1Markus Albertini, 2Annemarie Poustka, 3Stefan Schreiber, 1Uta Strasser
1Project Management NGFN, DLR, Koblenzerstr. 112, D-53177 Bonn - Bad Godesberg, 2DKFZ, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, Technologiepark 3, D-69120 Heidelberg, 3Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, I. Medizinische Klinik, Schittenhelmstrasse 12, D-24105 Kiel
Given recent impact of genomics on biomedical research the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) established the National Genome Research Network NGFN. Funding started in 2001 for an initial period of three years with a total sum of 180 million DM.
The NGFN`s new interdisciplinary concept is based on close collaboration between the areas of high-throughput genome research and medical research for the benefit of improved diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases. To meet this target, an outstanding number of renowned clinical experts and scientists in basic research combine their know-how within the NGFN. Two key criteria - size and combined approach - of the NGFN demand a well defined structural base as prerequisite for the NGFN`s efficiency and success:
The Research Institutions fall into three clusters. The Core Area is formed by five major institutions (4 Helmholtz-Centers and 1 Max-Planck-Institute) with their expertise in high throughput genomic research. Jointly they maintain seven research platforms, including the fields of genomic evolution, gene expression profiling, cDNA sequencing and functional assays, protein interactions, animal models, genotyping and bioinformatics. This Core Area interacts with five Disease-oriented Genome Networks which have their focus on cardiovascular diseases, infection and inflammation, cancer, diseases of the nervous system and diseases due to environmental factors. Each of these networks consists of 3-5 local research sites, which are mainly located at universities, but also include non university research sites and some biotechnology companies. As a third cluster Platform Technologies cover the areas of bioinformatics, proteomics and genetic epidemiology. Overall, the NGFN institutes are spread nationwide.
Two Committees take different responsibilities in steering the project. The External Steering Committee assures the performance of the NGFN along governmental prerequisites, especially with regard to structure, scientific strategies and finances of the NGFN. Its members are most competent experts from science and industry. The Internal Board consists of representatives of the Core Area, the Disease-oriented Genome Networks and the Platform Technologies. This committee is the 'Self-steering' board of the NGFN, with its main focus on project coordination, project controlling and public relations.
To provide a broad spectrum of support for research projects and for both committees, the Agency for Technology Transfer and the bureau for Project Management were set up. The Technology Transfer Agency supports all partners in the NGFN concerning commercial exploitation of research results like patenting matters or industrial cooperations. With the NGFN Project Management a professional team administers a comprehensive set of operational tasks to allow relevant and information based action for the Internal as well as for the External Steering Committee.
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