Bergen will be the hub of a new European research network that will educate future specialists in digital endocrinology. On January 22 and 23, the research leaders of the Endotrain consortium met at the University of Bergen to plan both the research projects and the doctoral education that is now being launched.
The scheme funds 19 PhD candidates from nine European countries. They will contribute to a wide range of projects that together will lift the field into a new digital age.
Gathered in Bergen for the first time
- Many of the research leaders have not met each other before. That is why it is important to sit together, discuss in groups and have room for informal conversations,” says project coordinator and professor Eystein Husebye at the Clinical Department 2.
A digital revolution in hormone diagnostics
methods for dynamic hormone measurements – a field that is rapidly developing.
Traditionally, diagnostics and follow-up of hormonal disorders have been based on single measurements. Now, new technology allows for continuous measurements throughout the day, based on methods developed in the EU project H2020-Ultradian.
In Endotrain, researchers will combine these measurements with digital tools that record sleep, stress, activity and self-perceived health. The goal is to better understand hormonal rhythms and give patients a more active role in their own assessment.
- We are in the midst of a transition from an analog to a digital era. With more patient-generated data, we can both detect disease earlier and provide more precise treatment,” says Husebye.
Interdisciplinary education for the needs of the future
The 19 PhD candidates will work on seven clinical studies investigating hormonal rhythms in different situations. Mathematicians will model the data, while experts in law, ethics and data storage will ensure the safe and correct handling of the information. Industry partners will also contribute, and innovation will be a central element of the research education.
– We want the candidates to be attractive to both academia and industry when they graduate, says Husebye.
Styrker Bergens posisjon
All PhD positions have now been advertised on Jobbnorge and Euraxess. The plan is for candidates to be in place for the kick-off meeting in Zurich in September.
For UiB, the project represents a significant boost.
– As a coordinating institution, we have a unique opportunity to build new interdisciplinary expertise and strengthen both European cooperation and internal cooperation at UiB. MSCA-DN projects are an important initiative for the university, says Husebye.