project: reinforcement of the research capacity of the...
TRANSCRIPT
1
INSTITUTE BIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGYOF REPRODUCTION „ACAD. К. BRATANOV“
BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES73, Tzarigradsko shose, Sofia 1113
Director: prof. Dimitrina Kacheva
Project:
REINFORCEMENT OF THE RESEARCH
CAPACITY OF THE BULGARIAN INSTITUTE
„BIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
OF REPRODUCTION“
Co-ordinator:Associate professor Margarita Mollova, PhD
Scientific expert:Associate professor Elena Kistanova, PhD
Теl.: +359 2 872 00 18; е-mail: [email protected]
http://ibir.bas.bg/
http://reproforce.ibir.bg/
2
BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCESINSTITUTE BIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGYOF REPRODUCTION „Acad. К. Bratanov“
Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology –
Center for Stem Cell Research,
University of Milan, Italy – Prof. F. Gandolfi
Department of Obstetrics at the Friedrich Schiller
University, Jena, Germany – Prof. U. Markert
Private Hospital for Gynecology, Magdeburg,
Germany – Prof. H. Donat
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, UK,– Prof. N. Fernandez
Human and Animal Physiology Group, Department
of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen,Netherlands – Prof. K. Teerds
Clinical Department of Reproduction and Animal Breeding,
Biotechnology in reproductionq University of Veterinary
Medicine, Vienna, Austria – Dr. U. Besenfelder
University Clinic for Reproductive Medicine and
Gynecologic Endocrinology, Magdeburg, Germany– Prof. J. Kleinstein
ReProForceFP7-REGPOT-2009-1
REINFORCEMENT OF THE RESEARCH CAPACITY OF THE BULGARIAN INSTITUTE „BIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION“
7 partner institutions
3
The ReProForce project provides an opportunity for IBIR – BAS to in-crease its human and technical recourses potential and to tighten its
cooperation on both National and Europw-wide scale
PROJECT IDEA
MAIN GOAL
Providing means for improving the research potential of IBIR andreestablishing its leadership position in Southeast Europe in the scientific area of the Biology and Immunology of Reproduction
in animals and human
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
• Reinforcement of the Research Capability of IBIR – BAS• Upgrading the Technological Capacity of IBIR – BAS• Promoting the National and Inernational recognition of IBIR – BAS
within Bulgaria and Southeast Europe, and its integration in the European Research Area
WP1 Strengthning the Research capability of IBIR-BAS
WP2 Improving the technological capacity of IBIR-BAS for research, technical development and inactivity
WP3 Network building
WP3.1 Building IBIR-BAS’s strategic partnerships
WP3.2 Organizing of Scientific Meetings and Dissemination of scientific results of IBIR-BAS’s research
WP4 Transparency and recognition of the Project results
WP5 Management and Coordination of ReProForce
WP6 Expert Panel Review
4
BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCESINSTITUTE BIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGYOF REPRODUCTION „Acad. К. Bratanov“
ReProForceFP7-REGPOT-2009-1
REINFORCEMENT OF THE RESEARCH CAPACITY OF THE BULGARIAN INSTITUTE „BIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION“
Mobility Actions implementied: 27
Project start – 12.2009, Project duration – 42 months
Mobility from IBIR: 21Senior Researchers: 12Junior Researchers: 9
Mobility to IBIR: 6Senior Researchers: 6
Coordinator and solitary beneficent –Institute of „Biology and Immunology of Reproduction“
Highly competitive project – among more than 1300 projects submitted under REGPOT – only 16 funded
Funding from 7th Framework Program – BGN 3 000 000 Co-funding from MES – BGN 324 030
5
6
ReProForce Partners meetings (3)
• ReProForce Project kick-off meeting: January,26 and 29, 2010
• 2nd ReProForce Partners meeting: February, 20-22, 2011
• 3rd ReProForce Partners Meeting: January, 29-30, 2012
EVENTS HELD – 26
Organization of days of „Open doors” in IBIR (3)
• October, 27-28, 2010• November, 29-30, 2011• November 29-30, 2012
Organization of scientific events (8)
• Workshop „Mitochondria and Reproduction“ – Joint Event of FP7Project ReProForce and COST Actions FA0602. June, 2-3, 2010
• Scientific Seminar „Stem cells as a basis for development of regenerative medicin“ – July, 21, 2010
• Training Course Biotechnology of Embryo Transfer in Farm Animalsheld by Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction in col-laboration with Institute of Mountain Agriculture and Stock-breed-ing, Troyan, Bulgaria. September, 25-28, 2010
• Theoretical seminar on the Problems of proteomics, October, 20,2010
• 2nd Conference of Balkan Network for Animal ReproductionBiotechnology „European Achievements in Biotechnology in AnimalReproduction” and supporting Workshop, March 24-25, 2011
• Immunological problems of human reproduction. November, 5, 2011
• Round Table „Application of contemporary science knowledge in assisted reproduction techniques“. March, 31, 2012
• 13th International Symposium for Immunology of Reproduction„From the roots to the tops of reproductive immunology” „Fr. Joliot-Curie“, International house of scientists, Varna, Bulgaria. June, 22-24, 2012
7
UP-GRADE AND ORGANISATION OF 4 IBIR LABORATORIES:
• Laboratory for proteome analysis.• Laboratory for cell culture, physical and chemical analyses.• Laboratory for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. • Laboratory for confocal and light microscopy.
Organization of scientific and methodological seminars (10)
• Application of flow cytometry for analysis of cells, 2010
• Application of proteomic analysis methods, 2010
• Sample preparation and image analysis for Leica confocal microscope, 2010
• Application of the spectrophotometric analysis methods, 2011
• 4 Extensive Methodological Seminars represented the newgeneration of methods, 2011:
• llumina: „Presentation of a new generation personal sequencingand microarray analysis with application in a wide range of researchand diagnostic practice”
• Agilent: „Contemporary Agilent technologies applied in the field of microarray analysis”
• Hitachi: „A new model of TEM produced by Hitachi“• BioRad: „Proteomics workflow – discovery of protein world“
• Micromanipulation system and confocal microscope as powerful toolsfor the oocyte and embryo investigation, 2012
• A theoretical and practical course on „Flow Cytometry“, 2012
1. RTDI STRATEGY OF IBIR – BAS
The overall objective of the strategy is to help IBIR – BAS develop further itsresearch potential and become a true player in the European Research Area.It builds on the EU’s concept of centres of excellence in research.
Today we still do not have a commonly agreed definition on what a centreof research excellence is. When the European Commission launched a morefocused action in support of centres of excellence, the following workingdefinition was proposed:
„A centre of excellence is a structure where RTD is performed ofworld standard, in terms of measurable scientific production (in-cluding training) and/or technological innovation".
Based on this definition and looking at the performance of some Europeanleading centres of excellence some key characteristics of the centres of excellence can be derived:
– High-level, high-standing researchers;– Having its own research agenda;– Conducting globally competitive research;– Multidisciplinarity of research and complementarity of skills;– High international visibility;– Strong networking and connectivity with the scientific and industrial
communities;– Dynamic exchange of qualified researchers;– Stability of funding and diversified financial resources.
The quality of the research of such centres can be measured based on a number of criteria, some of which are:
– scientific publications;– patents filed;– post-doc positions offered;– number of research personnel and visiting scientists;– number and volume of commercial contracts;– number of spin-off companies;– participation in trans-European educational schemes, etc.
8
1.1. Mission of IBIR – BAS
• IBIR – BAS performs fundamental and applied scientific investigationsas well as educational activity in the domain of biology and immunologyof animal and human reproduction.
• The investigation domain of IBIR – BAS is unique at national level andis dedicated at resolving of social problems like reproductive health, sus-tainable usage and restoration of natural resources and improvementof quality of life.
1.2. Vision of IBIR – BAS for the year of 2025
• IBIR – BAS is a well established and recognised European centre of ex-cellence carrying out outstanding research with the ultimate goal toimprove reproductive health, and as well is an equally standing partnerin scientific research on biology and immunology of reproduction in hu-mans and animals in the European Research Area.
1.3. Guiding principles and values
The researchers of IBIR – BAS follow the principles and values spelled out inthe European Charter for Researchers, namely research freedom, researchethics and scientific integrity, professional responsibility, professional attitude,contractual and legal obligations (incl. IPR regulations), accountability, goodpractice in research, dissemination and exploitation of results, public engage-ment, relation with supervisors of the junior researchers, supervision andmanagerial duties of the senior researchers, and continuing professional de-velopment. The following principles that guide the research work of IBIR –BAS’ staff are complementary to the ones presented in the European Charterfor Researchers:
• Engagement to social problems related to the reproductive health andfood quality and safety in Bulgaria and Europe.
