Tackling cancer together: five CIVIS universities receive prestigious EU funding for innovative research network
At the core of spaXio's research is the concept of the “metastatic niche” – a dynamic interplay between tumour cells, immune cells, the microbiome, and the surrounding tissue. This area remains largely uncharted territory. But now, thanks to an outstanding evaluation by international reviewers, the spaXio application ranked among the top 8% of over 1,400 submissions from across Europe, and will receive €5.2 million in funding over the next five years from the European Union and Switzerland.
How it works
Modern single-cell technologies generate vast amounts of data but often miss the spatial context. This is where spaXio steps in, employing cutting-edge spatial omics technologies to explore the spatial-temporal organisation of cells and molecular processes. Complementing this, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital computer models, known as “digital twins” of metastases, simulate disease progression virtually.
This innovative approach allows researchers to simulate and test new therapeutic strategies in the lab. In their research, scientists use complex 3D tumour models called “tumoroids”. Additionally, AI-supported data integration and modelling help generate innovative treatment strategies for advanced cancer.
Teams from five CIVIS universities involved in the project
spaXio unites leading scientists from top universities in Salzburg, Tübingen, Marseille, Madrid, Lausanne, and Munich along with clinics and companies across Europe and the United States:
The initial idea was to create a CIVIS-based network between laboratories interested in using spatial omics technologies. It was the seed funding from CIVIS-UNIL that brought us together to further develop and realise our idea as an organised network, which ultimately led to this successful grant application. We believe that with spaXio we will provide a strong foundation for interdisciplinary cancer research within CIVIS”, states Dr Dirk Schmidt-Arras who, together with his colleagues Dr Peter Krenn and Dr Jutta Horejs-Hoeck from the University of Salzburg, coordinated the joint grant proposal.
At the CIVIS universities, 13 doctoral candidates will work both experimentally in the lab and computationally with large data sets. Beyond scientific training, these candidates will gain skills in science communication, ethics, open science, interdisciplinarity, and sustainability. Industry internships and international collaborations will further bridge the gap between research and practical application.
spaXio aims not only to train excellent young researchers but also to contribute significantly to the EU Mission Cancer. By advancing personalised and highly precise cancer therapies, the project is set to bring new momentum to the fight against cancer.
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