Bilaga 2: Sammanställning av SFO-miljöernas svar på vissa frågor

Transcription

1 Bilaga 2: Sammanställning av SFO-miljöernas svar på vissa frågor Förord Uppföljningen av de strategiska forskningsområdena (SFO) omfattar 43 miljöer. Denna bilaga innehåller miljöernas enkätsvar på vissa centrala frågor avseende verksamheten 2013, sorterade enligt de önskemål regeringen angav i uppdragen. Miljöernas fullständiga enkätsvar måste läsas för att få en rättvisande bild av vad som har skett inom miljöerna eftersom de har valt att lägga tonvikt på olika frågor. Följande sammanställning ger en övergripande totalbild av vad som skett inom satsningen, men är inget underlag för analys av enskilda miljöer. Nedan följer en beskrivning av vilka frågor regeringen lämnat i uppdraget. Under varje fråga specificeras vilka enkätfrågor myndigheterna har valt ut för att ge ett kortfattat svar på regeringens frågor. Regeringens fråga: Beskriv de samlade resurser som avsatts för det strategiska området. Svar enkätfråga C3a och C3b Regeringens fråga: Beskriv de huvudsakliga prioriteringar som under året. Svar enkätfråga Q1 Regeringens fråga: Beskriv den verksamhet som bedrivits under året Svar enkätfråga Q2 Regeringens fråga: Beskriv de väsentliga resultat som uppnåtts under året. Svar enkätfråga Q3 1 (175)

2 Innehåll Bilaga 2: Sammanställning av SFO-miljöernas svar på vissa frågor... 1 Förord Strategiskt forskningsområde: Cancer StratCan - Center for Integrated Cancer Studies at Karolinska Institutet - an environment for translational cancer research BioCARE - Biomarkers in Cancer Medicine Improving Health Care, Education and Innovation The U-Can Comprehensive Cancer Consortium Strategiskt forskningsområde: Diabetes Translational Program in Diabetes Research, Education and Care EXODIAB Excellence of Diabetes Research in Sweden Strategiskt forskningsområde: Effekter på naturresurser, ekosystemtjänster och biologisk mångfald BECC - Biodiversity and Ecosystem services in a Changing Climate A multiscale, cross-disciplinary approach to the study of climate change effect on ecosystem services and biodiversity Strategiskt forskningsområde: Energi Chalmers Energy Initiative Bio4Energy StandUp Strategiskt forskningsområde: Epidemiologi Epidemiology: from mechanism to prevention, from surveillance to safety Epidemiology for Health (EpiHealth): for Innovation and Excellence in Open-Access, Basic-Translational and Applied Epidemiological Research Strategiskt forskningsområde: E-vetenskap Swedish e-science Research Centre essence An escience Collaboration Strategiskt forskningsområde: Havsmiljöforskning Ecosystem Approach to the Baltic Sea Ecosystem dynamics in the Baltic Sea in a changing climate perspective ECOCHANGE Strategiskt forskningsområde: Hållbart nyttjande av naturresurser Sustainable use of mineral resources securing the future (175)

3 8.2 Forests and other plants Strategiskt forskningsområde: IT och mobil kommunikation, inklusive framtida lösningar för kommunikation och ledningssystem ICT The Next Generation elliit the Linköping Lund Initiative on IT and Mobile Coummunication Strategiskt forskningsomtråde: Klimatmodeller ModElling the Regional and Global Eart system MERGE Modelling initiative of the Bert Bolin Centre for Climate Change Strategiskt forskningsområde: Materialvetenskap, inklusive funktionella material Strategic Initiative Materials Science International Interdisciplinary Materials Science Laboratory for Advanced Functional Materials Strategiskt forskningsområde: Molekylär biovetenskap Science for Life Laboratory a national resource center for high-throughput molecular bioscience SciLifeLab, Uppsala (Center for genomic and proteomic medicine) Strategiskt forskningsområde: Nanovetenskap och nanoteknik Chalmers Nano-initiative The nanometer Structure Consortium at Lund University Strategiskt forskningsområde: Neurovetenskap, inklusive hjärnans och nervsystemets sjukdomar Cognitive and Motor functions in Health and Disease during the Lifespan Multidisciplinary research focused on Parkinson s disease MultiPark Strategiskt forskningsområde: Politiskt viktiga geografiska regioner The Middle East in the Contemporary World Uppsala Russian Research Center Strategiskt forskningsområde: Produktionsteknik Sustainable Production Initiative XPRESS Initiative for excellence in production research Strategiskt forskningsområde: Stamceller och regenerativ medicin Center for Regenerativ Medicine National initiative on Stem Cells for Regenerativ Therapy Strategiskt forskningsområde: Säkerhet och krisberedskap Security Link Natural-Disaster Science (175)

4 19. Strategiskt forskningsområde: Transportforskning Chalmers Sustainable Transport Initiative TrenOp, Transport Research Environment with Novel Perspectives Strategiskt forskningsområde: Vårdforskning Toward Person-Centered Care in Long-term Illness: A Research Core Center Bridging Research and Practice for Better Health: The Comprehensive Care Science Centre U-CARE: Better Psychosocial Care at a Lower Cost? Evidence-based assessment and Psychosocial Care via Internet, a Swedish Example (175)

