Our Second 2025 Call for applications for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) funded by the COST Action CA21113 “Genome Editing to Treat Humans Diseases” (GenE-Humdi) CA21113 is opening March 2025.

Why do we encourage Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM) within the framework of the GeneHumdi COST Action?

The board of GeneHumdi is pleased to announce the availability of Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) through the COST Action program and encourages researchers to apply. These missions offer researchers the opportunity to conduct short visits to research institutions or laboratories in other COST countries, with the aim of strengthening existing networks and fostering collaboration. STSMs also provide researchers with the chance to learn new techniques or use equipment, data, and/or methods that may not be available in their own institution, while contributing to the scientific objectives of the Action. We strongly urge interested researchers to take advantage of this unique opportunity to expand their scientific knowledge and contribute to the advancement of their respective fields.

Participants in the COST Action program’s Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) have a great opportunity to focus their work on research topics that have been highlighted by GenE-Humdi’s 8 Working Groups (WGs) or to introduce new ideas that address the objectives of the project. We encourage researchers to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their scientific knowledge and contribute to the advancement of their respective fields. (Details on the content and goals of WGs is available in the Action’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Guidelines for applicants:

• Individuals are supported financially with travel grants for four Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) offered by GenE-Humdi. Grantees are responsible for making their own arrangements for travel, accommodation, and other logistics.
• STSMs must be completed within the 3^rd Grant Period of the Action, which ends in October 2025. While there is no maximum duration for visits, the minimum visit should be at least 5 days, including travel time.
• The deadline for submitting applications is April 30th, 2025.
• During this period, STSM grants are awarded up to a maximum of 2,000€. Applicants are encouraged to review the Annotated Rules for COST Actions.
• The STSM travel grants are open to researchers and innovators who are associated with a legal entity in a COST Full/Cooperative Member, Near Neighbour Country, or European RTD. While all eligible candidates are welcomed, young researchers and innovators under the age of 40 are particularly encouraged to participate.

Application instructions:

1. To apply for an STSM, applicants must utilize the e-COST management tool. It is mandatory for all applicants to possess an e-COST profile.
2. To apply for an STSM, the applicant must utilize the e-COST management tool to submit their request. Along with the necessary information provided on the website, applicants are required to upload specific documents in a single PDF file:

• A brief CV that highlights recent publications.
• The STSM proposal outlining the research objectives and methodology.
• The requested budget in euros.
• A confirmation letter from the host institution.
• Applicants who require further information on the submission process via the e-COST system can refer to the Grant Awarding User Guide.
• After completing the STSM, the recipient must submit a brief report outlining the results of their visit. The report must be submitted no later than 30 days following the end date of the STSM, or 15 days after the end of the Grant Period, whichever comes first. It is important to note that if the report is not submitted on time, the grant will be revoked. Once the report has been approved, the grant payment is expected to be processed within 30 days.

Evaluation of applications:

The GeneHumdi Grant Awarding committee will assess each proposal individually and provide an evaluation score based on several factors. These factors include:

1. The clarity of the proposal.
2. The degree to which the proposed STSM complements or contributes to the strategic priorities and objectives of the Action as defined in the MoU.
3. The feasibility of the planned work plan and outputs, and the ability of the STSM applicant to successfully complete the proposed STSM and disseminate relevant outputs.
4. Members who apply for the first time, and members who did not enjoy STSM previously take priority over past STSM grantees.

It is important that the proposal clearly demonstrates how the proposed STSM will benefit both the applicant and the Action.

The proposal will be categorized based on its evaluation score, within 5 categories:

1. Poor: (0-25): The proposal will be considered poor if it is unsound, incomprehensive, and lacks clear links to any of the WGs
2. Fair: (26-50): A proposal with limited understanding, unclear objectives, and weak linkage to at least one Working Group
3. Good: (51-75): A proposal is one that is well-linked to at least one WG and needs input to develop feasible STSM
4. Excellent: (76-100): well-thought-out plan with clear feasibility and expected outcomes. It is highly relevant to at least one of the WGs

The top four proposals with the highest scores will be awarded the STSM grants.