• High quality, interdisciplinary and innovative scientific production
• Dissemination and exploitation of scientific results
• Networking with national, European and international partners.
9
1.4. Organigramme of the RTDI Strategy of IBIR – BAS
ACTION PLAN – MEASURES AND TASKS
10
Priority 3:
Technology
Transfer
Priority 4:
Cooperation
and
Networking
SG1: ResearchExcellence
SG2: European / GlobalTrends
SG3: ResearchInfrastructure
Priority 1:
Scientific
Research
Measures
Measures
Measures
Measures
SG1: E & T 4 youngresearchers
SG2: Research potential
SG3: Capacity building
SG1: Cooperation - business
SG2: IPR protection
SG3: IBIR – certificationcentre
SG1: Network in Bulgaria
SG2: Network in EU
SG3: International network
SG4: Visibility of IBIR
Priority 2:
Education
and Training
AC
TIO
NP
LA
N–
Me
as
ure
sa
nd
Ta
sk
s
1.5. Development priorities
Priority 1: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Research agenda of IBIR – BAS
The research activities in IBIR-BAS contribute to different levels of the reproductive cycle of animals and humans (Figure 1). They are concentrated on contemporary issues of high importance to the societyand the economy, which require innovative approaches for studying andsolving them. The research domain of IBIR corresponds to the NationalResearch Strategy of Bulgaria until 2020 (Priority 2. Health and quality oflife, biotechnologies and ecological food) and „Horizon 2020“ – the EUFramework Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2014– 2020 (Priorities: Health, demographic changes, welfare and Safety food, sustainable agriculture and bio-economy).
11
Gametogenesis
ReproductiveHealth and
Quality
FertilizationPregnansy
Pathological problems in reproduction
Figure 1. Reproductive cycle
12
Scientific research priorities of IBIR – BAS
During the last decades the research conducted by IBIR – BAS has reached anew level, namely research in all aspects of reproduction in human and ani-mals at the molecular level. This provides an opportunity for IBIR to con-tribute to the European research activities under different programmes, ontopics related to reproductive health, environmental effects on reproductionand cryopreservation of the reproductive cells and tissues. The enhancementof molecular research results both into deepening of fundamental research,as well as into the development of innovative products with applications inthe human and animal medicine and animal husbandry. The research agendaof IBIR in the field of human and animal reproduction corresponds to theStrategic Research Agenda of FABRE-TP and to the European and global sci-entific priorities related to overcoming the infertility and thus can achievesignificant impact on the society as a whole.
The current research agenda of IBIR is as follows:
Gametogenesis and gametes’ qualityinvestigation of molecular markers of gametesrelated to fertility.Oxidative-antioxidative status of gametes;toxic effect of free radicals during in vitromanipulation and cryopreservation.Development of cryoprotectors for optimiza-tion of cryopreservation biotechnology forgametes, embryos and stem.
FertilisationImpact of anti-ovarian authoantibodies on fertility.Immuno-endocrine regulation of reproductivecycle.Optimization of the MOEM and ART biotech-nologies.
PregnancyFactors and mechanisms of immunoregulationduring pregnancy.Distribution of stem cells in endometrium inpathological situation.Decidual/placental stem cells.
Pathologicalproblems inreproduction
– Effect of mesenchy-mal stem cells on pro-liferation andapoptosis of tumourcells
– Search of potentialmarkers for early di-agnostics and targetsfor therapy inrepro-ductive system cancerand other pathologi-cal situations in repro-duction
Figure 2: Organigramme of IBIR's research priorities
The strategic goals and the measures for their attainment are derived
from the overall analysis of the research activities of IBIR, and take into
account the findings from the questionnaire-based surveys and workshops
(Jan – Feb 2013).
Strategic Goals Performance Indicators
13
Strategic Goal 1: Excellence in fundamental and applied research.
The definition commonly agreed by theIBIR’s research staff is
„Research excellence means competi-tive research in human and animal reproduction at the European and theinternational levels”.
This goal will be achieved through a variety of concrete measures:
• M1 – Development of national, European and national research projects, as well as participating insuch projects as a partner; setting upan in-house structural unit to monitor the calls for proposals andthe programmes of relevance to the research agenda of the institute;
• M2 – Contracts with businesses/associations and IVF clinics for the implementation of joint research projects;
• M3 – Publication of articles in IF journals;
• M4 – Mobility of researchers. Thismeasure will target both outwardand inward mobility of researchersfor exchange of highly qualified staffwith European and international high-standing research organiza-tions;
• M5 – Recruitment of post-docs.
M1Number of project applications/Number of signed grant agreementsFinancial value of the contracted projects/Implementation of the budgetsNumber of master students withdiploma projects defended on the research topics of the projectsNumber of PhD fellows working on theprojects and number of PhD fellowswith successfully defended researchthesesSetting up a new in-house structuralunit and members of staff of this unit
M2Number of contracts and financialvalue of the contracts
M3Number of publications in IF journals
M4Number and duration of staff exchanges of highly qualified researchers
M5Number of new post-docs on an employment contract
14
Strategic Goal 2: Correspondence of theresearch areas of IBIR – BAS with (i) theEuropean and global trends in the areaof human and animal reproduction aswell as with (ii) the societal needs of thenational and European economy.
The attainment of this goal will beachieved through different types of meas-ures, which will allow for monitoring theEuropean and global developments inhuman and animal reproduction:
• M6 – Participation in scientific events –congresses, conferences and workshopswith the aim to present the outcomesof ongoing research as well as to learnabout the research achievements ofsimilar research organisations both fromEurope and outside Europe;
• M7– Membership in different networksand scientific societies; participation inEU programmes focused on the regional development and regional cooperation in order to monitor theneeds of regional and European stakeholders;
• M8 – Surveys of national stakeholderswith the aim to monitor the changingdemand for scientific advice and research collaboration with IBIR – BAS,as well as surveys of prospective European partners in order to keep up-to-date the research agenda of theinstitute.
Strategic Goal 3: Modern research infra-structure.
According to the EU definition, „the term'research infrastructures' refers to facilities, resources, systems and relatedservices that are used by research communities to conduct toplevel researchin their respective fields. This definitioncovers: major scientific equipment or set
M6Number of events in which the research staff have participatedNumber of presented research reports and posters
M7Number of memberships of the instituteNumber of staff who are membersin different scientific organisationsNumber of projects under the EUprogrammes for regional development
M8Number of surveys and number ofrespondents per surveyAnalysis of the findings and recommendations in the surveys.These will serve as an input for up-dating the development strategyand the research agenda of the institute.Recommendations from the surveys which have been implementedUpdate of the research agenda andstrategy, and the corresponding action plan
M9Number of applications for
research infrastructure projects
Number of items of new research
equipment
15
of instruments; knowledge-based resources such as collections, archives orstructured scientific information; ICT-basede-Infrastructures (networks, computing resources, software and data repositories)for research and education; any other entityof a unique nature essential to achieve orenable excellence in research. Research infrastructures may be 'single-sited' or 'distributed' (a network of resources).”
The measures foreseen for the attainmentof this goal fall into two groups:
Group 1. Measures for optimising and further expanding the existing research infrastructure of IBIR – BAS:
• M9 – preparation of projects to the relevant RTDI and Structural Funds programmes for the upgrade and expansion of the currently existing research infrastructure;
• M10 – inviting companies – producersand importers of research equipment – tomake presentations on the contemporaryresearch laboratory equipment;
• M11 – access to online resources and subscription to relevant scientific journals.
Group 2. Measures for accessing European-level research infrastructures of larger scalewhich are deemed necessary for the conductof scientific research:
• M12 – Review of the roadmap on European research infrastructures andlaunching actions for getting access tothose research infrastructures, which arerelevant for the purposes of the researchwork of the Institute.
M10Number of presentations by
leading companies – producers
and importers of research
equipment
M11Number of subscriptions to
scientific journals
Subscription and access to online
resources
M12Access to European research
infrastructures – projects and
contracts
16
Priority 2: EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE AREA OF BIOLOGY ANDIMMUNOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION EMPLOYING THE LIFE-LONG LEARNING APPROACH
The measures foreseen under this priority will be jointly implemented with national and European/international research partners, and will be focused onsupporting the career development of young researchers with high research potential on the one hand, mobility of senior researchers, as well as on enhancingthe qualifications of the staff for their research and practical activities. Beforeworking out the education and training programme for each calendar year, themanagement of IBIR – BAS will conduct a training needs assessment in Novemberof the preceding year. The measures will address both young and experiencedresearchers, as well as encompass specialised trainings for developing of genericskills like research and innovation management and presentations skills. Thestrategic goals and the measures proposed for their attainment build on thequestionnaire-based survey of the research staff and the follow-up discussion inFebruary 2013.