5 1. Strategiskt forskningsområde: Cancer Huvudansvarig myndighet: Vetenskapsrådet Samrådande myndighet: - År Total budget Avsättning till infrastruktur Budget efter avsättning StratCan - Center for Integrated Cancer Studies at Karolinska Institutet - an environment for translational cancer research Huvudsökande: Karolinska Institutet 100% a. Income of the strategic research environment 2013 (all income, Question C3a) b. Costs of the strategic research environment 2013 (regarding Government strategic research funding, Question C3b) a. b. Funding category Funding in SEK Cost type Cost i SEK Government strategic research funding Personell Co funding from main applicant higher education institution Running costs Co-funding from-co-applicant higher education institution High cost Equipment - Funding from collaborating research institutes Infrastructure running costs - Funding from other collaborators Other Costs Other external funding Totalt: Totalt: (175)

6 Please specify the types of funding sources included in "Other external funding" from the table above, together with a rough estimate of their relative contribution...n.b an exhaustive list is not required. Other external funding includes funding from: - Cancerfonden: 26% of other external funding - Vetenskapsrådet: 16% of other external funding - EU: 14% of other external funding - Stockholms Läns Landsting: 12% of other external funding - AZ/KI: 6% of other external funding - ALF-medel: 5% of other external funding Please state the main priorities within the environment in (Question Q1) The main priorities of the Strategic Research Programme in Cancer (StratCan) have during 2013 been in line with the overall aim of the environment to integrate basic and clinical cancer research and to promote the translation of findings into clinical practice. StratCan aims to expand the existing strength in cancer biology at Karolinska Institutet (KI), by supporting high impact research projects, promising young researchers and required infrastructure. StratCan has established a research environment and meeting point for the most competitive cancer research at KI, bringing together research groups and research centers (the three Thematic Theme Centers and the two Linné centers within cancer research) spread over many different departments and three geographical locations. The main priorities during 2013 have been: 1. Research excellence Investing in human capital by research grants for young researchers and innovative research, as well as in strategic recruitment of world leading scientists to KI. 2. Strategic alliances Establishing strategic alliances with international cancer research environments of the highest quality, and with industrial partners. Consolidating and strengthening the alliance with Stockholm County Council and the Regional Cancer Center (RCC). 3. Infrastructure efforts Supporting StratCan initiated infrastructure efforts that facilitate high quality basic research and the translation of findings into clinical practice. Complementing these efforts with new initiatives to tie together basic and clinical cancer research. Initiate large-scale comprehensive genomic characterization of primary tumor material. 4. Education Supporting the education of a new generation of cancer researchers as well as researchers that combine clinical practice with research. 5. Innovation and outreach Increasing innovation potential, industrial collaboration and visibility. 6. National strategic forum Developing the StratCan initiated national strategic forum devoted to strengthening of cancer research and improved cancer prevention and treatment, together with the other two Swedish strategic research programs in cancer (U-CAN and BioCare). Please describe the major activities within the environment in (Question Q2) "1.During 2013 StratCan continued development and strengthening of research through support of the human capital, especially young researchers, by grant distribution (sought in competition and selected by external review). Two new 4-year Research Associate positions have been filled and two 1-year Blue Sky grants (for innovative high risk research projects) were granted. StratCan has during 2013 continued to be actively 6 (175)

