III.2.3. Launching a new second-cycle program of studies – “Radiogenomics” within education based on research in POB 1
IDUB Programme Objective(s)
- I. Increasing the impact of the scientific activity of the University on the development of world science
- II. Strengthening research cooperation with internationally renowned scientific institutions
Name of POB/activity group
Description
Objectives
Establishing interdisciplinary second-cycle studies, based on the resources of UW and WUM
Justification
Contemporary medicine is heading more and more often towards personalised medicine – tailored to the needs of a specific patient. The risk of heart disease, cancer, neurological illness, or responses to treatment are all coded in the genes of every human being; it is like a blueprint that describes the structures and functions of the body. The human genome (set of genes) was fully sequenced in 2003, and since then medicine has become increasingly interwoven with genetics. Therefore, creating new fields of study that integrate specialised medical knowledge with that of the genetic origin of human diseases seems very desirable and future-oriented. Various medical imaging techniques give quantitative information which enables greater accuracy in clinical probability assessments. Such an area would be particularly interesting to doctors who wish to specialise in radiology, or to radiology technicians. At the same time, it may open new opportunities for biologists, physicists and chemists who are interested in working in the field of radiopharmacy.
Given the research activity, human potential, and the infrastructure on the Ochota Campus of the University of Warsaw, there is a solid basis for further cooperation (among the Faculties of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science, for instance) to create interdisciplinary second-cycle studies in radiogenomics (and possibly post-graduate studies for radiologists). Plans and activities will be carried out in cooperation with the Medical University of Warsaw (WUM) and diagnostic clinics performing MRI, CT, PET, and SPECT examinations. Through existing cooperation with research units abroad, students will be able to take part in group projects; in addition to being in a research team, they will also have direct access to unique and state-of-the-art scientific and diagnostic equipment.
Dedicated to the area of POB I, the graduate courses will include some classes through e-learning, conducted by lecturers from the world’s leading scientific centres. Opening a new field of study will lead to the creation of interdisciplinary scientific teams who conduct research in radiogenomics.
Additionally, the project includes opportunities for outstanding students to do short term scientific internships, specialised training sessions in pre-clinical research, and attend international scientific conferences. Graduates of the new field of study will have unique interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills, which should encourage them to continue their studies at doctoral schools, and to undertake future research activities. The contact with researchers employed in foreign centres may translate into the internationalisation of their future scientific work and could increase their chances of obtaining funding from the EU R&D budget.
Coordinating unit
- Faculty of Chemistry
Entities involved in implementation
- Faculty of Biology
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Faculty of Physics
- CeNT
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre (CNBCh)
- Heavy Ion Laboratory (ŚLCJ)