Nutrigenomics for Optimizing Health and Well-being: The establishment of a high-caliber research team and the development of new interdisciplinary strategies have advanced IAR&FR’s capabilities in nutrigenomics, focusing on the role of vitamin D and other nutritional compounds in health.
3. Improved Capability to Secure Internationally Competitive Research Funding: With the support of a dedicated Grant Specialist and the creation of the Research Management Guidance (RMG) platform, IAR&FR has strengthened its ability to prepare competitive grant applications, securing funding for projects like NUTRIOME and CROSSPATHS.
4. Institutional Changes to Align with European Research Area Priorities: The implementation of structural changes, including the HRS4R roadmap, enhanced research management, and administrative reforms, has aligned IAR&FR more closely with ERA priorities.
5. Broader Socioeconomic and Social Benefits: Through public engagement, enhanced visibility, and strengthened collaborations, the project has contributed to regional development and increased awareness of nutrigenomics research, leading to wider societal and economic benefits.
1. Increased Attractiveness of IAR&FR, the Region, and Poland for Internationally Excellent and Mobile Researchers: The recruitment of Prof. Carsten Carlberg as the ERA Chair holder, along with the addition of one postdoctoral researcher and four PhD students, has significantly enhanced the Institute's appeal to top-tier researchers worldwide.
2. Enhanced Research Excellence of IAR&FR in Nutrigenomics for Optimizing Health and Well-being: The establishment of a high-caliber research team and the development of new interdisciplinary strategies have advanced IAR&FR’s capabilities in nutrigenomics, focusing on the role of vitamin D and other nutritional compounds in health.
3. Improved Capability to Secure Internationally Competitive Research Funding: With the support of a dedicated Grant Specialist and the creation of the Research Management Guidance (RMG) platform, IAR&FR has strengthened its ability to prepare competitive grant applications, securing funding for projects like NUTRIOME and CROSSPATHS.
4. Institutional Changes to Align with European Research Area Priorities: The implementation of structural changes, including the HRS4R roadmap, enhanced research management, and administrative reforms, has aligned IAR&FR more closely with ERA priorities.
5. Broader Socioeconomic and Social Benefits: Through public engagement, enhanced visibility, and strengthened collaborations, the project has contributed to regional development and increased awareness of nutrigenomics research, leading to wider societal and economic benefits.