Topics

Funded STSM must align with at least one (or more) of the following topics :

2025 Updated Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM): Preferential Topics

• 1.    Specificity and Off-Target Prediction in Genome Editing Tools
  • Comparative studies on the specificity of various genome editing tools and advanced methods for off-target prediction and validation.
• 2.    Omics Studies in Genome Editing
  • Research involving transcriptomics, proteomics, and related omics technologies to explore genome editing mechanisms and effects.
• 3.    Regulatory Considerations for Human Genome Editing
  • Examination of regulatory frameworks and guidelines, focusing primarily on clinical applications of genome editing.
• 4.    Clinical Applications of Genome Editing
  • Investigations into the use of genome editing technologies in clinical settings, including therapeutic approaches and translational studies.
• 5.    Scientific and Medical Assemblies at the EU Commission
  • Participation in assemblies or meetings focused on genome editing within the framework of the European Commission.
• 6.    Industry Challenges and Regulatory Issues, Including Patent Applications
  • Exploration of challenges in industry, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection related to genome editing.

Question and inquiries:

Please contact GeneHumdi:

• Chair:
  • Dr. Karim Benabdellah karim.benabdel@genyo.es
• Co-Chair:
  • Dr. Alessia Cavazza a.cavazza@ucl.ac.uk
• Grant Awarding Coordinator:
  • Dr. Paula Rio paula.rio@ciemat.es
• Sci. Comm. Coordinator:
  • Dr. Javier Molina javier.molina@genyo.es
• Grant Holder Manager:
  • Ms Raquel Soriano raquel.soriano@juntadeandalucia.es

GeneHumdi 2025 | updated April 1st

ICLE 2025 and COST action GeneHumdi promoting the Future of Lymphocyte Engineering.

22nd February 2025,
Munich, Germany

The 5th International Conference on Lymphocyte Engineering (ICLE) just offered a thriving experience last week, 20th to 22nd February 2025, in Munich, Germany. This pivotal event brought together leading experts in the fields of gene therapy, cell therapy, and immune therapy to explore cutting-edge advancements in lymphocyte engineering. With a focus on innovative technologies such as genome editing, advanced vectorology, and precision protein design, ICLE 2025 addressed critical challenges in treating cancer, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and immune deficiencies. The conference featured keynote speeches by renowned pioneers, including Dr Drew Weissman, Dr Carl June, and Dr Stan Riddell, offering unparalleled insights into the future of medical progress.

We are proud to highlight the participation of Daniela Benati from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy, who was invited to present our COST Action CA21113: Genome Editing for the Treatment of Human Disease Network (GenE-HumDi). Her talk, delivered on Friday, 21st February, showcased the transformative potential of genome editing in addressing unmet medical needs. The success of the network to capacitate genome editing professionals across research, innovation, clinical development, and healthcare. Daniela’s presentation underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing precision gene medicine, emphasizing the role of multidisciplinary networks in driving innovation and showcasing the growth, engagement, and accumulated results of the COST action.

The creation of networks like GenE-HumDi is crucial for the advancement of multidisciplinary therapies, particularly in the field of genome editing. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, clinicians, and regulatory experts, these networks accelerate the translation of groundbreaking research into clinical applications. Genome editing, with its potential to precisely target and modify genetic material, represents a paradigm shift in treating diseases that currently lack effective therapies. Such networks not only facilitate knowledge exchange but also address shared challenges, ensuring that scientific discoveries are translated into safe and effective treatments for patients worldwide.

We are proud of the synergistic interaction with ICLE 2025 that provided our COST action an excellent audience to broadcast our network and facilitated our members a great opportunity to engage in a cutting-edge scientific forum to advance our shared mission. From Gene-Humdi we are looking forward to further endorsing ICLE’s mission to broadcast the advances in genome editing and the urge to invest in the clinical translation of genome editing technologies in the field of lymphocyte medicine.

GenE-HumDi (COST Action CA21113) is a prime example of such a collaborative effort. Comprising academia and industry scientists, translational researchers, clinicians, regulatory agents, and industry partners, GenE-HumDi is dedicated to improving and translating gene editing protocols for diseases with limited treatment options. The network focuses on enhancing the safety, precision, and efficacy of therapeutic interventions, paving the way for the next generation of precision gene medicine. Through initiatives like GenE-HumDi, the scientific community is taking significant strides toward revolutionizing healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

11-14 of March 2025
GENYO Center, Granada (Spain) Update 2025.03.11

Presentation

The Genome Editing to Treat Human Diseases (GenE-HumDi) COST Action (CA21113), chaired by Dr. Karim Benabdellah (Genyo, Spain) and co-chaired by Dr. Alessia Cavazza (UCL, UK), is pleased to announce the next practical training course in its series of genome editing (GE) initiatives.

