International Projects Archives - Institute for Medical Research

From Molecules to Brain Health: A Framework for European Excellence in Translational Neuroscience (BRAINFRAME)

Project leader: Dr. Inga Griskova Bulanova, Dr. Milica Zeković

Project collaborators: Dr. Jovana Bjekić, Dr. Uroš Konstantinović, Bojana Đukić, Marija Stanković, Milena Spoa, Dragana Stojić, Konstantin Tomić

Duration of the project: 2027-2031.

Leading institution: Vilnius University (Lithuania), Institute of Pharmacology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland), Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon (Portugal), Barcelona Clinical Research Foundation – August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (Spain), Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade (Serbia), Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), SKEIN (Ukraine), UAB Orientos (Lithuania), Masaryk University (Czech Republic)

Description of the project:

BRAINFRAME aims to modernise and strengthen the research and innovation (R&I) dimension of the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) by establishing a sustainable, interconnected framework for excellence in translational neuroscience. The project bridges the entire translational continuum—from molecular and cellular discoveries through organoid and systems-level models to human validation and clinical practice. Within this integrated research environment, IMR leads specialized efforts in mechanistically oriented TES-EEG research, utilizing advanced neuromodulation and electrophysiological techniques to investigate the fundamental dynamics of brain health. BRAINFRAME promotes a culture of collaboration, focusing on the development of shared, FAIR-compliant protocols and AI-driven analytical pipelines to enhance research reproducibility and global competitiveness. BRAINFRAME acts as a coordination and support framework to bring translational neuroscience at IMR to a new level by partnering with leading European research institutions. The project will implement a comprehensive set of cooperation activities to strengthen scientific and administrative capacities, including structured researcher mobility schemes, cross-border expert training, and AI-governance workshops. By integrating molecular data with human-level neurophysiology, the consortium fosters an environment where researchers can develop advanced digital skills and implement responsible AI solutions. BRAINFRAME will generate substantial scientific and societal impact, reinforcing research careers and ensuring long-term institutional sustainability through open science practices and diverse knowledge-valorisation pathways.

Тип пројекта:

International Projects

Forecasting Depression Trajectories: Early Network-Guided Prediction of Severe and Persistent Disease Courses

Project leader: Dr. Jonathan Repple, Dr. Jovana Bjekić

Project collaborators: Dr. Uroš Konstantinović, Bojana Đukić, Marija Stanković, Milena Spoa, Dragana Stojić, Konstantin Tomić

Duration of the project: 2026-2031.

Leading institution: University of Frankfurt, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Charité Berlin, UMC & VUMC Amsterdam, University Paris City, University Heidelberg, University of Melbourne, University of Hanoi

Description of the project:

FUTURE-D aims to redefine early detection and intervention strategies for individuals at risk of severe and persistent depression, positioning the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) as a leading hub within a prestigious international consortium. Moving beyond traditional symptom-based reaction, the project adopts a mechanism-informed prevention framework grounded in network science, dynamical systems, and control theory. Within this innovative program, IMR leads the delivery of precision TMS intervention for depression, utilizing advanced network control theory to calculate individualized, patient-specific stimulation targets. This approach shifts clinical practice from “one-target-fits-all” protocols to high-precision therapy that steers maladaptive brain connectivity back toward resilient configurations.

FUTURE-D serves as a crucial coordination and support tool for IMR to elevate its translational mental health research by partnering with leading global institutions across Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Australia. The project will facilitate the creation of scalable clinical decision-support tools and standardized neurostimulation workflows through a comprehensive set of cooperation activities, including structured mobility, expert training workshops, and intensive capacity-building boot-camps. These efforts will have a substantial scientific, technological, and societal impact, establishing a unique and equitable blueprint for implementing precision psychiatry within resource-constrained settings. To realize the project’s full potential, a wide array of communication, dissemination, and open-science measures will be implemented, ensuring long-term sustainability and policy translation in mental healthcare.