7 involved in efforts towards strategic recruitment of world leading scientists to KI (Randall Johnson from the University of Cambridge was successfully recruited in 2012). 2. StratCan intensified the international collaboration and KI, as represented by StratCan, signed a "sister institution agreement" with MD Anderson Cancer Center in May MD Anderson Cancer Center is a topranked comprehensive cancer center in the United States. The signing ceremony was held at KI accompanied by a mini-symposium with prominent international speakers. KI/StratCan participated in the SINF (Sister Institution Network Fund) 2013 grant announcement for collaborative grants. StratCan s partnership with RCC (Regional Cancer Center Stockholm-Gotland) has been developed further by the joint recruitment of Prof. Per Ljungman as the coordinator for biobank and quality registers (clinical annotation and follow-up) and for RCC research activities. Active collaboration with Stockholm County Council has been pursued during 2013 with a main focus on questions regarding the development of a standardized biobanking structure, serving both the clinic and research. 3. The previous infrastructure commitments of StratCan, i.e. support to the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, Establishment of a Preclinical Cancer Test Facility (advanced imaging) and support for a mouse pathologist (Raoul Kuiper), have been continued during These efforts constitute a central aspect towards strengthening of the research environment. A key new effort financed by StratCan in 2013 in collaboration with SciLife Lab, was the successful pilot project in tumor profiling (ClinSeq) aimed at establishing a routine pipeline from collection to genetic profiling of primary tumor samples. 4. During 2013 StratCan committed to support the National Research School in Clinical Cancer Research (NatiOn) with means to cover the expenses for research time for 10 clinicians pursuing their PhD. The annual StratCan Summer School was held June at Sandhamn Seglarhotel in Stockholm with world-leading cancer researchers as invited lecturers and discussion leaders on the topic of Targeted Cancer Therapies. 5. StratCan started collaboration with KI Innovations AB in 2013 to achieve a more focused industry/innovation agenda. An innovation manager is recruited early 2014, with the task to identify projects within StratCan with commercialization potential. Additionally several joint events are planned for 2014, such as an innovation workshop by StratCan-KI Innovations AB in Spring 2014, a seminar series with industry/entrepreneurial focus and joint sessions at the 3rd Swedish Cancer meeting in September These efforts will strengthen the ongoing collaboration between several individual research groups and companies, give rise to new collaborations and allow for a more coordinated approach towards interaction with the industrial sector. 6. The 2nd Swedish Cancer research meeting was successfully held in Uppsala Nov 2013 (300 participants) together with UCAN and BioCare, as a continuation of the StratCan initiated national assembly of cancer researchers. Planning has begun for the 3rd Swedish Cancer research meeting, which will be held as a joint (including also RCC as an organizer) larger international meeting in September 2014 at Aula Medica, KI. One important goal of this meeting is to provide information about the present status of cancer research and an outlook on the most important research tasks for the future." Please describe the major results within the environment in (Question Q3) "1. StratCan grants have become established means of support for young researchers and innovative research ideas and 2013 two new 4-year research-associate and two Blue Sky grants were approved. StratCan principal investigators have during 2013 produced 139 high impact publications. See also the description of the most important scientific findings 2013 (D1a). 2. StratCan s contacts with MD Anderson Cancer center (MDACC) resulted in the signing of a Sister Institution agreement between Karolinska Institutet and MDACC, in May As a result StratCan participated in the 7 (175)

8 SINF (Sister Institution Network Fund) grant call and successfully had the largest number of collaborative applications among all of MDACC s current 27 Sister Institutions. Three collaborative projects (supported by the institutions involved) were funded, setting a solid ground for strong collaboration between our research institutes. In May 2014 StratCan will participate in the SINF meeting in Seoul Korea, interacting with a global network of cancer institutions seeking collaborative efforts and joint strategies in the field. The collaborative program with German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is continuing and presently includes two collaborative projects funded by StratCan. The StratCan-RCC collaboration led to joint recruitment of Per Ljungman as coordinator for biobank and quality registers (clinical annotation and follow-up) and RCC research activities. 3. Previously initiated StratCan infrastructure efforts are essential for the research environment and contribute significantly to the research results presented. The Phase I Clinical Trial Unit, had during 2013 a total of 9 ongoing clinical trials of which 3 were started in A new successful initiative 2013, in collaboration with the Clinical Genomics Platform at SciLife Lab, was the ClinSeq pilot project led by Henrik Grönberg. ClinSeq evaluates the use of next generation sequencing (NGS) in the clinical diagnosis of cancer and in research (evaluating tumor profiling in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This StratCan financed pilot project plans to benchmark towards the molecular diagnostics used today during 2014 and aims to introduce tumor profiling in the first clinical indications during the fall. 4. StratCan organized for the third successive year a successful Interactive Summer School for young scientists, again resulting in an excellent evaluation by the participants. The 2014 Summer School is set on the topic of Cancer Prevention. 5. During 2013 StratCan prioritized innovation potential and outreach, resulting in a two-year agreement with KI Innovations AB for a structured industry/innovation agenda and a StratCan dedicated innovation manager. In addition, collaboration with Narva kommunikationsbyrå resulted in a new graphic profile and led to new strategies for dissemination of results that will be implemented during 2014 (through the new StratCan web page, launched Spring 2014, as well as other channels). 6. The 2nd Swedish Cancer research meeting was successfully held 2013 (300 participants) together with UCAN and BioCare. The 3rd Swedish Cancer research meeting arrangements have been agreed on for a large international meeting in Sept 2014." 8 (175)

9 1.2. BioCARE - Biomarkers in Cancer Medicine Improving Health Care, Education and Innovation Huvudsökande: Lunds universitet 70% Medsökande: Göteborgs universitet 30% a. Income of the strategic research environment 2013 (all income, Question C3a) b. Costs of the strategic research environment 2013 (regarding Government strategic research funding, Question C3b) a. b. Funding category Funding in SEK Cost type Cost i SEK Government strategic research funding Co funding from main applicant higher education institution Personell Running costs Co-funding from-co-applicant higher education institution Highcost Equipment Funding from collaborating research institutes - Infrastructure running costs - Funding from other collaborators - Other Costs Other external funding Totalt: Totalt: Please specify the types of funding sources included in "Other external funding" from the table above, together with a rough estimate of their relative contribution. N.B an exhaustive list is not required. Our main external sources include: Cancer Research Foundation 20%, The Swedish Research Council 20%, Region Västra Götaland 10%, Childrens Cancer Foundation 5%, European Research Council 5%, Region Skåne 5% Please state the main priorities within the environment in (Question Q1) " BioCARE is a shared strategic cancer programme at the universities in Lund (LU) and Gothenburg (GU). The overall aim of BioCARE is to promote research of highest international standard and, importantly, to facilitate the translation of acquired knowledge within the cancer biomarker field to the health care sector and Industry and to facilitate the development of personalized cancer medicine. The main priorities for 2013 were: Support of ongoing and new projects with a strong clinical translational edge (BioCARE Translational Projects). Continued support of the BioCARE Research School with biannual retreats and Advanced Seminars to foster new research contacts and collaborations within and between our two universities and university hospitals Recruitment of international top scientists to our cancer centres. Continued support to young promising scientists to facilitate their scientific independence. Support of scientific meetings with cancer biomarker focus. Support for further development of the Sahlgrenska Cancer Center and Lund University Cancer Centre including infrastructural support." 9 (175)