Strategic Goals Performance Indicators(on an annual basis)
Strategic Goal 1: Education and training to support the career development of young researchers –focus on MSc students and PhD fellows
The measures will aim to attract andretain young people to science and theprofession of the researcher. The following measures are in the focus ofIBIR-BAS:• M13 – Development and implemen-
tation of joint interdisciplinary programmes for masters’ students aswell as PhD programmes. Of specialinterest here are the ‘Marie Curie’ actions within Horizon 2020 (Action1), as well as the opportunities of‘Erasmus for All’ for the internationallevel activities. At the national levelthe opportunities of the National Science Fund for launching such programmes will be explored;
• M14 – Opening new research positions for young scientists – PhDfellows. This will be of crucial
M13Number of interdisciplinary programmes and projectsVolume of funding
M14Number of enrolled PhD fellowsNumber of PhD fellows successfullycompleted their PhD thesisNumber of employment contracts forPhDsNumber of enrolled masters’Number of successfully graduated mastersNumber of jobs for graduated masters
M15Number of specialised trainings andsummer schools
M16Number of internal trainings for youngresearchers
17
importance for the future of the institute. Such positions can beopened on a temporary basis in thebeginning, under research projects,and then be transformed into positions on an employment contract;
• M15 – Organisation of specialisedtraining seminars and summerschools jointly with European andBulgarian partners;
• M16 – Work with the young researchers – organisation of internaltrainings, with lecturers from the senior research staff of IBIR – BASand the national partners (universities and other research institutes).
Strategic Goal 2: Enhancing the research potential of the scientists ofIBIR – BAS on an ongoing basis
The measures foreseen under thisstrategic goal are the following:• M17 – Participation in projects under
Action 2 of Marie Curie Actions/Horizon 2020 (Support for Experienced Researchers Undertaking Mobility) as well as inthe relevant mobility schemes of theNational Science Fund;
• M18 – Networking/twinning withleading research entities in Europeand signing of cooperation researchagreements;
• M19 – Recruitment of experiencedresearchers in the research area ofIBIR-BAS;
• M20 – Training on new researchmethodologies. Participation inevents organised by other researchorganisations and universities in Bulgaria and abroad.
• M21 – Events – open days, conferences/congresses and work-shops – organised by IBIR – BAS
M17Number of Marie Curie projectsNumber of Erasmus for All projectsNumber of projects supported by theNational Science FundVolume of funding
M18Number of cooperation agreements
M19Number of recruited experienced researchers
M20Number of trainings on new researchmethods/methodologiesNumber of lectures by in-house professors and ass. professorsNumber of invited lecturersNumber of participants in the events
M21Number of scientific events organisedby IBIR – BASNumber of participants in the eventsProgrammes of the events
18
Strategic Goal 3: Capacity building on research and innovation management
The measures for the attainment ofthis goal aim to strengthen the capac-ity of IBIR towards effective manage-ment of its research and innovationactivities. Technology and knowledgetransfer to practical applications is ahighly-skilled area requiring diverseand multifaceted expertise. The lack ofsuch capacities might limit the practicalapplications of research achievementsand hence, the societal benefits. Thefollowing measures, foreseen underthis goal, encompass both trainings or-ganised for the institute and trainingsof other organisations, where the re-search staff can participate, as well asnational-level trainings:• M22 – Participation in programme-
focused trainings on the EU programmes in the period 2014-2020;
• M23 – Participation in project andfinancial management trainings;
• M24 – Participation in trainings onhow to build research partnerships;
• M25 – Participation in trainings on technology transfer and IPR protection
M22Number of trainingsNumber of participants from IBIREffects from the trainings in terms ofproject applications and projects approved for funding
M23Number of trainingsNumber of participants from IBIR
M24Number of trainingsNumber of participants from IBIR
M25Number of trainingsNumber of participants from IBIR
19
Strategic Goals
Strategic Goal 1: Strengthening the cooperation with the businesses
The attainment of this goal will beachieved through the following meas-ures:• M26 – Monitoring of the business
needs. This will be achieved throughperiodical inquires through online survey as well as through regularmeetings with business representatives;
• M27 – Awareness among the business community on the researchtopics of IBIR – BAS and the researchresults with high potential for practical applications. The tools toraise awareness are: days of opendoors, scientific exhibitions, roundtable discussion, information days toalert the business community of thescientific achievements of IBIR;
• M28 – Contracts with businesses/associations and IVF clinics for theprovision of scientific services – on demand by the businesses.
• M29 – Establishing an Advisory Boardof stakeholder representatives incl.foreign renowned researchers. All
Performance Indicators (on an annual basis)
M26Number of meetings with business representativesNumber of surveys of the needs of thebusinesses in animal reproduction andhealth reproductionFeedback and update of the strategyand the corresponding action plan
M27Number of information daysNumber of open doors daysNumber of round table discussionsNumber of exhibitions
M28Number of signed contractsNumber of staff of IBIR working on thecontractsValue of the contractsNumber of methods/methodologiestransferred to practical applications
M29Mandate of the advisory bodyMembers of the advisory boardMeetings and recommendations
Priority 3. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Given the societal importance of the research carried out by IBIR – BAS for boththe human and veterinary medicine, the transfer of the research achievementsinto practical applications will be of high priority in IBIR’s future activities. Tech-nologies and new methods are developed in collaboration with business partners.These development processes can be rather expensive. This is why the transferof knowledge and technologies into practical applications is the natural end ofeach scientific research. But it also demands a really proactive approach by com-mitted people, since it engages the researchers and the business partners at thesame time. Technology transfer activities will be highly beneficial to IBIR, sincethey will increase the visibility of the institute and increase the credibility of itsscientific research.
20
members the board will be externalexperts.
• M30 – Including 2 business representatives in the ResearchCouncil of IBIR – one from animal reproduction and one from humanreproduction. These representativeswill work on 2-year mandates, according to the action plans for theimplementation of the strategy.
Strategic Goal 2: IPR protection
• M31 – Inventory of the researchachievements of IBIR from the last 5 years (2008-2012) and assessmentof their potential for practical applications. For the purpose a teamof experts from research and industry will have to be establishedwith the mandate to assess the practical applicability of the researchresults before proceeding to patentapplications.
• M32 – Patent applications.
Strategic Goal 3: IBIR – BAS to becomea centre with certification functionsfor export and import of genetic ma-terial (semen, oocytes and embryos)in Bulgaria.
• M33 – Coordination of laboratorycertification with governmental bodies
• M34 – Certification of Laboratory forthe quality assessment of gametesand embryos
M30Mandate of the business representatives in the Research Councilof IBIRMembers – names and short bios plusjustification on their selection
M31Team of experts to assess the practicalapplicability of IBIR’s research achieve-mentsInventory of research results with ap-plication potential
M32Number of patent applications
M33Agreement signing
M34 Number of contracted analyses for certificationFinancial value of contracts
21
Strategic Goals
Strategic Goal 1: Expanding the partnership network in Bulgaria andstrengthening the social-oriented research
Measures:• M35 – Active cooperation with the
research and innovation partners inBulgaria through trainings organisedby the staff of IBIR
• M36 – Expanding the research cooperation with new research topics and attracting new researchpartners
• M37 – Development of joint workingplans and regular meetings to update the joint working plans
Strategic Goal 2: Expanding the partnership network in EU
Measures:• M38 – Expanding the research
cooperation with new research topics and attracting new researchpartners in EU
• M39 – Bilateral research agreements • M40 – Membership in international
research networks
Performance Indicators(on an annual basis)
M35Number of partnersNumber of trainings organised for thenational-level partnersNumber of participants
M36New research topics based on the demand of the national partnersNew research partners
M37Number of meetings per annumNumber of participantsJoint working plans and their implementation
M38New research topics based on the de-mand of the EU partnersNew research partners
M39Signed bilateral research agreements
M40List of memberships
Priority 4. ENHANCING THE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION COOPERATION AND NETWORKING IN THE COUNTRY AND ABROAD
IBIR will carry out its research activities in close collaboration with academic andbusiness partners from the country and abroad. This encompasses conductingjoint research, joint research projects under national and European programmes,joint organisation and joint participation in seminars and conferences. This pri-ority and its measures are also meant to improve the dialogue between re-searchers, policy makers and business partners. The measures are of horizontalnature, i.e. they are designed to support the attainment of the strategic goalsof the preceding 3 priorities.