Тип пројекта:

International Projects

Near-Infrared Light-Driven Nanomotors for Photothermal Transport Across the Cell Membrane (NIMPHA)

Project leader: Dr. Dušan Božanić

Project collaborators: Dr. Tijana Mišeljić, Dr. Jelena Pajović, Dr. Biljana Ristić, Anamarija Abu el Rub, Dr. Vladimir Đoković

Project number: 275

Duration of the project: 2025-2026.

Leading institution: Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade

Collaborating institutions: Faculty of Physics, University of Belgrade, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, The Danish National Research Foundation and Villum Foundation’s Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics (IDUN), Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

Description of the project:

The NIMPHA project is dedicated to developing of a ballistic method for transporting medications through the membranes of superficial cells, bypassing the standard endocytosis process. The methodology is based on the use of nanomotors that are activated and propelled by light in the near-infrared region of the spectrum, allowing precise control of the nanomotors’ available energy range through light intensity regulation. The expected results of the NIMPHA project will contribute to the development of advanced technologies for delivering drugs or genetic material through cell membranes with minimal disruption to cellular structure, thereby opening new possibilities for improving the treatment of skin cancers.

Тип пројекта:

International Projects

Synergistic Education of Parents of Children with Special Needs (SynergyEd)

Project leader: Dr. Tatjana Zorčec

Project collaborators: Dr. Vesna Vučić, Dr. Danijela Ristić-Medić

Project number: KA220-ADU-AB287E78

Duration of the project: December 2022-November 2024.

Leading institution: Macedonian Association for Applied Psychology-MAAP, North Macedonia, Catholic University of Croatia, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

The project aims to empower parents of children with special needs in everyday life, improve their parenting skills and social inclusion, health and quality of life. The objectives are to use an innovative educational approach to improve parental skills in working with children with special needs, with the newly created comprehensive curriculum and training materials and its on-line platform for continuous e-learning, in line with the individual needs and expectations of parents.

Тип пројекта:

International Projects

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Support to National Dietary Surveys in Compliance with the EU Menu methodology (sixth support) “The children’s survey”, including subjects from three months up to 9 years old

Project leader: Dr. Marija Glibetić

Project collaborators: Dr. Marija Takić, Dr. Milica Zekovic, Dr. Biljana Pokimica, Dr. Tamara Popovic, Dr. Gordana Petrovic-Oggiano, Dr. Jelena Milešević, Dr. Jasmina Martačić-Debeljak, Dr. Marija Knez, Dr. Marija Ranić, Dr. Irena Krga, Dr. Vuk Stevanovic, Dr. Nevena Kardum, Dr. Mirjana Gurinović, Marta Despotović

Project number: OC/EFSA/DATA/2016/02

Duration of the project: 2016-2022.

Leading institution:

Description of the project:

The aim of this project was to develop a methodology to be used in a national survey of food consumption in accordance with the guidelines of the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) in accordance with the methodology of the EU menu, to prepare and provide EFSA with national protocols and related documents, and in in the first phase, a test-pilot data collection was carried out. In addition, data on food consumption and related information collected during the survey in accordance with the format required by EFSA were prepared and transmitted to EFSA including data on food packaging materials.

Тип пројекта:

International Projects

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Support to National Dietary Surveys in Compliance with the EU Menu methodology (sixth support) “The adults’ survey”, including subjects from 10 to 74 years old

Project leader: Dr. Mirjana Gurinović

Project number: OC/EFSA/DATA/2016/03

Duration of the project: 2016-2022.

Leading institution:

Description of the project:

The objective of this project was to develop the methodology to be used in the national food consumption survey according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidance on the EU Menu methodology, to prepare and provide to EFSA the national protocols and related documents, and to pilot and carry out the data collection. In addition, the food consumption data and related information collected during the survey according to the format, required by EFSA, were prepared and transferred to EFSA including data about packaging materials.

