Native mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful structural biology tool to study protein complexes, their dynamics, assembly and function. In its so-called top-down approach, it aims to link specific proteoforms to higher assemblies such as non-covalent complexes, in which they function naturally and/or in a disease. The proposed project will leverage the power and versatility offered by state-of-the-art Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry coupled to ultraviolet and infrared laser ion activation techniques to advance native top-down MS of large protein- and protein / nucleic acid complexes. Studying a range of protein complexes up to small viral capsids, the project will push the boundaries of FTICR MS in the analysis of high-mass protein complex samples. Utilizing both standard commercially available protein complexes for method setup and benchmarking as well as biologically-relevant FOXO, TEAD and nucleosome protein / DNA complexes from the host laboratory, advanced laser- and electron-induced dissociation and fragmentation techniques and their combinations will be tested to obtain the best possible information on multiple levels of the complexes’ structure. Finally, the hitherto untried combination of native MS of non-covalent protein complexes with two-dimensional MS acquisition schemes will be explored to probe all species in a heterogeneous mixture at the same time. Linking the obtained sequential information on proteoforms to their complex and subcomplex stoichiometry, this approach will help increase the utility of native MS as a powerful technique for the study of proteoforms and protein assemblies applicable to a broad range of biologically / medically relevant samples promoting and reinforcing the position of native MS in the modern integrative structural biology portfolio as a technique providing information complementary to (and difficult to access by) classical high-resolution approaches.

Algae4IBD's mission is to develop commercial products for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) prevention and treatment using aquatic natural biological resources. With the emerging developments in natural product, notable success has been achieved in discovering natural products and their synthetic structural analogues with anti-inflammatory activity. However, global biodiversity remains a largely unexploited resource for natural bioactive molecules with an enormous potential for developing commercial products with public health benefits. Micro and macroalgae, found in marine and freshwater, have been identified as promising sources of bioactive compounds including small molecules and secondary metabolites with a wide range of bioactivities as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer preventive. Consumption of algae could, therefore, provide defence against chronic inflammatory diseases such as IBD, that until date have no effective cure. This project offers nature to bedside approach, using an entire development along the value chain for a new biodiscovery therapeutic approach by developing and examining algae-based compounds for IBD patients while guaranteeing algae's biodiversity preservation. We propose innovative solutions for increasing the use of algae-based ingredients and to ensure the science-based improvement of nutritional quality and its effect on public health. The researchers, companies and hospitals involved in the different stages of the project will use the biodiversity of algae, both micro and macro, as a wide source for bioactive compounds using state-of-the-art cultivation and extraction technologies for obtaining sufficient amounts of the bio-active molecules together with novel processing protocols. It will result in novel algal-based, high-quality bioactive compounds at GMP grade and lower costs for dual purposes – IBD prevention and treatment in relevance to the food as well as the pharmaceutical industries.

The Researchers´ Night is one of the favorite science popularization events in the Czech Republic. Since its introduction in 2005, it has steadily grown in terms of scope, geographical coverage, professionalization, and attendance by the public. The consortium of 18 participating universities, research institutes, and other non-academic organizations will prepare two editions of nation-wide ERN in collaboration with numerous stakeholders spread across the country. As in previous years the program is built around a shared topic: „Franz Kafka“ in 2024 and „Golden Coins” in 2025. For maximum reach to the relevant target groups, a coordinated awareness campaign including a common website, emblem, and graphic design will be carried out as well as impact evaluation. The key novelty will be introduced via the Researchers at Schools Activity (RaSA), reaching out to schools in remote areas. In 2024, researchers will visit schools with interactive sessions and school groups will be brought to experience ERN at one of the METAMORPHOSIS partners, while in 2025 the schools will be supported in organizing their own “mini Researchers´ Nights”. Based on the long-term experience of some of the project partners with bringing researchers to primary and secondary schools, an open-source handbook will be created. The conference for science popularizers will provide enthusiastic researchers with the necessary skills and a platform for sharing ideas. Researchers involved in EU-funded projects, including MSCA fellows and ERC grantees, and Erasmus students will help present the benefits of the EU support to science and innovation. Outreach activities will be also focused on raising awareness about EU missions. In addition, two gender-imbalanced STEM fields will be flagged, promoting “Girls in IT” and “Boys in primary school teaching”. Thanks to the inclusion of the Czech Centers in several European cities, the METAMORPHOSIS network will foster cooperation and promote Czech science abroad.

Knowledge gaps on forest soil processes and lack of a harmonised soil monitoring limit the EU’s ability to maintain soil related ecosystem services and to reach climate policy targets. A better understanding of the soil processes and a harmonised approach to manage and integrate data to computational models that are used for decision making is urgently required in order to meet climate and sustainability goals, including the UN's Agenda 2030 SDGs, the Paris Agreement of Climate Convention, the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the EU's LULUCF Regulation, the EU Forest Strategy (2018), and the European Green Deal. HoliSoils will develop a harmonised soil monitoring framework and identify and test soil management practices aiming to mitigate CC and sustain provision of various ecosystem services essential for human livelihoods and wellbeing. HoliSoils incorporates novel methodologies and expert knowledge on analytical techniques, data sharing, soil properties and biodiversity, and processes with model development, in order to develop tools for soil monitoring, refine GHG assessment of the LULUCF sector, enhance efficiency of GHG mitigation actions, and improve numerical forecasting of soil-based mitigation, adaptation, and ecosystem services. HoliSoils applies a collaborative multi-actor approach, in order to maximise its applicability and impact beyond its duration. The multidisciplinary consortium consists of universities and research institutes from across Europe, with leading expertise on soil analysis and databases, development of advanced analytical techniques, complex system modelling, digital soil mapping, soil ecology, disturbance ecology, forest and GHG inventories, social sciences, and communications. It also involves active engagement with diverse stakeholders, including forest owners and managers, industry actors, forest extension services, a certification body, forest and soil researchers, climate policy support and GHG inventory experts, and policymakers.