22
• M41 – Establishing cooperation withthe European Food Safety Agencyfor the development of researchprojects related to the assessment of food quality effect on the reproductive health
Strategic Goal 3: Building a network ofinternational organisations
Measures:• M42 – Development of research
collaboration with non-EU researchorganizations and universities
Strategic Goal 4: Visibility of IBIR –BAS through promotion and advertising
Measures:• M43 – Reconstruction, re-design and
ongoing maintenance of the web-site of IBIR in Bulgaria and inEnglish
• M44 – Visibility of IBIR in the socialmedia: FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn
• M45 – Annual promotional plan asan integral part of the Action Plansfor the implementation of the RTDIstrategy
M41Number of successful projects
M42Number of joint project proposalsNumber of signed contractsVolume of funding
M43New/upgraded web-site
M44Presentations of IBIR in FaceBook,Twitter, LinkedIn. Maintenance of theinstitutional profile
M45Annual promotional plans with concrete tasks and time-frame
1.6. Implementation of the strategy
The strategy covers the period June 2013 – December 2020. The strategywill be implemented through bi-annual action plans as follows:
First Action Plan – June 2013 – December 2014Second Action Plan – January 2015 – December 2016Third Action Plan – January 2017 – December 2018Forth Action Plan – January 2019 – December 2020
Each action plan has the following main elements: the measures to be im-plemented during the period of the action plan, the staff in charge of or-ganising the implementation of each measure and the resources for theimplementation of the action plan. The action plans are concrete and theypresent a coherent and logical programme of action. Each action plan cancover in full or encompass the implementation of a sub-set of the measuresfrom the RTDI strategy. This is the management team of IBIR – BAS who isin charge of working out the annual reports on the implementation, as wellas the action plans for each bi-annual period. The strategy itself will be re-viewed in the end of each calendar year as well, and if necessary – updatedbased on identified emerging issues and needs of stakeholders, partners andstaff.
1.7. Financial resources for the implementation of the strategy
By the time of working out the strategy the major funding comes from theannual budget subsidies for the regular salaries of the research and admin-istrative staff and the maintenance of the building. Taking into account thatthe RTDI strategy is highly ambitious, the common understanding of IBIR'sstaff and management is that the implementation of the strategy and theaction plans should rely on funding on a competitive basis through partici-pation in national, European and international programmes. Given that thetime of developing the strategy and its first action plan is in a period (firsthalf of 2013) when most of the EU programmes have closed all calls for pro-posals, and the programmes of the new funding period 2014-2020 are justbefore opening, this part of the strategy will be worked out in detail in Jan-uary 2014, when it is expected that all working programmes will be publishedand there will be information available on their funding priorities and instru-ments.
23
Impact
Considering the social importance of research conducted by IBIR – BAS, aswell as the high relevance of it to both human and veterinary medicine, thetransfer of knowledge and research results into the practice will be the toppriority for IBIR – BAS in the coming years. New technologies and methodsdeveloped in partnership with business and research partners will be crucialfor IBIR’s development, since they will bring not only additional expertise tothe institute but will increase as well its visibility and credibility among busi-ness and society at the large.Through diversifying its research agenda and developing also its innovationpotential IBIR – BAS strives to become by the year of 2020 an important andrenowned research centre in the field of human and animal reproduction inthe European Research Area.Following the priorities of its RTDI strategy IBIR – BAS will manage to con-centrate its efforts on enhancing its research activities and improving theoverall performance of the educational activities as well.The implementation of the strategy will allow for strengthening the researchcapacity of the institute through interdisciplinary PhD programmes and therecruitment of qualified young researchers. The strong competition at boththe national and European levels demands from scientists to be at the sametime good researchers and good research managers. This is why the strategyhas such a priority, which is focused on developing the complementary skillsof the research staff, like research and innovation management, knowledgeon IPR, technology transfer.The implementation of the strategy will also help IBIR – BAS to considerablyexpand its partnership networks not only in Bulgaria, but in the EuropeanUnion and internationally as well.The attainment of the strategic goals will help IBIR – BAS to become a centreof excellence in its scientific domain with:
• ImpactContemporary research agenda.• Multidisciplinarity of research and complementarity of skills.• High-level and high-standing researchers.• Conducting competitive research.• High international visibility.• Strong networking and connectivity with the scientific and business
communities.• Dynamic exchange of qualified researchers.• Stability of funding and diversified financial resources.
24
25
Task
s
Mea
sure
1
Task
1. O
rgan
isatio
n of
res
earc
h in
vest
igat
ions
on
the
follo
win
g to
pics
/di
rect
ions
:
GA
MET
OG
ENES
IS A
ND
GA
MET
ES' Q
UA
LITY
Mor
phol
ogic
al
char
acte
rist
ic
of
sper
man
d sp
erm
atoz
oid-
spec
ific
pro
tein
s an
den
zym
es, r
elat
ed t
o fe
rtili
zing
abi
lity.
Oxi
dati
ve-a
ntio
xida
tive
sta
tus
of s
perm
from
diff
eren
t sp
ecie
s; to
xic
effe
ct o
f fre
era
dica
ls in
cry
opre
serv
ed s
perm
.
Role
of
se
min
al
plas
ma
prot
eins
in
ad
apta
tion
cap
abili
ties
of
sper
mat
ozoa
stor
ed a
t lo
w t
empe
ratu
res.
Biom
arke
rs
for
sele
ctin
g oo
cyte
s in
pr
ogra
m f
or in
vit
ro f
ertil
isat
ion.
Act
ivit
ies
•Co
ordi
nato
rs a
nd P
rinc
ipal
inv
esti
gato
rs o
fea
ch p
robl
em a
re to
be
appo
inte
d am
ong
the
scie
ntis
ts f
rom
IBIR
;
•Te
ams
on e
ach
prob
lem
/di
rect
ion/
topi
cto
beap
poin
ted;
•To
def
ine
the
lead
ing
inve
stig
ator
s w
orki
ngun
der
the
corr
espo
ndin
g to
pic
on
the
base
of
publ
icat
ions
;
•To
pre
pare
the
mat
ic p
roje
cts
for
sub
mis
sion
to d
iffe
rent
pro
gram
s at
nat
iona
l, re
gion
alan
d Eu
rope
an
leve
l in
ac
cord
ance
to
an
noun
ced
calls
.
Resp
onsi
ble
Scie
ntifi
c Se
cret
ary
Chai
rper
son
ofth
e Sc
ient
ific
Coun
cil
Hea
ds o
f de
part
men
ts
Seni
or s
cien
tists
Tim
elin
e
Unt
il th
e en
d of
201
4
In t
he f
irst
sem
este
r of
2014
, aft
er o
peni
ngth
e fir
st c
alls
for
pro
-po
sals
und
er „
Hor
izon
2020
“ pr
ogra
m
INST
ITU
TE O
F B
IOLO
GY
AN
D IM
MU
NO
LOG
Y O
F REP
RO
DU
CTI
ON
„C
AD
. K
IRIL
BR
ATA
NO
V“
RTD
I ST
RA
TEG
Y 2
020
FIR
ST A
CTI
ON
PLA
N 2
013
-201
4
Prio
rity
1: Sc
ien
tifi
c re
sear
ch
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 1
: Ex
celle
nce
in f
un
dam
enta
l an
d a
pp
lied
res
earc
h
26
Effe
ct o
f bi
olog
ical
act
ive
food
sup
pli-
men
ts o
n ov
ary
activ
ity
and
on g
amet
es'
qual
ity
in f
emal
es a
nd m
ales
.
FERT
ILIS
ATIO
NIm
pact
of
an
ti-o
vari
an
anti
bodi
es
on
fert
ility
.Im
mun
o-e
ndoc
rine
re
gula
tion
of
lu
tein
isat
ion
and
apop
tosi
s in
pr
eovu
lato
ry f
olic
le.
PREG
NA
NCY
–Fa
ctor
s an
d m
echa
nism
s of
im
mun
oreg
ulat
ion
durin
g pr
egna
ncy;
–D
istr
ibut
ion
of
stem
ce
lls
in
endo
met
rium
in p
atho
logi
cal s
ituat
ion;
–D
ecid
ual/
plac
enta
l ste
m c
ells
.
PATH
OLO
GIC
AL
PRO
BLEM
S IN
RE
PRO
DU
CTIO
N–
Effe
ct o
f m
esen
chym
al s
tem
cel
ls o
npr
olife
ratio
n an
d ap
opto
sis
of t
umou
rce
lls;
–Th
e ro
le
of
met
allo
prot
eina
ses
inpa
thog
enes
is
of
brea
st
canc
er
and
thei
r sig
nific
ance
as
prog
nost
ic m
arke
rsfo
r ea
rly d
iagn
osis
of
dise
ase;
27
–G
ene
regu
lato
ry n
etw
orks
bas
ed o
nsi
RNA
, tra
nscr
iptio
n fa
ctor
s an
d fu
sion
onco
prot
eins
in p
rost
ate
canc
erog
ene-
sis.
