Global research indicates that millions of people suffer from thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune diseases, and tumors, with nearly 60% of them unaware of their condition. Autoimmune thyroid diseases, notably Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, are the most prevalent, affecting about 5% of the population. Thyroid cancers are also on the rise, with significant increases in detection over recent decades. Despite various treatment and diagnostic options, many face misdiagnosis, ineffective treatments, and diminished quality of life. Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone, is widely prescribed in Europe and the USA, yet 20-50% of patients experience improper dosing, necessitating frequent adjustments. Antithyroid medications can cause severe side effects, underscoring the need for careful management of thyroid diseases to avoid increased healthcare costs and lost productivity. Current treatment approaches, often not personalized, overlook genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Advances in genomics, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the polygenic risk score (PRS), offer new opportunities for personalized medicine. These tools, combined with electronic health records (EHR) and lifestyle data, can improve disease prediction and prevention strategies. Pharmacogenomics further enables tailored drug treatment based on individual genetic profiles, promising more effective and personalized care. The design of thyroid disease gene panels and the development of innovative and digital solutions based on artificial intelligence stand as pivotal advancements. These could markedly accelerate the integration of more personalized and cost-effective approaches into clinical practice, heralding a new era of precision medicine for thyroid disorders.

SCIMFONICOM 2020 is a seven-month organized by the Faculty of Physical Chemistry and Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade. Within this project, Researchers’ Night event will be organized around the theme "Lighten up your mind" in 12 cities and 3 rural communities in Serbia. The project is supported by prominent educational institutions such as Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts and Regional Centre for Talents. The program planned to be organized on September 25 and 26, 2020 is envisaged to include a range of highly interesting and stimulating activities, from Power up the World (series of interactive demonstrations in the area of physical sciences); Power of life (series of interactive demonstrations in the area of life sciences); Power of mind (series of interactive demonstrations and workshops in the area of social sciences); Treasure Hunt (win an award by completing hands-on experiments); Science Up (short lectures and demonstrations regarding the scientific principles behind the things we use in our daily lives); Open Lab (visit to a research laboratory with opportunity to see researchers in action); Around the World in 60 days (interactive digital media workshop) and 10 most exciting scientific experiments (interactive lectures); European Corners (interactive display of EU projects in Serbia and trivia game challenging visitors knowledge) to Science Vans (mobile researchers’ teams in rural areas). SCIMFONICOM 2020 is expected to continue contributing to the raising of public awareness about research (both in the area of natural and social sciences) and to bring researchers closer to the visitors by offering new activities and locations while obtaining greater support of educational institutions and other organizations towards RN main ideas. The project will take part in the regional RN network, bringing greater synergy at the regional and European level and emphasizing European character of RN.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) caused by alterations in early brain development are a group of complex and heterogeneous disorders that give rise to the psychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. NDDs have a high socio-economic impact and patients with NDDs and mental health problems are geographically dispersed. Thus, establishment of high capacity regional centres with equivalent research capacity and codes of practice is needed in order to build global research activity. The goals of STREAMLINE are to enhanced strategic networking and reinforce research and innovation potential of the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE) in order to develop IMGGE as a high capacity hub for research of NDDs in the Western Balkans which is able to integrate with similar centres in Europe. This will be achieved by twinning IMGGE with three top-class research institutions in Europe: Cardiff University, University of Maastricht and Centre for Research and Technology. The project objectives are: a) to enhance the current and scale up the overall strategic networking activities between the IMGGE and internationally-leading European partners and regional partners; b) to raise the research profile of research stuff and scientific attractiveness of IMGGE in the field of NDDs; c) to strengthens research management capacities and administrative skills of the IMGGE staff and d) to become a regional leader in innovations tackling NDDs. Objectives will be achieved through networking, staff exchanges, training, summer schools, symposia, workshops, participation at conferences and dissemination in scientific community, industries and public. Twinning with partners will provide access to new research avenues, creativity, development of new approaches and increased mobility (inwards and outwards) of qualified scientists.