This training course reflects the commitment of the GenE-HumDi network to foster emerging European scientists in the gene editing field and advance its mission of establishing and sharing gene editing standards to support clinical translation.

Over four days (March 11–14, 2025), leading experts in gene editing and omics technologies will provide participants with theoretical foundations and practical skills for designing, evaluating, and improving genome editing protocols. Attendees will explore the integration of advanced omics tools, including transcriptomics and single-cell analysis, with a specific focus on refining CAR-T therapeutic applications.

The course is planned as a small, face-to-face group format to ensure excellence in training and to nurture international networking among participants.

Topic of the course

The course will cover a range of essential topics aimed at advancing participants’ understanding and skills in gene editing. The course will introduce the integration of omics technologies, including transcriptomics, single-cell analysis, and cytometry, in gene editing protocols, with a focus on improving safety, specificity, and efficiency. Participants will learn methods for assessing off-target effects and enhancing the precision of gene editing tools. The course will delve into the use of single-cell platforms, such as the Mission Bio Tapestri® platform, to perform high-resolution analysis of genome stability, zygosity, and chromosomal translocations. It will also explore advanced applications in CAR-T therapies, with an emphasis on optimizing gene editing in CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations and understanding the roles of specific subpopulation such as TSCM and TCM cells.

Hands-on workshops will provide practical experience in designing and evaluating Cas9 guide RNAs for therapeutic purposes, while bioinformatics tools will be employed to analyze and interpret data. A guided visit to a GMP-certified facility will offer insights into clinical-grade production processes for gene editing tools. Throughout the course, participants will have ample opportunities for networking and collaboration with experts in the field.

FINAL PROGRAM UPDATED 2025.03.11)

We have worked very hard to make this training school’s GeneHumdi course our best yet. We are very proud of the final program that we can finally share.

Audience

This course is aimed at enhancing the skills of students and early career scientists, with a focus on gene editing technologies. Participants will benefit from hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in areas such as CRISPR-Cas9, cell culture techniques, omics technologies (e.g., transcriptomics, cytometry), and CAR-T therapies. Previous exposure to gene editing, basic molecular biology, and omics tools will be beneficial, although not mandatory. The course also offers opportunities for personal growth and international networking, helping attendees advance their expertise in a collaborative environment.

Funding Availability

To foster excellence and international networking, GenE-HumDi will select 30 participants to attend the practical course in Granada.

Additionally, a call will be opened to provide funding for up to 14 selected participants, to cover Travel cost and Daily Allowances, in accordance with the COST guidelines  https://www.cost.eu/uploads/2024/11/COST-094-21-V2.0-Annotated-Rules-for-COST-Actions-Level-C.pdf

Travelling

Registration  

If you are interested in attending the training school, please fill out the attached registration form. Don’t hesitate to apply for funding. Be sure to apply early and avoid leaving it to the last minute. The deadline for registration is January 31st.

Support

For Further details visit www.genehumdi.eu  or contact the Action Grant Holder Manager Raquel Soriano, raquel.soriano@juntadeandalucia.es

To follow updates and announces by GenE-HumDI find us on:
 Instagram: @genehumdi
Twitter: @genehumdi
and join our group pages in  Facebook and  LinkedIn

Your data will be used for candidate selection purposes only. By applying you acknowledge these terms. Signing below implies that you accept terms and conditions.

Other Contact Points:

• Chair:
  • Dr. Karim Benabdellah karim.benabdel@genyo.es
• Co-Chair:
  • Dr. Alessia Cavazza a.cavazza@ucl.ac.uk
• Grant Awarding Coordinator:
  • Dr. Paula Rio paula.rio@ciemat.es
• Sci. Comm. Coordinator:
  • Dr. Javier Molina javier.molina@genyo.es
• Grant Holder Manager:
  • Ms Raquel Soriano raquel.soriano@juntadeandalucia.es

This is the 2025 Call for applications for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) funded by the COST Action CA21113 “Genome Editing to Treat Humans Diseases” (GenE-Humdi) CA21113 is opening January 2025.

Why do we encourage Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM) within the framework of the GeneHumdi COST Action?