10 Please describe the major activities within the environment in (Question Q2) "The main BioCARE activities in 2013 have been: Support to and organization of scientific meetings including BioCARE Research School Retreats, Advanced Seminars and the 2nd joint BioCARE, StratCan and U-Can Cancer Research Meeting in Uppsala. Extended support to BioCARE translational projects. Support to young promising scientists. Continued support of PhD positions. Increased collaboration with and support of translational projects within the health care sector and formalized collaborations with the Regional Cancer Centres (RCC-Syd and RCC-Väst). Promotion of contacts with big pharma and biotech companies to facilitate translational efforts by recruiting an innovation manager. Consolidation of inter-strategic research programme contacts with StratCan and U-Can, the two other cancer programmes in Sweden." Please describe the major results within the environment in (Question Q3) "The main results obtained during 2013 were: Physical establishment of Lund University Cancer Centre at Medicon Village including 230+ scientists and stateof-the-art equipment. Expansion and further development of the Sahlgrenska Cancer Center in Gothenburg. Identification, characterization and implementation of new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers in cancer with impact on the health care sector. Specifically, one of the BioCARE-supported projects has generated a drug candidate that has now entered a clinical phase I study. Successful new recruitments of young as well as established top scientists. Continued support to young scientists. Further support to infrastructure for studying cancer mechanisms and novel treatment paradigms in animal models." 10 (175)

11 1.3. The U-Can Comprehensive Cancer Consortium Huvudsökande: Uppsala universitet 50% Medsökande: Umeå universitet 40%, Stockholms universitet 5%, Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan 5% a. Income of the strategic research environment 2013 (all income, Question C3a) b. Costs of the strategic research environment 2013 (regarding Government strategic research funding, Question C3b) a. b. Funding category Funding in SEK Cost type Cost i SEK Government strategic research funding Co funding from main applicant higher education institution Personell Running costs Co-funding from-co-applicant higher education institution High cost Equipment Funding from collaborating research institutes - Infrastructure running costs Funding from other collaborators Other Costs Other external funding - Totalt: Totalt: Please specify the types of funding sources included in "Other external funding" from the table above, together with a rough estimate of their relative contribution... N.B an exhaustive list is not required. NOT APPLICABLE Please state the main priorities within the environment in (Question Q1) " 1) To become an international leader in terms of high-quality longitudinal biobanking of certain cancers. In accordance with the aims of the research initiative proposed in the original application, resources are allocated to create a novel and standardized framework for structured collection of blood, tissues, imagery and patient data in cancer care. This framework, supported by U-CAN, is now running successfully and the collaboration between Uppsala University and Akademiska Hospital and between Umeå University and Norrlands University Hospital is well established. During 2013 U-CAN has allocated additional resources to ensure prompt and efficient collection and processing of patient samples and information. The U-CAN material, including information about every patient, is now ready to be used in cancer research in order to improve diagnosis, treatment and ultimately outcome. 2) To be the hub for competitive translational and clinical cancer research. The value of biobanks is strongly linked to the depth of information on included patients. Biomaterials with detailed patient information are the top priority of academia and pharmaceutical industries, to allow rapid identification of cases of interest for further research and clinical trials. To accomplish a structured database is challenging in cancer biobanking as cancer patients are handled in many different ways and in several different clinics and hospitals. U-CAN has, during 2013, intensified the work with the technical, legal and organizational 11 (175)

