COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology – Action No. TD1104
Programmi di mobilità e networking COST
European network for development of electroporation-based technologies and treatments (EP4Bio2Med) project
The project “European Network for the Development of Electroporation-Based Technologies and Treatments (EP4Bio2Med)”, submitted by ProdAl in partnership with 73 research groups — 60 from Europe and 13 from outside Europe — active in the field of electroporation, was carried out as a COST Action under the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) programme. This programme does not provide direct funding for research or for the participating partners, but supports scientific collaboration and the development of research networks across Europe, primarily by promoting networking, mobility, and researcher exchanges. Specifically:
- COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology: the European framework that funds networking actions among research groups in different countries, including EP4Bio2Med (Action No. TD1104).
The COST project is organized into five Work Groups (WGs), each focusing on a specific area of research and development:
- WG1 Basic Science
- WG2 Food processing
- WG3 Medical applications
- WG4 Environment
- WG5 Technology transfer.
The project is coordinated by Prof. Damijan Miklavcic (Slovenia), who serves as Chair, supported by Prof. Javier Raso (Spain) as Vice-Chair. The leaders of the different Work Groups are:
- WG1: Dr. Marie Pierre Rols (France)
- WG2: Prof. Giovanna Ferrari (Italy)
- WG3: Dr. Julie Gehl (Denmark)
- WG4: Dr. Wolfgang Frey (Germany)
- WG5: Dr. Stefan Toepfl (Germany).
The four-year project aimed to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation among the participating partners, fostering communication, knowledge exchange, and integration in the field of electroporation, from basic research to industrial and medical applications.
Through a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach, the project set out to:
- Promote the advancement of fundamental knowledge on electroporation;
- Overcome technological and application-related limitations of electroporation-based solutions;
- Encourage the development of new applications and the improvement of existing ones.
Specific objectives
The EP4Bio2Med project set out the following specific objectives:
- Coordinate European research across the various applications of electroporation, promoting open communication systems and the creation of interdisciplinary networks among research groups.
- Strengthen the dialogue between academia and industry, fostering new contacts with private-sector partners and supporting the alignment of scientific research with industrial development.
- Optimize and expand existing applications and explore new potential uses of electroporation in the fields of biology, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry.
- Provide structured training opportunities for students, doctoral candidates, and early-career researchers, contributing to the development of scientific and technological skills in the field.
- Promote joint research activities, including the preparation and structuring of project proposals in response to national and European calls for funding.
- Systematize and disseminate the knowledge gained on the mechanisms of electroporation, newly identified applications, and emerging technological developments.
Benefits of the Action
The project “European Network for the Development of Electroporation-Based Technologies and Treatments (EP4Bio2Med)”, thanks to the interdisciplinary collaboration of the 73 research groups involved—each previously working individually on electroporation techniques—has enabled the achievement of several benefits, including:
- Bridging the gap between basic research and applications through the dissemination of new knowledge.
- Avoiding duplication of research efforts by promoting and sharing scientific results.
- Introducing innovative medical treatments, for example in cancer therapy, DNA vaccination, and gene therapy.
- Producing safer and healthier food products.
- Saving natural resources through the development of energy-efficient processes.
- Opening new markets and creating new job opportunities.
ProdAl role in the EP4Bio2Med project
Within the EP4Bio2Med project, ProdAl played a central role in promoting scientific and technological cooperation among the 73 participating research groups. In particular, ProdAl’s main activities included:
- Hosting international researchers, facilitating the exchange of expertise and scientific mobility between European and non-European universities and research institutions.
- Participation in training activities, contributing to the development of educational programs, workshops, and training initiatives for students, doctoral candidates, and early-career researchers in the field of electroporation.
- Dissemination and communication of scientific results, supporting the sharing of knowledge and technological advancements achieved within the project.
- Support for the creation of interdisciplinary networks and academia-industry dialogue, fostering contacts with industrial partners and promoting the practical application of scientific knowledge.
ProdAl organized in the frame of this project two major events:
- The International Conference “Bio & Food Electrotechnologies – BFE2012”, which aimed to highlight the most relevant areas of research and development in the field of innovative and emerging technologies based on electrical treatments applied to biological and food systems.
- The second edition of the PEF School, an important training initiative addressed to students, doctoral candidates, and early-career researchers interested in electroporation technologies.
ProdAl’s participation in the EP4Bio2Med project made it possible to provide registration support to many participants, thereby encouraging their attendance and contributing to the overall success of both events.
Through these experiences, young researchers had the opportunity to deepen their theoretical and applied knowledge, engage with international experts, and acquire valuable skills for the development of new solutions in scientific research and in the industrial and medical applications of electroporation.
