Boosting Future Researchers in biomaterials for advanced health Solutions

Designed by CIC biomaGUNE to train the next generation of scientific leaders in biomaterial innovation—Co-funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

CIC biomaGUNE has launched a pioneering post-doctoral programme: BREATH, which is seeking to train 12 researchers over 24 months through a highly competitive training programme on an international level. BREATH aims to strengthen ties between cutting-edge research into biomaterials and advanced biomedical solutions. So it is offering future researchers the chance to apply their advances to innovation in the biomedical sector by developing advanced solutions for the diagnosis or treatment of diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.

The BREATH (Boosting Future Researchers in Biomaterials for Advanced Health Solutions) project is being co-funded by the European Union's Horizon Programme within the COFUND framework of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). The programme has been specially designed by CIC biomaGUNE "to attract highly talented young researchers from across the world who wish to pursue their careers in cutting-edge research into biomaterials applied to innovation in advanced healthcare solutions", as Aitziber L. Cortajarena, an Ikerbasque Research Professor and CIC biomaGUNE's Scientific Director pointed out.

BREATH's 1st Call is opened

The BREATH programme provides for two calls for attracting talent. The first of the calls, in which the first six post-doctoral researchers will be short-listed, was published recently and will remain open for three months. The applicants will need to submit a scientific proposal aligned with CIC biomaGUNE's scientific strategy. The second call is scheduled for November 2026.

The post-doctoral programme offers the opportunity to explore and develop projects in biomaterials applied to the treatment or diagnosis of various diseases; in other words, participants will be able to work on "the challenges we face every day at CIC biomaGUNE in the design of functional nanostructures and biomaterials, and their application as tools to understand biological processes and the development of new therapies", under the guidance of internationally renowned researchers at CIC biomaGUNE. What is more, "the programme is seeking to promote intersectoral, interdisciplinary and international training and to foster the professional prospects of the fellows," added Aitor Marcos, the BREATH project manager.

High-level consortium

To meet these aims, BREATH has a highly diverse Alliance that includes 12 internationally recognised research bodies, 13 companies in the biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, 11 of which are located in the Basque Country, and 4 institutes of healthcare research (Bioaraba, Biogipuzkoa, Biobizkaia and the University Hospital of Navarre). BREATH's partner ecosystem also includes four public-private innovation entities, whose main aim is to provide high-level training in innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship.

Marcos highlighted the importance of having formed a consortium in which "SMEs in the biomedicine and pharmacy sector from both the Basque Country and the rest of Spain" have become involved. For CIC biomaGUNE, it was important to reach out to these small enterprises." He also highlighted the "high level of the international research institutions that make up the consortium, which will be offering the fellows the chance to go on stays within Europe". In fact, the post-doctoral researchers will be required to undertake international and in-company training internships to complement their training.

Marcos also pointed out that health research institutions, which will be assisting in the development of the potential clinical aspects of the projects, "are making the consortium highly competitive". And he added that organisations such as the Mondragón Unibertsitatea, Fomento San Sebastián, Bic Gipuzkoa and Innobasque will be complementing the training by contributing their knowledge regarding the transfer of research results to the biomedical market. "The entire ecosystem will help to boost the relationship between industry and research," he concluded.

Recognition of CIC biomaGUNE's work

The awarding of this post-doctoral programme by the European Union is in recognition of the work carried out by the CIC biomaGUNE Cooperative Research Centre in Biomaterials. "We are proud of the trust placed in CIC biomaGUNE to carry out a post-doctoral programme of this magnitude, which truly addresses the challenges in the field of research into biomaterials and competitively trains post-doctoral researchers who are in the early stages of their training by offering them the chance to drive forward their professional careers," said Cortajarena.

Companies forming part of the consortium

AJL, Asparia, Aquadat, Biolan, Domotek, GlobalPET, Graphenea, I+Med, Innoprot, Microliquid, Nanobots Therapeutics, Oncomatryx and Polykey Polymers.

More information:
www.breath-cofund-postdoctoral-programme.eu/

Provided by CIC biomaGUNE