12 aspects of integrating clinical records systems, the cancer quality registers, Laboratory Information Management Systems and a new database of easily-searchable longitudinal information. In particular, U-CAN has during 2013 assisted with additional resources for the local healthcare authorities in Uppsala to specify, procure and implement a next-generation decision support system for cancer care according to joint specifications by academia, industry, and healthcare. 3) To enhance collaboration between academia and industry. U-CAN has during 2013 continued the process of establishing a network of Life Science companies that may be interested in a collaborative research platform and other interactions with U-CAN researchers in terms of collaborative research contracts, regulation of intellectual property rights, publications and the handling of samples and data. Understanding the needs of pharmaceutical companies with regards to structured detailed data collection in cancer care has been a priority. Please describe the major activities within the environment in (Question Q2) " 1) To become an international leader in terms of high-quality longitudinal biobanking of certain cancers. The overall goal for U-CAN is the establishment of a well-functioning cancer biobank infrastructure. During 2013 U-CAN has intensified the work of standardised reporting forms in radiology and pathology and U-CAN has continued to support the efforts by Uppsala Biobank to create an automated and centralised sample handling procedure and storage facility at Akademiska Hospital. U-CAN has led and supported the successful process of reaching a formal agreement between Uppsala University and Akademiska Hospital concerning how the real-time database for cancer care will be managed and to settle the conditions under which the collected clinical information can be used by researchers at universities and Life science companies. U-CAN has successfully continued the work to include new cancer diagnoses with the addition of breast cancer during ) To be the hub for competitive translational and clinical cancer research For the collection and storage of patient-related information, Akademiska Hospital has, in close collaboration with U-CAN, started the implementation process for the real-time database that will function as a decision support system for cancer care. This real-time database for cancer care will easily and safely register more structured information relevant for research than is currently recorded in even the most developed quality registries; information which is necessary for translational cancer research and essential for clinical research and trials. At the same time, this system will be a valuable tool in cancer care. To further strengthen the research organisation within U-CAN, a local research board has been established in Uppsala and Umeå. This board is designed to guarantee strong, relevant and effective scientific production using the collected material and clinical competence at the participating universities. A special focus has been to enable young, promising scientists the possibility to explore and utilise the U-CAN material. 3) To enhance collaboration between academia and industry During 2013, U-CAN and UU Innovation has further strengthened the collaborations with local and international Life Science companies with the aim of running research projects that are of interest to both companies and academia. Furthermore, focus group meetings, co-organized with the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Sweden (LIF), with pharmaceutical companies in the cancer field were held during 2013 to identify specific requirements for the newly established real-time databases in cancer care." Please describe the major results within the environment in (Question Q3) " 1) To become an international leader in terms of high-quality longitudinal biobanking of certain cancers. The original U-CAN collection covers colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, haematological malignancies and brain tumours. Since then, scientists and clinicians with interests in gynecological cancers joined U-CAN in January 2012 as they see value in structured biobanking and potential for scientific collaboration. As of March 2013, the 12 (175)

13 diagnosis group of neuroendocrine tumours began collection of blood and tissue samples according to U-CAN routines and due to the well-functioning U-CAN infrastructure breast cancer joined U-CAN in September Up to the end of 2013, 5639 patients had been included at an annual inclusion rate of nearly 1500 patients. To date, the U-CAN collection has amassed blood and/or tissue samples from 1563 colorectal cancer patients, 1921 prostate cancer patients, 1111 patients with brain tumours, 234 gynecological cancer patients, 620 leukaemia and lymphoma patients, 94 patients with neuroendocrine tumours and 96 breast cancer patients. During 2013 U-CAN has allocated additional resources across each of the cancer disciplines and initiated steps towards the inclusion of the other county councils within the Uppsala/Örebro and Umeå health care regions. Falu Hospital joined as the first external county council of the U-CAN collaboration in 2012, and as a result of U- CANs efforts hospitals in Gävle and Karlstad will be included in the collaboration as of the beginning of Furthermore, the U-CAN diagnosis group for haematological malignancies has received a research grant from the Uppsala/Örebro Regional Research Council. This grant will be used for a project based on the regional collaboration within U-CAN and includes the county councils of Uppsala, Dalarna, Gävleborg, Södermanland and Värmland. 2) To be the hub for competitive translational and clinical cancer research. U-CAN has initiated several large research studies during 2013 and from 2014 U-CAN can function as a national and international hub for competitive translational and clinical cancer research. Researchers from Uppsala University, Umeå University, KTH and Stockholm University have an extensive collaboration ongoing with the aim to improve outcome, e.g. to determine why some tumours respond to treatment whereas others are resistant, and to explore the concept of tumor stem cells. The U-CAN colorectal diagnosis group has started a large scale biomarker discovery project targeting colorectal cancer for the prediction of recurrence risk and response to therapy. This project is performed in collaboration with the Swedish companies Olink AB and ExScale AB. The U-CAN brain tumour diagnosis group has also started a study using the U-CAN material in order to investigate if certain polymorphisms and molecular markers in genotype-phenotype correlations are associated with prognosis and treatment outcome. Furthermore, brain tumour researchers affiliated with U- CAN won a competitive grant from AstraZeneca to use patient-derived cell cultures in drug discovery. The newly formed U-CAN breast cancer diagnosis group has started collaboration with the South Sweden Cancerome Analysis Network - Breast (SCAN-B). SCAN-B is a multicenter collaboration between hospitals in Malmö, Lund, Helsingborg, Växjö, Halmstad, Kristianstad and Karlskrona who strive to improve survival and quality of life for breast cancer patients through the introduction of gene expression and genomic tumour profiling in the clinical routine. Further, an EU-sponsored, genomics-based clinical trial of individualized breast cancer vaccines (MERIT) included Uppsala University as a partner because of the structured collection infrastructure available through U-CAN. Stockholm University has intensified the development of a highthroughput RNAi knock-out technology during 2013 and the RNAi assay is now ready to be used in different U- CAN projects. 3) To enhance collaboration between academia and industry. The strategic collaboration with Life science companies with the aim of running projects that is of interest to both companies and academia has intensified during Meetings are continuously organized with industry representatives to ensure that the U-CAN activities meet industry partners needs for future clinical trials and drug development in oncology. These meetings have achieved new collaborations with Swedish and foreign companies. U-CAN representatives have also discussed the possibilities of future collaborations with Pfizer, Roche, Novartis and Celgene. Industry requirements concerning real-time databases have been collected for haematological malignancies and colorectal cancers. A structured process for industry access to such information has been negotiated and agreed between Uppsala University and Akademiska Hospital." 13 (175)