Тип пројекта:

International Projects

Establishment of an ALPL Gene-Deficient Patient-Derived Cell Line for Investigation of the Metabolic Background of Hip Osteoarthritis

Project leader: Dr. Drenka Trivanović

Project collaborators: Dr. Slavko Mojsilović, Dr. Ivana Okić Đorđević, Dr. Aleksandra Jauković, Dr. Tamara Kukolj, Dr. Hristina Obradović, Dr. Anđelija Petrović, Milena Živanović

Project number: Q422RSV70

Duration of the project: January 2023-December 2023.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

The role of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) in osteoarthritis (OA) has not been fully clarified. High expression of TNAP as ectonucleotidase is associated with ATP degradation and production of adenosine, which can again trigger and support inflammatory calcifying conditions, but also decrease mineralization of the subchondral bone in OA. Thus, we anticipate that TNAP beyond its well-known contribution to mineralization, participates in profiling of cellular metabolism. To verify the assumption that TNAP controls metabolism of cells from OA patients, we attempt to apply genome editing (GE) techniques to silence and knockout Alpl gene in OA patient-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. We will perform Alpl gene silencing (commercially available siRNA) and CRISPR/Cas9 technique to establish OA patient-derived GE cell lines (clones) with Alpl gene silencing/knockout for investigation of metabolic roles of TNAP in OA patients.

Тип пројекта:

International Projects

Twinning for Excellence in Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation in the Western Balkans

Project leader: Dr. Saša R. Filipović, Dr. Jovana Bjekić

Project collaborators: Dr. Marko Živanović, Dr. Uroš Konstantinović, Dunja Paunović, Katarina Vulić, Marija Stanković, Jasmina Vuksanović, Milan Jelić, Milena Spoa, Dagana Stojić, Kontantin Tomić, Bojana Đukć

Project number: 101059369

Duration of the project: 2022-2025.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

TWINNIBS aims to strengthen the Institute for Medical Research – IMR’s research and innovation (R&I) as well as research management and administration capacities and to develop it into a prospective leading partner in international consortia that can attract strategic investments and R&I funding. TWINNIBS will promote interest in neuroscience research in Serbia and the region, and help to advance it, focusing on the multidisciplinary field of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS). NIBS is a set of techniques for transcranial (non-invasive) modulation of the activity in the specific brain areas and the large-scale brain networks to which they contribute. This is an innovative approach to neuroscience research and, ultimately, clinical treatment of a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric conditions. TWNINIBS will be a coordination and support tool for IMR to bring NIBS research in Serbia to a new level by partnering with leading European R&I institutions from Denmark, Italy, Germany and Austria. TWNNIBS will include a comprehensive set of cooperation and coordination activities to strengthen the scientific and technological capacities of IMR, including short term mobility, virtual and in-person short term expert visits, workshops and boot-camps. A series of collaborative small-scale projects will be conducted with the personalisation of NIBS as an overarching theme. TWINNIBS will strengthen the IMR research management and administration capacities and foster organizational changes. The Centre for NIBS as well as R&I Project Management Unit will be established within the IMR. TWINNIBS will have a substantial scientific, economic/technological, and societal impact towards outcomes specified in this topic as well as a long-term impact on the R&I in the European space, with a special focus on the Western Balkans region. To realise the full potential of the TWINNIBS project a comprehensive set of communication, dissemination, and exploitation measures will be implemented.

Тип пројекта:

International Projects

Beneficial Effects of Dietary Bioactive Peptides and Polyphenols on Cardiovascular Health in Humans

Project leader: Dr. Marija Glibetić

Project collaborators: Dr. Nevena Kardum, Dr. Slavica Ranković, Dr. Milica Kojadinovic, Dr. Marija Takić, Dr. Jasmina Martačić-Debeljak, Dr. Aleksandra Konić-Ristić, Dr. Manja Zec

Project number: 312090

Duration of the project: October 2012-September 2016.

Leading institution: Quadram Institute, United Kingdom

Description of the project:

The main objective of the BACCHUS project was to develop tools and resources that will facilitate the generation of robust and exploitable scientific evidence that can be used to support claims of a cause and effect relationship between consumption of bioactive peptides and polyphenols, and beneficial physiological effects related to cardiovascular health in humans. The IMI team primary explored the effects of aronia-polyphenol rich juice consumption on aggregation and activation of thrombocytes in abdominally obese subjects.

Тип пројекта:

International Projects

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