Stud
ies
on c
ytot
oxic
ity
of p
orfi
rin
com
-po
unds
on
PC3
cell
line.
To in
tens
ify t
he s
tudi
es r
elat
ed t
o th
e in
-flu
ence
of t
he e
nviro
nmen
t in
acc
orda
nce
to t
he la
st E
urop
ean
initi
ativ
e „F
arm
ing,
safe
ty o
f fo
ods
and
clim
ate
chan
ges“
.
Mea
sure
3
Task
2.
St
reng
then
ing
of
the
expe
rt
activ
ity o
f th
e sc
ient
ists
from
IBIR
Mea
sure
6
Task
3.
Pa
rtic
ipat
ion
in
natio
nal
and
Part
icip
atio
n in
ed
itor
ial
boar
ds
of
scie
ntif
ic
jour
nals
in t
he c
ount
ry a
nd a
broa
d.
Act
ive
part
icip
atio
n in
act
iviti
es re
late
d to
refe
ree
of s
cien
tific
pap
ers.
Act
ive
part
icip
atio
n in
exp
erts
com
mit
tees
to
diff
eren
t go
vern
men
tal i
nsti
tuti
ons
and
orga
ns.
Part
icip
atio
n in
the
fol
low
ing
nati
onal
sci
enti
ficm
eetin
gs:
–Ve
terin
ary
Facu
lty
of L
TU;
Seni
or s
cien
tists
Aut
hors
of
oral
repo
rts
and
post
ers
Dur
ing
the
who
le
perio
d
Nov
embe
r 20
13N
ovem
ber
2014
M
arch
201
4
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 2
: C
orr
esp
on
den
ce o
f th
e re
sear
ch a
reas
of
IBIR
– B
AS
wit
h (
i) t
he
Euro
pea
n a
nd
glo
bal
tre
nd
s in
th
e ar
ea o
f h
um
an a
nd
an
imal
rep
rod
uct
ion
as
wel
l as
wit
h (
ii) t
he
soci
etal
nee
ds
of
the
nat
ion
al
and
Eu
rop
ean
eco
no
my
28
inte
rnat
iona
l sci
entif
ic m
eetin
gs
Mea
sure
7
Task
4.
M
embe
rshi
p in
na
tiona
l an
d in
tern
atio
nal s
cien
tific
com
mun
ities
in t
hefie
ld o
f re
prod
uctio
n
Mea
sure
8
Task
5.
Cont
inuo
us m
onit
orin
g of
the
in
tere
sts o
f the
scie
ntifi
c co
mm
uniti
es a
ndin
trod
uctio
n of
the
res
earc
h re
sult
s of
IBIR
–Co
ngre
sses
of
BASR
H;
–N
atio
nal C
onfe
renc
e of
imm
unol
ogy.
Part
icip
atio
n in
inte
rnat
iona
l mee
ting
s:
–A
nnua
l con
fere
nce
of E
SDA
R;–
Inte
rnat
iona
l sy
mpo
sium
on
the
prob
lem
s of
anim
al b
reed
ing
in B
elgr
ade,
Ser
bia.
Mem
bers
hip
of I
BIR
shou
ld b
e co
ntin
ued
in t
hem
ajor
Eur
opea
n sc
ient
ific
com
mun
ities
in t
he fi
eld
of r
epro
duct
ion
of h
uman
s an
d an
imal
s su
ch a
sES
DA
R, A
ETE,
ESR
AD
and
the
fin
anci
al s
uppo
rts
for
thes
e ac
tivi
ties
sho
uld
be p
rovi
ded.
Thi
s w
illgi
ve p
ossi
bilit
ies
for
our
scie
ntis
ts t
o at
tend
the
scie
ntifi
c m
eetin
gs o
rgan
ized
by
thes
e or
gani
za-
tion
s at
red
uced
rat
es o
f pa
rtic
ipat
ions
fee
s.ES
DA
R –
not
less
tha
n 5
rese
arch
ers;
AET
E –
not
less
tha
n 5
rese
arch
ers;
ESRA
DI –
not
less
tha
n 25
res
earc
hers
.To
co
ntin
ue
the
acti
ve
mem
bers
hip
in
the
Tech
nolo
gica
l Pla
tfor
m F
ABR
E-TP
.
Prep
arat
ion
of q
uest
ionn
aire
s an
d di
stri
buti
onam
ong
the
rese
arch
par
tner
s.
Org
aniz
atio
n of
Day
s of
Ope
n D
oors
with
the
aim
to p
rese
nt t
he r
esea
rch
proj
ects
and
res
ults
in
IBIR
.
Scie
ntifi
c se
cret
ary
Chie
f ac
coun
tant
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Sept
embe
r 20
13O
ctob
er 2
013
Unt
il th
e m
iddl
e of
each
yea
r
The
end
of 2
014
4
Nov
embe
r 20
14
29
Mea
sure
9
Task
6.E
nlar
gem
ent
and
upda
ting
of t
hete
chno
logi
cal b
asis
for
rese
arch
of
IBIR
Mea
sure
9
Task
7.
Part
icip
atio
n of
IBI
R in
the
Na-
tiona
l Roa
dmap
for
sci
enti
fic in
fras
truc
-tu
re a
nd g
uara
ntee
for
the
acc
ess
ofsc
ient
ists
from
IBIR
to
Euro
pean
Sci
entif
icIn
fras
truc
ture
Mea
sure
9
Task
8.E
xper
imen
tal a
nim
al f
acili
ty
Pres
enta
tions
of
repr
esen
tati
ves
of le
adin
g fir
ms
in t
he f
ield
abo
ut n
ew c
lass
es a
nd n
ewly
dev
el-
oped
equ
ipm
ent;
Dev
elop
men
t an
d pa
rtic
ipat
ion
in p
roje
cts
for
up-
datin
g of
the
equ
ipm
ent
avai
labl
e in
IBIR
.
To e
stab
lish
conn
ectio
ns w
ith
repr
esen
tativ
es o
fth
e M
inis
try
of E
duca
tion,
You
th a
nd S
cien
ce a
ndth
e le
ader
s of
the
Bul
gari
an C
onso
rtiu
m „
Infr
a-st
ruct
ure
for
geno
mic
, pr
oteo
mic
an
dm
etab
olom
ics
stu
dies
and
com
pute
r si
mul
atio
nan
d de
sign
of
drug
can
dida
tes”
.
Ass
essm
ent
of t
he o
ptio
ns fo
r ac
cess
to
the
Euro
-pe
an h
igh
tech
nolo
gy s
cien
tific
infr
astr
uctu
res.
Regi
stra
tion
of a
n an
imal
hou
se.
To g
et a
for
mal
per
mit
to
carr
y ou
t ex
perim
ents
wit
h la
bora
tory
ani
mal
s.
Prov
idin
g su
itabl
e co
nditi
on f
or d
aily
fun
ctio
ning
of t
he a
nim
al h
ouse
.
Perm
anen
t co
ntac
ts w
ith
BAH
and
the
Eth
ical
Com
mis
sion
w
ith
the
view
to
up
date
th
e do
cum
ents
.
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Scie
ntifi
c Se
cret
ary
Chai
rper
son
ofth
e Sc
ient
ific
Coun
cil
Seni
or s
cien
tists
Pers
on in
char
ge o
f th
ean
imal
hou
se
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
2014
2013
– O
pera
tiona
lpr
ogra
mm
e„C
ompe
titiv
enes
s”20
14 –
OP
„Edu
catio
nan
d Sc
ienc
e“
Unt
il th
e en
d of
201
3
Unt
il th
e en
d of
201
3
Dur
ing
the
who
le
perio
d
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 3
: M
od
ern
res
earc
h in
fras
tru
ctu
re
30
Mea
sure
11
Task
9.D
igita
l lib
rary
fac
ilitie
s
Mea
sure
13
Task
10.