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15 2. Strategiskt forskningsområde: Diabetes Huvudansvarig myndighet: Vetenskapsrådet Samrådande myndighet: - År Total budget Avsättning till infrastruktur Budget efter avsättning Translational Program in Diabetes Research, Education and Care Huvudsökande: Karolinska Institutet 85% Medsökande Umeå universitet 15% a. Income of the strategic research environment 2013 (all income, Question C3a) b. Costs of the strategic research environment 2013 (regarding Government strategic research funding, Question C3b) a. b. Funding category Funding in SEK Cost type Cost i SEK Government strategic research funding Personell Co funding from main applicant higher education institution Running costs Co-funding from-co-applicant higher education institution - High cost Equipment - Funding from collaborating research institutes Infrastructure running costs - Funding from other collaborators Other Costs Other external funding Totalt: Totalt: Please specify the types of funding sources included in "Other external funding" from the table above, together with a rough estimate of their relative contribution. N.B an exhaustive list is not required. Other external funding includes: - funding from public agencies (VR, ca 20 %; SSF, ca 2 %), - funding from private foundations (Wallenberg Foundation, ca 15 %; Family Erling Persson foundation ca 25 %; Novo Nordisk Foundation ca 7 %; other private foundations, both national and international, ca 6 %) - and funding from EU (European Research Council 15 % and EU framework programmes, ca 8 %). - Funding from other collaborators include funding from the Stockholm county council (ALF funding) ca 55 % and funding from private companies 45 %. 15 (175)

16 Please state the main priorities within the environment in (Question Q1) The overall goal of the Strategic Research Programme in Diabetes at Karolinska Institutet (SRP Diabetes) is to improve both prevention and treatment of diabetes by forming an internationally competitive, integrated and interdisciplinary research environment in the diabetes field which should be translational, i.e. to couple basic research with the clinic. The programme should cultivate substantial expertise and unique technical resources that form a natural contact point for international collaborations and attracting excellent researchers and thus to be rich in collaboration, communication and scientific exchange. The priorities from 2012 have been maintained with special focus on: Further integration between the two partner universities Karolinska Institutet and Umeå University by expanding number of collaborative projects and joint meetings. Further strengthen clinical research within the programme through special grants. Further develop the established research infrastructures in the programme designed to support both clinical and experimental research in the metabolism and diabetes field. Supporting innovation processes both within the programme by recruiting external expertise and on a national level through development of an application for the VINNOVA call Strategic Innovation Areas (SIO). Please describe the major activities within the environment in (Question Q2) "Integration between the research groups: Several different forums for interactions between the researchers have been organized including group leader meetings, different seminar series, an internal retreat and an international symposium with outreach activities beyond the program. To support collaborative projects, funding is directly provided to the group leaders for the support of post-doctoral fellows or technical staff where collaboration between experimental scientists and clinicians is especially encouraged. To better integrate Karolinska Institutet and Umeå University, a mini-symposium was arranged this past year at Umeå University for all of the PIs in the programme. Supporting younger and mid-stage independent researchers: The Assistant Professors and Associate Professors (docent) recruited into this program have been supported with funds, access to the research infrastructures, and participation in the senior group leader activities. Strengthening clinical research in diabetes: Through an open call and external evaluation, four talented clinical researchers in diabetology have been awarded research grants enabling these medical doctors to perform clinical research on a half-time basis. The research node at Umeå University has been strengthened by the recent affiliation of Professor Tommy Olsson and his research group at The University Hospital of Umeå into the programme. To further strengthen clinical research, SRP Diabetes has also developed a collaboration with the 4D type 2 diabetes project (a Karolinska Institutet Stockholm County Council joint clinical research project) to set up a pilot project to establish a prospective biobank for collection of samples from pre-diabetic and type 2 diabetic persons identified through the primary health care system. Research infrastructures: Further development and utilization of the established facilities has been achieved through increased recruitment of technical staff and expertise within the facilities, as well as procurement of new instrumentation. Many of the research infrastructures are too expensive to be developed by single research groups. Innovation support: To support innovation processes within the programme, a dedicated Innovation Manager has been hired. Furthermore an Innovation Advisory Board (IAB) has been formed, with membership reflecting expertise from small biotech startups to large pharmaceutical companies. On a national level, SRP Diabetes (the SFO at Karolinska Institutet) has together with the SFO Diabetes Program in Lund (EXODIAB) and other Swedish stakeholders formed a national strategic innovation and research agenda in diabetes with funding from VINNOVA. Together with another innovation agenda (Swedish Life Science, SILS), these two agendas/groups of stakeholders have prepared an application for the VINNOVA call Strategic Innovation Areas, SIO, which will be submitted in March 2014." 16 (175)

