Strengthening Translational Research for Improved Metabolic Health

Curbing obesity-related diseases is one of key priorities of the Horizon Europe 2023-2024 work programme.

Although metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease and prominent manifestation of metabolic syndrome, its real socioeconomic burden is likely underestimated. Serbia is affected both socially and economically by the increasing incidence of MASLD, with a prevalence of 45%.

Therefore, the establishment of a center for metabolic disease research in this region is an important priority.

The STRIMHealth project aims to develop a joint research strategy of Institute for Biological Research Sinia Stankovi (IBISS) with three leading European institutions, in order to step-up and promote scientific excellence and innovation capacity of IBISS, and to establish the Metabolic Disease Research Unit as European Knowledge Hub.

The project partners have multidisciplinary skills and complementary knowledge that will significantly enhance the research and management capacity of IBISS and increase its visibility, attractiveness and networking.The objectives of the STRIMHealth project are: 1) to enhance IBISS scientific excellence by creating an impactful research framework with leading EU research institutions; 2) to strengthen IBISS research capacity for forefront translational research; 3) to sustain IBISS' growth by improving its research management and administrative capabilities; 4) to strengthen and expand IBISS' networking with both academia and industry.

These aims will be achieved through a series of research partnerships, workshops, trainings, knowledge exchanges and staff visits, and transfer of experience between partners.

STRIMHealth project will increase IBISS research capacity in the field of metabolic disease, link it to existing EU initiatives, and develop a competitive multidisciplinary research unit with strong international networks.