1. Project description:
The idea of the Regenerative Medicine Centre (RMC) project is to integrate the existing VRC and BRC laboratories with the new RMC project in order to create new and complement the existing laboratories, as well as to carry out ultramodern, interdisciplinary and innovative research on the borderline of nanotechnology, tissue engineering and transplantology. The aim of the RMC project is to increase the research potential of the Mazovia Region, which will allow us to compete in the implementation of research on the animal model not only in Poland, but also in foreign countries. The integration of the VRC and BRC facility within a single facility, and the creation of a new operating theatre (which can operate in magnetic field conditions) and laboratories of the highest world level, will allow for innovative research in the field of biomedical sciences, with particular emphasis on pioneering and rapidly developing area of regenerative medicine. The integration of experience gained in general medicine and veterinary medicine allows for the creation of unique animal experimental models with the possibility of applying the results in human medicine, conducting innovative nano and biotechnological experiments. A unique feature of the MRC is the ability to perform tests on an animal model, which offers vast development and application opportunities within the framework of provisions of the Act on the protection of animals used for scientific and educational purposes. The MRC is meant to implement projects on the borderline of medicine and veterinary medicine, in the field of physiology and pathophysiology of diseases (on an animal model, which serves as a substitute human model), research on diseases and conditions that pose a threat to broadly understood public health (including civilizational diseases) and innovative research in the field of highly specialised regenerative medicine.
2. Project objectives:
The main goal of the RMC project is to improve the competitiveness of the Mazovia Region by creating favourable conditions for the development of innovation potential, and supporting the development of entrepreneurship by tapping the high research and development potential of Mazovia, coordinating research programmes and research topics with the needs of businesses and by involving institutions of the research and development sector in activities essential for the Region to increase its competitiveness. This goal will be achieved through the development of innovative research in the field of clinical and physiological sciences and advanced regenerative medicine based on modern research techniques that meet the highest world standards. This will allow for the development of research (at the national and European level) and the consolidation of the research potential in the field of biomedical sciences. The combination of experience gained in medicine and veterinary medicine will allow for the creation of unique animal experimental models, with the possibility of applying the results in human medicine, conducting innovative nano and biotechnological experiments as well as research in the trail-blazing field of regenerative medicine. The implementation of the CMR project will increase the competitiveness of the Polish research sector and increase the attractiveness of conducting scientific research in Poland by:
– increasing the competitiveness of the University and the Region in terms of conducting research,
– creating a research centre with high potential on a national and international scale from a set of laboratories,
– matching the research offer with the expectations of the business sector and the knowledge-based economy,
– raising the profile of Polish research and development units. Research conducted and planned in the Centres will contribute to accelerating the pace of development of veterinary, medical and biotechnological sciences in Poland at a level which is competitive to that of well-known global research centres.
Thanks to the implementation of the Regenerative Medicine Centre project, it will be possible to conduct advanced research within the newly created research network, including:
• a. Conducting basic and implementation research in the field of biocompatibility and integration of materials used in transplantation.
• b. Conducting basic and implementation research on nano-technological coatings for medical applications.
• c. Searching for new diagnostic and prognostic markers of pathological and regeneration processes.
• d. Conducting advanced research on the durability of bio-compatible medical materials.
• e. Conducting basic and implementation researchstudies on the use of stem cells in veterinary and medical therapy.
Detailed objectives of the RMC project:
• integration and modernisation of laboratories of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences,
• establishment of new laboratories at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences,
• creation of new highly specialised jobs,
• purchase of modern research equipment which is unique on the national and world scale.
Detailed objectives at the end-result level:
• increasing the number of scientists and students using the most advanced techniques and research technologies,
• obtaining new accreditations,
• increasing the number of national and international research projects carried out with the use of the existing research and development infrastructure,
• increasing the number of directly created jobs and new research jobs,
• increasing the number of specialists who acquire skills to use innovative scientific and research equipment,
• increasing the number of people trained in the use of equipment (e.g. clinicians, biologists, biotechnologists, lab technicians and engineers).
Qualitative goals:
• increasing the competitiveness of the Mazovia region and of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences in the field of scientific research,
• creating a research centre with high potential on a national and international scale from a team of laboratories,
• matching research capabilities with the expectations of the business sector and the knowledge-based economy,
• raising the profile of Polish research and development units in the world.
The goals of educational policies implemented by the RMC:
• supporting the development of teaching and clinical staff by improving research and development skills, promoting and rewarding innovation, creativity and teamwork,
• expanding the autonomy of schools and research institutions, increasing their diversity, promoting innovative research and development solutions,
• adapting educational capabilities to the needs of the labour market and the city’s development directions,
• use of European Union funding for the implementation of scientific and research goals, development of collaboration with European partners.
The RMC is meant to achieve these goals by expanding scientific and research activities with the use of modern research techniques and innovative solutions. This will make it possible to:
• raise the quality and expand the scope of envisaged scientific and research activities,
• increase the number of personnel able to use equipment as part of the research they conduct,
• increase the number of people able to use knowledge acquired at the Centre on the labour market.
The increase in the number of national and international research projects carried out with the use of the supported research and development infrastructure will pave the way for more master’s, engineering and doctoral theses, based on the Centre’s unique scientific and research facilities. This will contribute to progress in science and improving research skills, thus increasing the level of knowledge and skills in the region.
3. Planned results:
• Increased private investment to complement public support for innovation and research and development projects;
• Increasing the number of scientists working in improved research infrastructure facilities;
• Increasing the number of R&D projects carried out with the use of the supported research infrastructure;
• Increasing the number of companies using the supported research infrastructure.