The board of GeneHumdi is pleased to announce the availability of Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) through the COST Action program and encourages researchers to apply. These missions offer researchers the opportunity to conduct short visits to research institutions or laboratories in other COST countries, with the aim of strengthening existing networks and fostering collaboration. STSMs also provide researchers with the chance to learn new techniques or use equipment, data, and/or methods that may not be available in their own institution, while contributing to the scientific objectives of the Action. We strongly urge interested researchers to take advantage of this unique opportunity to expand their scientific knowledge and contribute to the advancement of their respective fields.

Participants in the COST Action program’s Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) have a great opportunity to focus their work on research topics that have been highlighted by GenE-Humdi’s 8 Working Groups (WGs) or to introduce new ideas that address the objectives of the project. We encourage researchers to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their scientific knowledge and contribute to the advancement of their respective fields. (Details on the content and goals of WGs is available in the Action’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Guidelines for applicants:

• Individuals are supported financially with travel grants for four Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) offered by GenE-Humdi. Grantees are responsible for making their own arrangements for travel, accommodation, and other logistics.
• STSMs must be completed within the 3^rd Grant Period of the Action, which ends in October 2025. While there is no maximum duration for visits, the minimum visit should be at least 5 days, including travel time.
• The deadline for submitting applications is January 31th, 2025.
• During this period, STSM grants are awarded up to a maximum of 2,000€. Applicants are encouraged to review the Annotated Rules for COST Actions.
• The STSM travel grants are open to researchers and innovators who are associated with a legal entity in a COST Full/Cooperative Member, Near Neighbour Country, or European RTD. While all eligible candidates are welcomed, young researchers and innovators under the age of 40 are particularly encouraged to participate.

Application instructions:

1. To apply for an STSM, applicants must utilize the e-COST management tool. It is mandatory for all applicants to possess an e-COST profile.
2. To apply for an STSM, the applicant must utilize the e-COST management tool to submit their request. Along with the necessary information provided on the website, applicants are required to upload specific documents in a single PDF file:

• A brief CV that highlights recent publications.
• The STSM proposal outlining the research objectives and methodology.
• The requested budget in euros.
• A confirmation letter from the host institution.
• Applicants who require further information on the submission process via the e-COST system can refer to the Grant Awarding User Guide.
• After completing the STSM, the recipient must submit a brief report outlining the results of their visit. The report must be submitted no later than 30 days following the end date of the STSM, or 15 days after the end of the Grant Period, whichever comes first. It is important to note that if the report is not submitted on time, the grant will be revoked. Once the report has been approved, the grant payment is expected to be processed within 30 days.

Evaluation of applications:

The GeneHumdi Grant Awarding committee will assess each proposal individually and provide an evaluation score based on several factors. These factors include:

1. The clarity of the proposal.
2. The degree to which the proposed STSM complements or contributes to the strategic priorities and objectives of the Action as defined in the MoU.
3. The feasibility of the planned work plan and outputs, and the ability of the STSM applicant to successfully complete the proposed STSM and disseminate relevant outputs.
4. Members who apply for the first time, and members who did not enjoy STSM previously take priority over past STSM grantees.

It is important that the proposal clearly demonstrates how the proposed STSM will benefit both the applicant and the Action.

The proposal will be categorized based on its evaluation score, within 5 categories:

1. Poor: (0-25): The proposal will be considered poor if it is unsound, incomprehensive, and lacks clear links to any of the WGs
2. Fair: (26-50): A proposal with limited understanding, unclear objectives, and weak linkage to at least one Working Group
3. Good: (51-75): A proposal is one that is well-linked to at least one WG and needs input to develop feasible STSM
4. Excellent: (76-100): well-thought-out plan with clear feasibility and expected outcomes. It is highly relevant to at least one of the WGs

The top four proposals with the highest scores will be awarded the STSM grants.

Topics

Funded STSM must align with at least one (or more) of the following topics :

2025 Updated Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM): Preferential Topics

• 1.    Specificity and Off-Target Prediction in Genome Editing Tools
  • Comparative studies on the specificity of various genome editing tools and advanced methods for off-target prediction and validation.
• 2.    Omics Studies in Genome Editing
  • Research involving transcriptomics, proteomics, and related omics technologies to explore genome editing mechanisms and effects.
• 3.    Regulatory Considerations for Human Genome Editing
  • Examination of regulatory frameworks and guidelines, focusing primarily on clinical applications of genome editing.
• 4.    Clinical Applications of Genome Editing
  • Investigations into the use of genome editing technologies in clinical settings, including therapeutic approaches and translational studies.
• 5.    Scientific and Medical Assemblies at the EU Commission
  • Participation in assemblies or meetings focused on genome editing within the framework of the European Commission.
• 6.    Industry Challenges and Regulatory Issues, Including Patent Applications
  • Exploration of challenges in industry, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection related to genome editing.

