IMAGE-IN — Imaging infections: integrated, multiscale visualization of infections and host response

Results in brief

Imaging infections: integrated, multiscale visualization of infections and host response

Infectious diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the course of an infection varies significantly between individuals. To treat patients effectively, powerful diagnostic methods and a profound understanding of disease pathogenesis are crucial. Many molecular imaging approaches are being developed at the research level, offering great potential for precision medicine in infectious diseases. High-resolution imaging is becoming a key driver in transforming healthcare. The potential of "big data" to improve health outcomes is enormous, but success requires both medical insights and the ability to handle large datasets. The IMAGE-IN training program bridges the gap between clinical perspectives on infection, imaging technology, statistical algorithms, and software solutions, fostering vibrant interdisciplinary exchange. The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Network IMAGE-IN has equipped scientists to advance their careers in spectroscopy and imaging, particularly for medical needs like infections. IMAGE-IN is a European Industrial Doctorate program that educates researchers in interdisciplinary topics, preparing them to advance imaging technology for medical use. Participants gain insights into medical challenges, spectroscopic techniques, and data analysis skills. Training includes hands-on private sector experience and feedback from medical end-users, alongside transferable skills in business and entrepreneurship, encouraging technology transfer from research to industry and strengthening healthcare systems. The five Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) developed skills to explore new biomedical imaging applications, proposing innovative methods and algorithms for diagnostics and treatment strategies.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

The European training network IMAGE-IN aims to contribute to the reduction of the worldwide mortality rate caused by infectious diseases by educating a new generation of leading experts in advanced imaging and data analysis methods that will help to better understand and fight infections. The network will provide cutting-edge insights into molecular imaging, multiscale visualization of infections and host response that can help to detect infection, determine its severity and characterize the cause of infection in a time efficient manner to enable personalized treatment. IMAGE-IN actively involves the non-academic sector (SMEs and hospitals) in a unique doctoral training to increase the employability of the IMAGE-IN researchers and to adapt their new skills to the needs of businesses and wider society. While molecular imaging is already common in the clinic, the five research projects target on how data from different imaging modalities can be combined for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of difficult-to-treat infections and ultimately, can lead to faster diagnostics. These domains play essential roles in understanding pathogenesis of infections but also expedite bench-to-bedside translation of new biophotonic and spectroscopic insights (e.g. for diagnostics or later for therapy).The five projects' supervisors have proven track records of success in research and training and bring in perspectives from the public and the private sector. Trainee mobility within the network, in combination with dedication, strong affiliations and technology, creates a highly synergistic framework for success. This assures efficient transfer of excellent academic results to the industry and strengthens Europe's human capital base in R&I through a new generation of entrepreneurial and highly-skilled early career researchers.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FUER PHOTONISCHE TECHNOLOGIEN E.V. · JenaCoordinatorGermany
BMD SOFTWARE LDA · AveiroPortugal

IMAGE-IN · Imaging infections: integrated, multiscale visualization of infections and host response

Results in brief

Imaging infections: integrated, multiscale visualization of infections and host response

Project objective

Participants

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