Inte
rdisc
iplin
ary
and
inte
rnat
iona
l PhD
pro
gram
s
To p
rese
rve
and
enla
rge
the
acce
ss t
o on
line
reso
urce
s su
ch
as
SCO
PUS,
SC
IEN
CE
DIR
ECT,
SPRI
NG
ER L
INK
, SW
ET W
ISE,
TH
OM
SON
REU
TERS
WEB
O
F K
NO
WLE
DG
E,
ESSE
NTI
AL
SCIE
NCE
IN
DIC
ATO
RS,
H
IGH
W
IRE
PRES
S,
DO
AJ
– D
IREC
TORY
O
F O
PEN
A
CCES
S JO
UR
NA
LS,
RESE
ARC
H
GA
TE,
SCIE
NTI
FIC
JOU
RN
ALS
IN
TERN
ATIO
NA
L, IN
CITE
S®
To
star
t th
e di
gita
lizat
ion
of
the
scie
ntif
ic
prod
uctio
n of
IBIR
and
to
prov
ide
acce
ss t
o it
via
the
inst
itut
e ne
twor
k
Dev
elop
men
t of
inte
rdis
cipl
inar
y Ph
D p
rogr
ams
for
the
follo
win
g di
scip
lines
:–
Imm
unol
ogy;
–Ph
ysio
logy
of
anim
als
and
hum
ans;
–Bi
olog
y an
d bi
otec
hnol
ogy
of r
epro
duct
ion
infa
rm a
nim
als.
Ann
ounc
emen
t of
po
siti
ons
in
the
PhD
pr
ogra
ms.
Org
aniz
atio
n of
con
tinu
ous
trai
ning
of
the
PhD
stud
ents
to
use
the
equi
pmen
t av
aila
ble
in IB
IR.
Libr
aria
n
Scie
ntifi
c Se
cret
ary
Scie
ntifi
cgu
ardi
ans
ofPh
D s
tude
nts
Dur
ing
201
3-20
14
Unt
il th
e en
d of
201
3
The
end
of 2
013
for
scho
ol y
ear
2014
–5po
sitio
ns
Unt
il th
e en
d of
201
4fo
r sc
hool
yea
r 20
15–
?
Dur
ing
the
who
le
perio
d
Prio
rity
2: Ed
uca
tio
n a
nd
tra
inin
g in
th
e ar
ea o
f b
iolo
gy
and
imm
un
olo
gy
of
rep
rod
uct
ion
em
plo
yin
g t
he
life
-lon
g le
arn
ing
ap
pro
ach
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 1
: Ed
uca
tio
n a
nd
tra
inin
g t
o s
up
po
rt t
he
care
er d
evel
op
men
t o
f h
igh
ly q
ual
ifie
d r
esea
rch
ers
focu
s o
n M
Sc s
tud
ents
an
d P
hD
fel
low
s
31
Mea
sure
13
Task
11.
Inte
rdisc
iplin
ary
and
inte
rnat
iona
l MSc
pro
gram
s in
co
llabo
ratio
n w
ith
univ
ersi
ties
Mea
sure
17
Task
12.
Exch
ange
of
rese
arch
ers
usin
gEu
rope
an
and
inte
rnat
iona
l pr
ogra
ms
(CO
ST, E
rasm
us, M
Cur
rie e
tc)
Mul
tidi
scip
linar
y se
min
ars
for
PhD
st
uden
ts
(the
oret
ical
and
met
hodo
logi
cal).
App
licat
ion
for
part
icip
atio
n in
Eur
opea
n an
d in
tern
atio
nal P
hD p
rogr
ams
and
this
will
sug
gest
educ
atio
n of
Bul
gari
a st
uden
ts i
n la
bora
tori
esab
road
and
acc
epta
nce
of f
orei
gn P
hD s
tude
nts
in M
Cur
rie p
rogr
am.
Intr
oduc
tion
of
the
prin
cipl
es f
or „
Inno
vati
ve
doct
oral
tra
inin
g“.
Recr
uitm
ent
of M
Sc s
tude
nts
for
biol
ogic
al,
vet-
erin
ary
and
med
ical
facu
lties
in B
ulga
ria a
nd fr
omab
road
by
diss
emin
atio
n of
info
rmat
ion
on t
heac
tiviti
es in
IBI
R, b
y or
gani
sing
mee
tings
and
by
diss
emin
atio
n of
info
rmat
ion
by t
he w
eb p
age
ofIB
IR.
Org
aniz
atio
n of
spe
cial
ized
cou
rses
, se
min
ars
–Er
asm
us f
or a
ll.
Prep
arat
ion
of p
roje
cts
and
app
licat
ions
for
m
obili
ty p
rogr
ams.
Part
icip
atio
n in
inte
rnat
iona
l sem
inar
s, s
choo
ls,
sum
mer
sch
ools
.
PhD
stu
dent
s,Sc
ient
ific
guar
dian
s of
PhD
stu
dent
s
Hea
ds o
f de
part
men
tsSe
nior
Sci
entis
tsPh
D s
tude
nts
Scie
ntifi
c Se
cret
ary
Scie
ntis
ts f
rom
IBIR
Onc
e in
3 m
onth
s
Aft
er t
he a
nnou
nce-
men
t of
the
pos
ition
2014
3 po
siti
ons
for
201
3–20
14
Oct
ober
201
3Re
gula
rly 2
013–
2014
2 pr
ojec
ts f
or
2013
–201
4
Whe
n su
ch e
vent
s ar
eor
gani
zed
durin
g in
tern
atio
nal s
cien
tific
mee
tings
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 2
: En
han
cin
g t
he
rese
arch
po
ten
tial
of
the
scie
nti
sts
of
IBIR
– B
AS
on
an
on
go
ing
bas
is
32
Mea
sure
19
Task
13.
Recr
uitm
ent
of h
ighl
y qu
alifi
edsc
ient
ists
Mea
sure
20
Task
14.
Intr
oduc
tion
of n
ew m
etho
ds fo
rre
sear
ch
Mea
sure
21
Task
15.
Org
anis
atio
n an
d pa
rtic
ipat
ion
of r
egul
ar s
emin
ars
to r
epor
t pe
rson
al
resu
lts,
lec
ture
s fr
om l
eadi
ng s
cien
tists
(fro
m IB
IR o
r in
vite
d le
ctur
ers)
Mea
sure
22
Task
16.
Trai
ning
in sc
ient
ific
man
agem
ent
Adv
ertis
ing
the
cond
itio
ns f
or r
esea
rch
in IB
IR b
yth
e m
ass
med
ia,
scie
ntifi
c co
ntac
ts a
nd in
tern
etin
form
atio
n.
Prov
idin
g su
itabl
e w
orki
ng c
ondi
tions
for r
esea
rch.
Prep
arat
ion
of a
pro
ject
ERA
cha
ir p
ilot
proj
ect
for
FP7.
Org
aniz
atio
n of
m
etho
dolo
gica
l co
urse
s (i
nclu
ding
com
mer
cial
fir
ms)
for
tra
inin
g an
d in
trod
ucti
on o
f ne
w m
etho
ds i
n th
e re
sear
ch
activ
ities
.
Org
aniz
atio
n of
sc
ient
ific
se
min
ars
in
the
depa
rtm
ents
.
Org
aniz
atio
n of
sc
ient
ific
se
min
ars
for
the
inst
itut
e fo
r pr
esen
tati
on o
f cu
rren
t pe
rson
al
resu
lts.
Invi
tatio
ns o
f lec
ture
rs fr
om t
he c
ount
ry a
nd fr
omab
road
.
Org
aniz
atio
n of
ed
ucat
ion
for
deve
lopm
ent,
im
plem
enta
tion
and
repo
rts
of p
roje
cts
by in
vite
dsp
ecia
lists
. Ed
ucat
ion
abou
t ex
isti
ng s
cien
tific
pro
gram
s fo
rfi
nanc
ing
at n
atio
nal,
regi
onal
and
Eur
opea
n
Dire
ctor
of
IBIR
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Hea
ds o
f de
part
men
ts
Scie
ntifi
c se
cret
ary
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Hea
ds o
f D
epar
tmen
ts
2 po
siti
ons
for
2013
–201
4
Unt
il M
ay 3
0th
2014
Unt
il M
ay 3
0th
2014
Onc
e in
a y
ear
Ever
y tw
o w
eeks
Mon
thly
eve
nts
2 tim
es p
er y
ear
Onc
e a
year
Act
ual s
cien
tific
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 3
: C
apac
ity
bu
ildin
g o
n r
esea
rch
an
d in
no
vati
on
man
agem
ent
33
Mea
sure
25
Task
17
.Tr
aini
ng
in
pate
ntin
g,
IPR,
tr
ansf
er o
f te
chno
logi
es
Mea
sure
26
leve
l: CO
ST
and
Hor
izon
20
20
proj
ects
, Th
e na
tiona
l Pro
gram
me
for
the
Dev
elop
men
t of
the
Rura
l Are
as,
The
EU-le
vel s
truc
tura
l pro
gram
me
HEA
LTH
, Sou
th-E
ast
Euro
pe P
rogr
amm
e, In
terr
edIV
C P
rogr
amm
e.