Question and inquiries:

Please contact GeneHumdi:

• Chair:
  • Dr. Karim Benabdellah karim.benabdel@genyo.es
• Co-Chair:
  • Dr. Alessia Cavazza a.cavazza@ucl.ac.uk
• Grant Awarding Coordinator:
  • Dr. Paula Rio paula.rio@ciemat.es
• Sci. Comm. Coordinator:
  • Dr. Javier Molina javier.molina@genyo.es
• Grant Holder Manager:
  • Ms Raquel Soriano raquel.soriano@juntadeandalucia.es

This is the 2^nd Call for applications for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) funded by the COST Action CA21113 “Genome Editing to Treat Humans Diseases” (GenE-Humdi) CA21113.

Why do we encourage Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM) within the framework of the GeneHumdi COST Action?

The board of GeneHumdi is pleased to announce the availability of Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) through the COST Action program and encourages researchers to apply. These missions offer researchers the opportunity to conduct short visits to research institutions or laboratories in other COST countries, with the aim of strengthening existing networks and fostering collaboration. STSMs also provide researchers with the chance to learn new techniques or use equipment, data, and/or methods that may not be available in their own institution, while contributing to the scientific objectives of the Action. We strongly urge interested researchers to take advantage of this unique opportunity to expand their scientific knowledge and contribute to the advancement of their respective fields.

Participants in the COST Action program’s Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) have a great opportunity to focus their work on research topics that have been highlighted by GenE-Humdi’s 8 Working Groups (WGs) or to introduce new ideas that address the objectives of the project. We encourage researchers to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their scientific knowledge and contribute to the advancement of their respective fields. (Details on the content and goals of WGs is available in the Action’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Guidelines for applicants:

• Individuals are supported financially with travel grants for four Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) offered by GenE-Humdi. Grantees are responsible for making their own arrangements for travel, accommodation, and other logistics.
• STSMs must be completed within the 2nd Grant Period of the Action, which ends in October 2024. While there is no maximum duration for visits, the minimum visit should be at least 5 days, including travel time.
• The deadline for submitting applications is August 24th, 2024. Notification of decisions will be made by September 9th, 2024.
• During this period, STSM grants are awarded up to a maximum of 4,000€. Applicants are encouraged to review the Annotated Rules for COST Actions.
• The STSM travel grants are open to researchers and innovators who are associated with a legal entity in a COST Full/Cooperative Member, Near Neighbour Country, or European RTD. While all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply, young researchers and innovators under the age of 40 are particularly encouraged to participate.

Application instructions:

1. To apply for an STSM, applicants must utilize the e-COST management tool. It is mandatory for all applicants to possess an e-COST profile.
2. To apply for an STSM, the applicant must utilize the e-COST management tool to submit their request. Along with the necessary information provided on the website, applicants are required to upload specific documents in a single PDF file:

• A brief CV that highlights recent publications.
• The STSM proposal outlining the research objectives and methodology.
• The requested budget in euros.
• A confirmation letter from the host institution.
• Applicants who require further information on the submission process via the e-COST system can refer to the Grant Awarding User Guide.
• After completing the STSM, the recipient must submit a brief report outlining the results of their visit. The report must be submitted no later than 30 days following the end date of the STSM, or 15 days after the end of the Grant Period, whichever comes first. It is important to note that if the report is not submitted on time, the grant will be revoked. Once the report has been approved, the grant payment is expected to be processed within 30 days.

Evaluation of applications:

The GeneHumdi Grant Awarding committee will assess each proposal individually and provide an evaluation score based on several factors. These factors include:

1. The clarity of the proposal.
2. The degree to which the proposed STSM complements or contributes to the strategic priorities and objectives of the Action as defined in the MoU.
3. The feasibility of the planned work plan and outputs, and the ability of the STSM applicant to successfully complete the proposed STSM and disseminate relevant outputs.

It is important that the proposal clearly demonstrates how the proposed STSM will benefit both the applicant and the Action.

