Lisbon, 19th – 20th December 2024 – As part of the training activities to strengthen excellence in advanced predictive models for osteosarcoma, the PREDICTOS project organized a two-day event in Lisbon. This event consisted of a consortium meeting, an advanced course on biomaterials and clinical practice for osteosarcoma, and a visit to the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM), to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in novel research and clinical applications for osteosarcoma therapies.
About the Consortium Meeting: On December 19th, 2024, the PREDICTOS consortium convened in Lisbon to assess the project’s progress through detailed presentations and discussions across various work packages. These included updates on project management, coordination, outreach efforts, and in-depth explorations of cutting-edge research on 3D osteosarcoma models, providing valuable insight into the next steps in store for the project’s future research and impact.
About the Advanced Course: Following the consortium meeting, an advanced course dedicated to the field of biomaterials and clinical practices applied to osteosarcoma was held in the form of lectures, featuring five prominent national and international experts:
• Prof. Dr. Célia Maria Freitas Gomes (Coimbra, Portugal) : Osteosarcoma lung metastasis: insights into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies
Prof. Dr. Rúben Filipe Brás Pereira (Porto, Portugal): Biomaterials for in vitro tissue models: from design to bioprinting
Prof. Dr. Miguel Esperança Martins (Lisbon, Portugal): Treating Osteosarcoma: Windows of opportunity for an unmet need: Could 3D models be the passkey?
Prof. Dr. Gloria Belén Ramírez-Rodríguez (Granada, Spain): Hybrid nanostructured materials inspired in bone mineralization for biomedical applications
Prof. Dr. Isabel Fernandes (Lisbon, Portugal): Osteossarcoma – General concepts and clinical advances
The event facilitated knowledge exchange and networking, along with collaboration between researchers and clinicians to bridge fundamental research and clinical application within the PREDICTOS project.
About GIMM: Established in 2023 through the merger of the João Lobo Antunes Institute of Molecular Medicine and the Gulbenkian Science Institute, GIMM is a private, non-profit research institution that promotes excellence and innovation in the biomedical field. Located alongside the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon and Santa Maria´s Hospital in Portugal, GIMM is internationally recognized for its excellence in the oncology, immuno-oncology, neurosciences, infectious diseases, and autoimmunity research areas. The institute promotes excellence in both basic and clinical science, facilitating the translation of research into clinical applications.
About the Visit to GIMM:
On December 20th, 2024, consortium participants visited GIMM, gaining direct exposure with a high-level research environment, dedicated to medical research and fostering innovation in health-related fields. This visit provided the consortium the opportunity to engage with the institute’s renowned experts in oncology, immuno-oncology, and other vital scientific areas for the development of novel therapies against osteosarcoma.
In General: This event proved to be a key platform for sharing ideas, exchanging research progress, and fostering collaboration among partners. By bringing together researchers developing innovative solutions in the lab and clinicians directly involved in patient care, the event highlighted the importance of an integrated approach to solving the challenges in osteosarcoma research and treatment. The lectures provided were particularly relevant, offering a multidisciplinary perspective that ensures scientific advancements align with the real needs of patients. This successful meeting and course further contributed to the growth of the PREDICTOS project, setting the stage for continued innovation and progress in the fight against osteosarcoma.