–A
ssig
nmen
t of
pe
rson
s re
spon
sibl
e fo
r co
llect
ing
curr
ent
info
rmat
ion
abou
t th
e ca
ll fo
diff
eren
t pr
ogra
ms
– 3
pers
ons
(wit
h go
odkn
owle
dge
of E
nglis
h an
d co
mpu
ter
skill
s);
–Pr
esen
tatio
n of
the
info
rmat
ion
colle
cted
to t
hest
aff
of t
he in
stit
ute;
–Pa
rtic
ipat
ion
in o
rgan
ized
info
rmat
ion
days
by
diff
eren
t in
stit
utio
ns in
the
cou
ntry
.
Org
aniz
atio
n of
lect
ures
dev
oted
to p
rote
ctio
n of
the
inte
llect
ual p
rope
rty.
Impl
emen
tatio
n of
pra
ctic
e or
ient
ed e
xerc
ises
on
case
s of
suc
cess
ful t
rans
fer
of s
cien
tific
res
ults
inpr
actic
e.
Inte
nsiv
e co
ntac
ts w
ith
JTI-B
AS.
Org
aniz
ing
peri
odic
al m
eeti
ngs
wit
h bu
sine
ss
repr
esen
tati
ves,
w
orki
ng
in
the
fiel
d of
re
prod
uctio
n.
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Hea
ds o
f de
part
men
ts
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
prog
ram
s to
be
disc
usse
d on
ce in
aye
ar
Unt
il th
e en
d of
201
3
mon
thly
acco
rdin
g to
the
sche
dule
of
the
an-
noun
ced
days
Onc
e in
a y
ear
3 tim
es p
er y
ear
Dur
ing
the
who
le
perio
d
Onc
e in
a y
ear
Prio
rity
3. Te
chn
olo
gy
tran
sfer
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 1
: St
ren
gth
enin
g t
he
coo
per
atio
n w
ith
th
e b
usi
nes
ses
34
Task
18.
Con
tinuo
us m
onito
ring
of t
hene
eds
of t
he b
usin
ess
and
diss
emin
atio
nof
the
res
earc
h pr
ojec
ts a
nd r
esul
ts o
fIB
IR
Mea
sure
27
Task
19.
Info
rmin
g th
e bu
sine
sses
in B
ul-
garia
abo
ut t
he r
esea
rch
resu
lts o
f IB
IRw
ith
pote
ntia
l for
pra
ctic
al a
pplic
atio
ns
Mea
sure
29
Task
20.
To
orga
nize
nom
inat
ion
and
co-n
omin
atio
n pr
oced
ures
for
the
sele
ctio
n of
the
mem
bers
of
the
Firs
t Ad
viso
ry B
oard
. To
wor
k ou
t th
e m
anda
te o
f th
e Ad
viso
ry B
oard
Mea
sure
30
Task
21.
To
expa
nd t
he m
embe
rshi
p of
the
Scie
ntifi
c Co
unci
l wit
h re
pres
enta
tives
fro
m t
he n
atio
nal
busi
ness
com
mun
ity
Mea
sure
31
Task
22.
Com
pila
tion
of a
n in
vent
ory
of
Perio
dica
l que
stio
nnai
re-b
ased
sur
veys
of b
usin
ess
need
s fo
r re
sear
ch c
olla
bor
atio
n an
d sc
ient
ific
ad
vice
.Pa
rtic
ipat
ion
in o
ther
eve
nts
wit
h th
e bu
sine
ss.
Invi
tatio
ns o
f th
e re
pres
enta
tive
s of
the
bus
ines
sto
mee
tings
, exp
ositi
ons,
ope
n do
ors
days
, rou
ndta
ble
disc
ussi
ons
wit
h th
e ai
m t
o pr
esen
t th
e re
sear
ch p
roje
cts
and
resu
lts
of IB
IR.
To
set
up
as
Adv
isor
y Bo
ard
cons
isti
ng
of
repr
esen
tativ
e of
gov
ernm
enta
l and
inte
rnat
iona
l ex
pert
s fo
r an
nual
co
nsul
tati
ons
abou
t th
e re
sear
ch a
chie
vem
ent
and
annu
al p
lann
ing
of
rese
arch
an
d ot
her
acti
viti
es.
To
deve
lop
a de
taile
d de
scri
ptio
n of
the
man
date
s of
the
boar
d, a
nd t
he le
ngth
of
wor
k of
eac
h bo
ard.
To in
clud
e re
pres
enta
tives
of
the
busi
ness
in t
heSc
ient
ific
Cou
ncil
of I
BIR
– on
e pe
rson
for
eac
h di
rect
ion
(rep
rodu
ctio
n in
an
imal
s an
d in
hu
man
s).
IBIR
will
set
up
a te
am fo
r th
e im
plem
enta
tion
ofth
is t
ask.
The
tas
k it
self
will
be
com
pose
d of
tw
osu
b-t
asks
: the
firs
t on
e w
ill b
e th
e co
mpi
latio
n of
Scie
ntifi
c Co
unci
l
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Scie
ntifi
c Co
unci
l
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Scie
ntifi
c Co
unci
l
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Scie
ntifi
c Co
unci
l
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Onc
e in
2 y
ears
Ong
oing
Acc
ordi
ng t
o sc
hedu
leof
the
eve
nts
but
not
less
tha
n 2
times
per
year
The
first
sem
este
r of
2014
Unt
il th
e en
d of
201
3
On
an o
ngoi
ng b
asis
durin
g th
e w
hole
pe
riod
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 2
: IP
R p
rote
ctio
n
35
the
rese
arch
ach
ieve
men
ts o
f IB
IR a
ndas
sess
men
t of
the
ir po
tent
ial f
or p
ract
i-ca
l app
licat
ion
Mea
sure
33
Task
23.
Fea
sibi
lity
stud
y (e
valu
atio
nan
d an
alys
is of
the
pot
entia
l) on
the
acre
dita
tion
of la
bora
tory
for
anal
ysis
ofth
e qu
ality
of
sper
mat
ozoa
, ooc
ytes
and
embr
yos
Mea
sure
36
Task
24.
Iden
tifyi
ng n
ew n
atio
nal
rese
arch
par
tner
s
Mea
sure
36
an in
vent
ory
of a
ll re
sear
ch a
chie
vem
ents
of
the
inst
itut
e in
the
last
5 f
ull c
alen
dar
year
s, n
amel
ysi
nce
Janu
ary
2008
. The
sec
ond
sub
-tas
k w
ill h
ave
to i
nvol
ve e
xter
nal
to I
BIR
exp
erts
so
that
the
po
tent
ial f
or p
ract
ical
app
licat
ions
of t
hese
resu
ltsca
n be
eva
luat
ed. B
usin
ess
repr
esen
tativ
es w
ill b
een
gage
d in
ass
essi
ng t
he a
pplic
abili
ty p
oten
tial
of t
he r
esea
rch
achi
evem
ents
.
To s
tart
the
org
aniz
atio
n of
a c
ertif
ied
labo
rato
ryfo
r an
alys
is
of
the
qual
ity
of
sper
mat
ozoa
,oo
cyte
s an
d em
bryo
s (d
iscu
ssio
ns
wit
h th
e M
inis
try
of
Agr
icul
ture
an
d fo
od,
Exec
utiv
eag
ency
for
sel
ecti
on a
nd r
epro
duct
ion
in f
arm
bree
ding
and
the
res
t in
stit
utio
ns l
icen
sed
for
such
act
iviti
es.
Expa
ndin
g th
e co
llabo
ratio
n w
ith
part
ners
in t
heco
untr
y.
Exte
nsio
n of
the
sci
enti
fic
colla
bor
atio
n w
ith
inst
itut
ions
wor
king
in t
he f
ield
of
repr
oduc
tion
Aut
hors
of
the
new
pro
duct
s
Aut
hors
of
the
rese
arch
and
in
vite
d ex
pert
sfr
om t
he C
ente
rof
Tec
hnol
ogy
Tran
sfer
, BA
S
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Hea
ds o
f de
part
men
ts
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
2013
–201
4
On
an o
ngoi
ng b
asis
durin
g th
e w
hole
pe
riod
On
an o
ngoi
ng b
asis
durin
g th
e w
hole
Stra
tegi
c go
al 3
:IB
IR –
BA
S to
bec
om
e a
cen
ter
wit
h c
erti
fica
tio
n f
un
ctio
ns
for
exp
ort
an
d im
po
rt o
f g
enet
ic
mat
eria
l (se
men
, oo
cyte
s an
d e
mb
ryo
s) in
Bu
lgar
ia
Prio
rity
4. E
nha
nci
ng
th
e re
sear
ch a
nd
inn
ova
tio
n c
oop
erat
ion
an
d n
etw
ork
ing
in t
he
cou
ntr
y an
d a
bro
ad
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 1
: Ex
pan
din
g t
he
par
tner
ship
net
wo
rk in
Bu
lgar
ia a
nd
str
eng
then
ing
th
e so
cial
-ori
ente
d r
esea
rch
36
of h
uman
s an
d an
imal
s
Org
aniz
ing
wor
king
m
eeti
ngs
for
deve
lopi
ng
or u
pdat
ing
the
rese
arch
pla
ns.