17 Please describe the major results within the environment in (Question Q3) "Integration between the research groups: Integration between the 26 different research groups involved in SRP Diabetes has been successful as evidenced by several new collaborative and translational research projects that also include newly recruited researchers to the programme. Integration between research groups is also facilitated through the internal retreat and the international symposium. Both of these activities were especially successful forums with record attendance of students, post-doctoral fellows and active researchers working within the diabetes field, as well as in closely aligned areas of science. Research infrastructures: Utilization of the unique infrastructures developed and supported by SRP Diabetes has increased within the past year, indicating the continued importance of these facilities within SRP Diabetes researchers in the diabetes and metabolism field. Novel analytical tools have also been successfully developed within the facilities, including tools in physiology, bioinformatics, epigenomics and imaging. Selected new research results and projects: Internationally recognized discoveries from SRP Diabetes researchers include novel insights on mechanism by which weight loss surgery alters DNA methylation and improves glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. Several novel regulators and mechanisms of insulin release in the pancreas have also been described, highlighting new entry-points into future diabetes treatment. Studies of both the size and capacity of the insulin secreting pancreas and how this may be altered due to a change in demand for insulin in the body have been conducted utilizing an in vivo imaging model developed by researchers in the program. SRP Diabetes researchers have also contributed to a better understanding of vascular complications observed in diabetes patients through involvement in a large international human genetics consortium. Through this effort, evidence to supports the practice of treating diabetic dyslipidemia by targeting triglyceride levels rather than cholesterol has been put forward. Pathological mechanisms behind the development of diabetic complications, such as ulcers, have been explored within SRP diabetes, which have led to innovative treatments strategies. Together with a biotech company, the first renal cell implantation has been performed on patients with kidney disease and type 2 diabetes giving new hope to treatment of diabetic complications. Innovation: Two collaborations have been initiated with a Swedish and a European company to develop products based on research developed within the SRP Diabetes at Karolinska Institutet. Two patent applications have been filed and several projects are under evaluation for patenting. Interactions with society: Several outreach activities have been conducted through communication with the media (television, radio and newspaper) covering the recent discoveries made by SRP Diabetes researchers." 17 (175)

18 2.2 EXODIAB Excellence of Diabetes Research in Sweden Huvudsökande: Lunds universitet 70% Medsökande: Uppsala universitet 30% a. Income of the strategic research environment 2013 (all income, Question C3a) b. Costs of the strategic research environment 2013 (regarding Government strategic research funding, Question C3b) a. b. Funding category Funding in SEK Cost type Cost i SEK Government strategic research funding Co funding from main applicant higher education institution Personell Running costs Co-funding from-co-applicant higher education institution High cost Equipment Funding from collaborating research institutes 0 Infrastructure running costs Funding from other collaborators Other costs Other external funding Totalt: Totalt: Please specify the types of funding sources included in "Other external funding" from the table above, together with a rough estimate of their relative contribution. N.B an exhaustive list is not required. Our by far largest financial support is given by the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet), representing approximately 45% of the total. EU funding for several projects stands for approximately 15% of the total. Another large funding agency is the American National Institute of Health, approximately 10% of the total. Please state the main priorities within the environment in (Question Q1) "EXODIAB EXCELLENCE OF DIABETES RESEARCH IN SWEDEN Exodiab is a joint research initiative in the diabetes area combining internationally competitive diabetes research at Lund and Uppsala universities. In collaboration with industrial partners we develop novel approaches and tools for early risk assessment, prevention and individualized treatment of diabetes. RESEARCH PRIORITIES IN 2013 A) Our infrastructure the Human Tissue Lab continues to serve as the basis for numerous research and innovation projects and remains a main priority in 2013; B) Recruitment of new diabetics to the two clinical cohorts ANDIS/ANDIU (All New Diabetics in Scania and All New Diabetics in Uppsala) has been prioritized also in 2013; C) Performing excellent and translational research, expanding our fundamental understanding of diabetes, thereby generating top-class candidate projects for commercial development; D) Large joint research applications have been filed; E) Efforts to create an arena where metabolic clinical investigations can take place have been prioritized. 18 (175)