The proposal will be categorized based on its evaluation score, within 5 categories:

1. Poor: (0-25): The proposal will be considered poor if it is unsound, incomprehensive, and lacks clear links to any of the WGs
2. Fair: (26-50): A proposal with limited understanding, unclear objectives, and weak linkage to at least one Working Group
3. Good: (51-75): A proposal is one that is well-linked to at least one WG and needs input to develop feasible STSM
4. Excellent: (76-100): well-thought-out plan with clear feasibility and expected outcomes. It is highly relevant to at least one of the WGs

The top four proposals with the highest scores will be awarded the STSM grants.

Topics

Funded STSM must align with at least one (or more) of the following topics:

• Topic 1: Mapping the existing endonuclease-Independ platforms (EIP) and their potential output in different applications, efficacy, specificity of the available endonucleases independent GE tools.
• Topic 2: Mapping the existing endonuclease platforms (EIP) and their potential output in different applications, efficacy, specificity of the available endonucleases independent GE tools.
• Topic 3: Delivery methods used for GE of the different cell types that are used for clinical applications. non-viral systems, based on ribonucleoparticles (RNP) or plasmids, are the ex vivo systems of choice to deliver the GE complex into the target cells.
• Topic 4: Delivery methods used for in vivo GE in different animal models and in clinical settings. Including comparison of efficacy and specificity data for different GE tools delivered by different methods in each tissue/organ of interest.
• Topic 5: The establishment of a standardized pipeline for the unbiased identification and quantification of CRISPR off-target sites for therapeutic applications.
• Topic 6: Assessment of recombination events in gene editing approaches
• Topic 7: Comparison of the different constrains in the HDR-mediated gene editing in the most primitive HSPCs, and how the HDR may be enhanced.
• Topic 8: The evaluation of different GE strategies to target Hematopoietic stem cells in Fanconi anaemia cells in vitro, the sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, collagen VI deficiency and Emery Derfuss muscular dystrophy.
• Topic 9: Market research study and competitive analysis on gene editing based medicines including the following tasks: (i) Market opportunity. Target niche; (ii) Definition of targeted market, sales by category (product, territory, class and market share (sales peak, defining at least three different scenarios), positioning, market drivers and barriers.
• Topic 10: The analyse of regulatory requirements for the commercialization of gene editing based medicines.

Question and inquiries:

Please contact GeneHumdi:

• Chair:
  • Dr. Karim Benabdellah karim.benabdel@genyo.es
• Co-Chair:
  • Dr. Alessia Cavazza a.cavazza@ucl.ac.uk
• Grant Awarding Coordinator:
  • Dr. Paula Rio paula.rio@ciemat.es
• Sci. Comm. Coordinator:
  • Dr. Javier Molina javier.molina@genyo.es
• Grant Holder Manager:
  • Ms Raquel Soriano raquel.soriano@juntadeandalucia.es

Do you want to give a boost to your Genome Editing project abroad?
Are you an enthusiastic student/young investigator from an EU member country?
Would you like to embrace an international experience supervised by a top GenEd scientist?

COST Action CA21113, Genome editing for the treatment of human disease: Gene-Humdi, is opening the 2024 call for Short Term Scientific Missions Soon. We provide funding opportunities for short stays in laboratory across EU. This year we also feature support for Inclusiveness Target Countries and or Near Neighbor Countries. You can prepare by learning more about our mission at www.genehumdi.eu or looking for a suitable mentor among our amazing members listed HERE.

2024.03.05 UPDATE

As now the first call for STMS applicants is Open!!

STSM stands for Shor Term Scientific Mission, which means we want you to live the most exciting scientific experience of your carrer so far.

STMS offer the possibility to grow as a scientist, experience and learn excellence in research by the hand of any of our outstanding members. Polish your communicative abilities and contribute to the advance of our scientific community.

STMS will ask from you to present a thorough proposal, to explain the research that you perform, to become a relevant member contributing to the mission of our COST Action CA23113 network.

⚠2024 GeneHumdi:STMS policies that need your attention ⚠

• STMS Applications will only be considered until April 26^th, but the STMS can be planned for any time within our second grant period (GP2)
• The GP2 finalizes at the end of October.
• Elegible STMS must start and end within the current GP2. Consider that COST won´t allow processing payments for GP2 STMS once the grant period is over. Beware of planning STMS that end too close to the deadline.
• Close to the end of the GP2, all grantees that received STMS support to visit GeneHumdi laboratories will be invited to share their experiences and achievements in a virtual conference/meeting.

