Leading groups of malaria researchers in major institutions will integrate their scientific expertise and activities to exploit new scientific opportunities provided by the recently available genome information for malaria parasites and their hosts. The joint scientific programme of this NoE will comprise complementary clusters of fundamental studies in biology and pathology that will underpin novel strategies to control malaria: Development and Gene Regulation / Functional Cell Biology and Metabolism / Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Pathogenesis of Malaria / Immune Response and Defence Mechanisms in the Host and the Vector Joint activities will focus on developing methodologies or resources that overcome current roadblocks in studies of molecular and cellular processes of malaria biology and pathology, and programmes investigating complementary aspects of central questions identified in each of the four clusters. The Network will federate European research institutes of established international reputation in the field of malaria biology and their affiliated research groups in malaria-endemic areas. Through BioMalPar's programme of jointly executed research, 44 malaria groups will support the network's goals to strengthen existing excellence and create a durable structuring of basic malaria research in Europe. The integration will provide international leadership, disseminate expertise and resources, provide training and mobility of scientists at all levels, and foster long-term collaborations that will strengthen European Malaria research. A strong central management structure will be built around the core group of 18 institutions from seven European countries and an associated state and will be complemented by partnerships and associations with other EU member state laboratories, African partners from malaria-endemic regions (Mali, Sudan and Uganda) and SMEs.'
Keywords:
Pathogenesis, Epigenetic gene regulation, Innate immune response, Metabolism of malaria parasites. Immune escape and antigenic variation
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