This
act
ion
will
be
fo
cuse
d on
st
reng
then
ing
the
rese
arch
co
llabo
ratio
n w
ith
the
curr
ent
rese
arch
par
tner
s,fo
r th
e cu
rren
t ac
tion
plan
.
Expa
ndin
g th
e co
llabo
rati
on
wit
h pa
rtne
r in
stit
utio
ns in
the
Eur
opea
n U
nion
.
Stre
ngth
enin
g th
e bi
late
ral c
olla
bora
tion
betw
een
IBIR
and
ins
titu
te o
f th
e Cz
ech
Aca
dem
y of
Sc
ienc
es.
Euro
pean
Ass
ocia
tion
for
safe
ty o
f fo
od /
EFS
A –
Rese
arch
pro
ject
s to
be
deve
lope
d.
Hea
ds o
f de
part
men
ts
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Hea
ds o
f de
part
men
ts
Boar
d of
Dire
ctor
s
Scie
ntifi
c Co
uncil
Mem
bers
of
the
Exec
utiv
e Co
mm
itte
e of
the
Act
ion
Boar
d of
Dire
ctor
s
Scie
ntifi
c Co
uncil
Prin
cipal
inve
sti-
gato
rs o
f pro
ject
s
Prin
cipa
l in
vest
igat
ors
ofpr
ojec
ts
perio
d
Onc
e pe
r an
num
. For
the
curr
ent
actio
n pl
ansu
ch m
eetin
gs w
ill b
eor
gani
sed
in t
he s
econ
dse
mes
ter
of 2
014
Dur
ing
the
who
le p
erio
dCO
ST A
ctio
n FA
1201
2013
–201
6/U
ntil
the
end
of 2
013
inCO
ST A
ctio
n FA
1205
tobe
inclu
ded
Afte
r ann
ounc
emen
t of
calls
Dur
ing
the
who
le
perio
d2
proj
ects
for
the
ЕБР
2013
-201
4
One
Unt
il th
e en
d of
2013
One
pro
ject
in 2
014
Task
25.
Iden
tifyi
ng n
ew r
esea
rch
topi
csof
com
mon
inte
rest
Mea
sure
37
Task
26.
Dev
elop
men
t of
col
labo
rativ
ere
dear
ch p
lan
Mea
sure
38
Task
27.
Expa
ndin
g co
llabo
ratio
n w
ith
part
ners
fro
m t
he E
U
Mea
sure
39
Task
28.
Dev
elop
ing
bila
tera
l agr
eem
ents
Mea
sure
41
Task
29.
Dev
elop
men
t of
res
earc
h pr
ojec
ts fo
cuse
d on
ass
essm
ent
of t
he
effe
cts
of fo
od q
ualit
y on
the
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 2
: Ex
pan
din
g t
he
par
tner
ship
net
wo
rk in
EU
37
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 3
: B
uild
ing
a n
etw
ork
of
inte
rnat
ion
al o
rgan
izat
ion
s
repr
oduc
tive
heal
thM
easu
re 4
2Ta
sk 3
0. M
appi
ng o
f re
leva
nt r
esea
rch
orga
nisa
tions
and
est
ablis
hing
con
tact
s in
Chin
a, E
gypt
, Rus
sia,
Kor
ea a
nd J
apan
Mea
sure
43
Task
33.
Mai
nten
ance
of
the
web
-site
Mea
sure
44
Task
34.
Prof
ile o
f IB
IR in
the
soc
ial
med
ia
Mea
sure
45
Task
35.
Annu
al p
rom
otio
nal p
lan
Rees
tabl
ishi
ng t
he s
cien
tifi
c co
llabo
rati
on w
ith
Chin
a,
Russ
ia,
Kor
ea,
and
Japa
n th
roug
h su
bmis
sion
of
join
t pr
ojec
ts.
Reco
nstr
ucti
on,
re-d
esig
n an
d on
goin
g m
aint
e-na
nce
of t
he w
eb-s
ite
of IB
IR in
Bul
garia
n an
d in
Engl
ish.
Visi
bilit
y of
IBIR
in s
ocia
l med
ia: F
aceB
ook,
Tw
itter
,Li
nked
In.
Ann
ual p
rom
otio
nal p
lan
as a
n in
tegr
al p
art
ofth
e A
ctio
n Pl
an f
or t
he i
mpl
emen
tati
on o
f th
eRT
DI s
trat
egy.
Scie
ntifi
c se
cret
ary
Prin
cipa
l in
vest
igat
or o
fth
e pr
ojec
t
Libr
aria
n
Scie
ntifi
c se
cret
ary
Boar
d of
D
irect
ors
Scie
ntifi
c Co
unci
l
Aft
er a
nnou
ncem
ent
of c
alls
for
co
llabo
ratio
n
Ong
oing
dur
ing
the
who
le p
erio
d
Ong
oing
dur
ing
the
who
le p
erio
d
At
the
end
of e
ach
cale
ndar
yea
r
Stra
tegi
c G
oal 4
: V
isib
ility
of
IBIR
– B
AS
thro
ug
h p
rom
oti
on
an
d a
dve
rtis
ing
38
39
THE INSTITUTE BIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION „ACAD. K. BRATANOV“
BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
The Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction „Acad.K.Bratanov“ (IBIR) is the successor of the Institute for Artificial Inseminationand Breeding Diseases which was founded in 1938. Since 1943 the researchactivities of the Institute were closely associated with the name of ProfessorKiril Bratanov, a full member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, who hadbeen the Director of the Institute until his death in 1986. He is the author ofthe paper „On the production of sperm antibodies in the organisms of farmanimals” (1949) recognised as the fundamental paper of the new scientificfield – Reproductive Immunology. Thanks to his work Bulgaria is recognisedas the motherland of the new biomedical field in the global science and clin-ical parctice – Immunology of Reproduction. Under the patronage of Acad.K. Bratanov the International Coordination Committee of Immunology ofReproduction (ICCIR) was registered in Paris and Sofia, with its residence atthe IBIR (1967) and International Society of Immunology of Reproduction(ISIR, 1975) was founded. The scientific Symposia of this Society are regularand organized by IBIR in Varna each three years.
Under guidance of prof. Bratanov for the first time in our country the transferof both fresh and/or frozen-thawed embryos in farm animals was imple-mented and lead to the birth of healthy progeny. For the first time in Europe
and second in the world a team of IBIR successfully transferred embryo inbuffalos to obtain buffalo-calves.
Since the 1990s the institute started conducting research on stem cells, whichalso was a pioneering activity in the country.
Since the 1990s the institute started conducting research on stem cells, whichwas a pioneering activity in the country. The following innovative productshave been developed:
• Protocols for the isolation, characterisation and differentiationof mesenchyme stem cells from different tissues and organs of adult organisms.
• Protocols for the obtaining and characterization of iPSC.
• Methods for obtaining and cryoconservation of hemopoeticstem cells from umbilical cord.
Since the beginning of this century the staff started research on autoimmunemechanisms in diseases of reproductive system like endometriosis; investiga-tions on tumour specific antigens and neo-angiogenesis in prostate cancerand mammalian gland cancer. On the basis of these research activities theclinical application of panel from 9 immunohistochemical markers was de-veloped for prostate carcinoma as well as the new target molecules for di-agnosis and therapy on the base of micro RNA.
Nowadays the focus of scientific research of IBIR-BAS is on the biological, im-munological, endocrinological, cryobiological and biotechnological aspectsof the process of reproduction in all its stages: gametogenesis, fertilisation,implantation, pregnancy and ontogenesis. The research work thus encom-passes investigations on cellular and molecular mechanisms of biologicalrecognition in reproduction; factors and mechanisms that participate in thegametogenesis, fertilisation, implantation and pregnancy; elucidation ofprocesses of auto-reactivity and autoimmune response in reproduction; re-vealing the role of bio-molecules and metabolic processes for cryopreserva-tion and storage of reproductive tissues and cells; development ofbiotechnology approaches for artificial fertilisation, micromanipulation andembryo-transfer in farm animals. The research activities have resulted in thedevelopment of diversified approaches for reproduction regulation and in-fertility prevention. Altogether, these issues are closely linked to the publicwelfare, namely environmental resources development, reproductive healthand quality of live.
40