Frontiers in Medicine (May 2024)

Bridging the gap in precision medicine: TranSYS training programme for next-generation scientists

  • Lara Andreoli,
  • Catalina Berca,
  • Sonja Katz,
  • Sonja Katz,
  • Sonja Katz,
  • Maryna Korshevniuk,
  • Ritchie M. Head,
  • Kristel Van Steen,
  • Kristel Van Steen,
  • TranSYS Consortium,
  • Kristel Van Steen,
  • Kris Dierickx,
  • Lara Andreoli,
  • Federico Melograna,
  • Zuqi Li,
  • Giada Lalli,
  • Johan M. Kros,
  • Shiva Najjary,
  • Damjana Rozman,
  • Andrew Walakira,
  • Alexander Skupin,
  • Elle Wilson,
  • Francisco X. Real,
  • Catalina Berca,
  • Benno Schwikowski,
  • Behnam Yousefi,
  • Nataša Pržulj,
  • Katarina Mihajlovic,
  • Elisabeth B. Binder,
  • Nahid Taheri,
  • Anastasiia Hryhorzhevska,
  • Lude Franke,
  • Maryna Korshevniuk,
  • George P. Patrinos,
  • Kariofyllis Karamperis,
  • Oscar Lao,
  • Vitor A. P. Martins dos Santos,
  • Sonja Katz,
  • Christina Olsen,
  • Ritchie Head

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1348148
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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IntroductionIn the evolving healthcare landscape, precision medicine's rise necessitates adaptable doctoral training. The European Union has recognized this and promotes the development of international, training-focused programmes called Innovative Training Networks (ITNs). In this article, we introduce TranSYS, an ITN focused on educating the next generation of precision medicine researchers. In an ambition to go beyond describing the consortium goals, our article explores two key aspects of ITNs: the training and collaboration.MethodsUsing self-report questionnaires, we evaluate the scientific, professional, and personal growth of ESRs over the duration of the ITN and investigate whether this can be linked to network activities.ResultsOur quantitative analysis approach reveals substantial improvements in scientific, professional, and social skills among young researchers facilitated by the engagement in this interdisciplinary network. We provide case studies underlining the advantages of collaborative environments, featuring innovative scientific exchange within TranSYS.DiscussionWhile challenging, ITNs foster positive growth in young researchers, yet exhibit weaknesses such as balancing stakeholder interests and partner commitment. We believe this study may benefit a variety of stakeholders, from prospective ITN creators to industry partners, to design better sustainable training networks going forward.

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