19 INNOVATION PRIORITIES IN 2013 In 2013 Exodiab prioritized to F) secure funding for the establishment of a company called Diabridge; G) continue negotiations with selected Big Pharma and Life Science; H) arrange an IDEA Summit meeting where European actors from academia and commercial companies met to discuss future innovation endeavours in the field of diabetes; I) develop a PhD course in Innovation, "Research Innovation and Value Creation in the Life Science Area". EDUCATION PRIORITIES IN 2013 Exodiab has prioritized to J) create a meeting arena for those with an interest in Bioinformatics at Lund University and to K) arrange a seminar series in bioinformatics; Furthermore, in 2013 we have continued to L) strive for the launch of an MD/PhD program to secure future clinical research and translation. Finally, in 2013 we have tried to M) recruit an internationally recognized bioinformatician." Please describe the major activities within the environment in (Question Q2) "RESEARCH ACTIVITIES FOR EXODIAB IN 2013 Our multi-disciplinary research is a successful strategy Our research groups in Lund and Uppsala join forces in unravelling the genetic and environmental factors contributing to diabetes and in finding new ways for treatment, disease control and prevention. The multidisciplinary scientific approach taken has proven very successful. The Human Tissue Lab provides tissue and data to our researchers. The two clinical cohorts ANDIS and ANDIU continue to recruit new diabetics that are subsequently followed closely. We have in 2013 worked with improving the sub-classification of diabetes and anticipate that this will help us develop individualized treatment strategies. Planning for excellent research in the years to come We foresee that more clinical studies will be performed in the future and want to strengthen the translation of our basic research findings into clinical practice. A major activity in 2013 has been to create an arena where clinical studies relating to diabetes and obesity can be performed. Furthermore, several large joint research applications have been filed to try to secure continued research support for our large biological infrastructures. INNOVATION ACTIVITIES FOR EXODIAB IN 2013 Securing funding for the Diabridge company The Diabridge is envisioned to serve as the natural commercialization platform for the research within Exodiab, but also for other Swedish researchers. In 2013 we have intensified our efforts in securing governmental funding for starting the company. Negotiations with Big Pharma Numerous interactive meetings have been held in 2013 between Exodiab and representatives for Big Pharma and Life Science companies. Exodiab has both initiated and continued negotiations with different industrial partners. Setting a visionary diabetes innovation agenda In 2013 we arranged IDEA Summit with participants from European academia and Life Science companies. Presentations and panel discussions were held with the ambition of directing future diabetes innovation activities into new directions hopefully leading to more fruitful interactions between academia and industry. Developing a PhD course in Innovation To better prepare our future researchers for innovation and entrepreneurship we have together with Lennart Gisselsson (Lund University Innovation System) and Maria Andersson (Faculty of Engineering, Lund University) developed a new PhD course in Innovation. This course will enable Life Science researchers to identify the commercial potential in their research results. Topics such as immaterial property rights, interactions with 19 (175)

20 society and how to find funding for commercialization of Life Science projects will be addressed at the new PhD course. EDUCATION ACTIVITIES FOR EXODIAB IN 2013 Bioinformatics At Lund University the Pufendorf Institute stimulates cross-disciplinary research of long-term strategic importance. In 2013 Exodiab together with other Strategic Research Areas and Linnaeus centres at Lund University filed an application to become an Advanced Study Group at the Pufendorf Institute. We were granted funding for our proposed activities to be held in , mainly open seminars. In 2013 we have created a meeting arena for persons at Lund University with an interest in bioinformatics. Participants come from three different faculties. Filing of an application for the recruitment of an internationally renowned guest professor in bioinformatics has been done in Can the launch of the new national medical training help us in having an input in an MD/PhD program? Exodiab strives to have an impact on future clinical translation and clinical research. Implementing changes in an existing educational system takes time and Exodiab tries to use the current momentum created during the national revision of the medical training." Please describe the major results within the environment in (Question Q3) "RESEARCH RESULTS FOR EXODIAB IN 2013 Exodiab has published a vast amount of scientific publications in the field of diabetes, more than 340 articles, all contributing to improving our understanding of diabetes. The multi-disciplinary work performed is reflected in the varied journals our researchers publish in. As previously reported our biological infrastructure, the Exodiab Human Tissue Lab, is a crucial asset to Exodiab researchers. To date more than 190 pancreases have been donated to the national Human Tissue Lab, whereof 28 come from diagnosed diabetics. These tissues are carefully investigated and the results are shared and made available to Exodiab researchers. In addition to pancreases, the Human Tissue Lab also includes other tissues relevant for diabetes research, such as fat, muscle, liver, kidney and blood vessels. Since the beginning in 2008 more than newly diagnosed diabetics have been recruited to the clinical cohorts ANDIS and ANDIU. We already can see that a new map of diabetes subgroups needs to be drawn, based on analysis of genetic markers and biomarkers. In the summer of 2013 one published article attracted special attention by press worldwide, exemplified by an article in the New York Times. The investigation of DNA methylation in fat cells, before and after a period of intensified exercise, showed that methylation of genes were altered following exercise. The identification of distinct genes that were regulated by methylation is likely able to explain the mechanism whereby exercise reduces the risk of diabetes and obesity. INNOVATION RESULTS FOR EXODIAB IN 2013 Forming the Diabridge company: In 2013 efforts to find funding for the company has been prioritized. Exodiab has taken the initiative with the Strategic Research Area at Karolinska Institute/Umeå University and AstraZeneca as partners to develop an agenda for innovation. The pilot project was granted by VINNOVA and a follow-up expression of interest has been filed in A feasibility study has been undertaken to investigate the current premises for the establishment of Diabridge. Identifying innovation projects: Since the start of the Innovation Office 36 potential projects/ideas have been evaluated. At the end of 2013 six projects were active and were found at different stages of development. Licensing deal: A licensing deal with an industry partner has been negotiated in Enhancing academic and industrial communication and mutual understanding: An IDEA Summit meeting was 20 (175)