Please refer to the guidelines for more info.:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eaQHq96aC9BjnKhoadYz24sNRbgvTdlV/view?usp=drive_link

Genehumdi achieves great success with its first call for short-term scientific missions, engaging young scientist into genome editing projects and boosting collaboration and network expansion in the field of gene editing.

Granada, July 1st, 2023 – GeneHumdi, a pioneering initiative to turn academic gene editing into medical trials, is thrilled to announce the successful launch and resolution of its first Call for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM). This remarkable scientific exchange opportunity not only enhances mobility but also expands the network of promising scientists, fostering the development of new collaborations among current and future leaders in the gene editing field.

The recently concluded First Call for STSM witnessed an exceptional response, with numerous outstanding applications received. While only the top six applicants secured funding to travel and exchange knowledge with their host centers, GeneHumdi wishes to acknowledge the commendable quality and scientific rigor exhibited by all the received proposals. In light of this, the Management Committee is actively considering extending the budget to support young scientists and STSMs among action members.

It is with great pleasure that we extend our congratulations to the six awarded trainees, recognizing their significant contributions to the advancement of gene editing research.

• Marcelina Abal Sanisidro, a PhD candidate at the Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), presented the project “Editing strategies for β-hemoglobinopathies.” Her remarkable proposal secured her a stay into the Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, led by the revered Dr. Annarita Miccio, currently located at the Institute of Genetic Diseases Imagine, INSERM UMR1163 in Paris, France.
• Paula García Sacristán, a PhD candidate at the NanoChemBio group at Granada (Spain), specializing in nanotechnology delivery strategies for gene editing approaches, will undertake the project “Optimization of non-viral delivery methods: in vitro efficiency determination of gene-editing lipid nanoparticles” at the Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University in Denmark (Denmark). She will be under the expert guidance of Yonglun Luo, renowned for his expertise in Gene Editing Delivery tools.
• Iris Ramos Hernández, a PhD candidate from GENyO, Granada (Spain), has been granted the opportunity to travel to the prestigious Manuel A.F.V. Gonçalves laboratory at Leiden University Medical Centre/Department of Cell & Chemical Biology in Leiden (The Netherlands). Her project, “Harnessing CX3CR1 Intron 4 Knock-In: A Novel Endogenous Protective Regulation for Expression Cassette during Stem Stages in HSPCs for Paracrine Ex-Vivo Strategies” aims to characterize optimized advanced genome editing protocols that will revolutionize medicine in the years to come.
• Prof. Khalid Sadki from the Faculty of Sciences, University Mohammed V (Morocco), will be visiting Dr. Karim Benabdelah‘s Laboratory at Fundación Pública Progreso y Salud in Granada (Spain) to develop his proposal, “Enhancing Immunotherapy and Genetic Technologies in Morocco through International Collaboration and Training.”
• Rotem Shachal, a senior research assistant at ABC, Sheba (Israel), will fulfill the project “CRISPR Knock-In of TCRs to target resistant pathogens” at Dr. Dimitrios Laurin Wagner‘s laboratory at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Germany).
• Last but certainly not least, Maria Stampa, a trainee at IQS, Universidad Ramón Llul (Spain), has been selected for her proposal, “Coating of therapeutic adeno-associated viral vectors for effective gene therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.” Under the expert supervision of Alberto Malerba, she will carry out her research at the prestigious Royal Holloway, University of London(United Kingdom).

GeneHumdi is excited to witness the positive impact these exceptional young researchers will have on the field of gene editing and looks forward to fostering further collaboration and innovation through future initiatives.

[July 15^th update, There is a second round of STSM and ITC grants available: check this post]

About GeneHumdi COST Action:

The overwhelming interest displayed by numerous action members and the resounding success of the first call have inspired the Management Committee to extend the Action budget. As a result, a second round of applications for short-term missions and financial support of ITC young scientists willing to participate in conferences or meetings representing GeneHumdi’s interests, such as the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT) annual meeting in Brussels at the end of October, will be offered.

GeneHumdi is a pioneering COST Action that aims to advance the field of gene editing by promoting international collaboration and knowledge exchange. By connecting talented scientists and facilitating scientific mobility, GeneHumdi strives to accelerate breakthroughs and improve gene editing techniques for the benefit of society.

Francisco Javier Molina Estévez

Science Communication Coordinator

GeneHumdi|COST action CA21113

Javier.molina@genyo.es