Welcome to aDDRess

The consortium was carefully designed to create a joint European program of research and training activities with a core intellectual focus on the impact of Chromatin Dynamics on the DNA damage Response (DDR) (aDDRess). The Network addresses a major research topic with great socioeconomic impact in Europe, builds a well-structured multi-disciplinary European science area and strong links to the industry, thereby providing young researchers with a unique skill set that enhances their future career prospects.

The overall objectives of the Network are:

• To establish a European research platform of excellence in the field of chromatin dynamics and the DDR by integrating research from basic mechanisms to translational research applications.
• To create a Network dedicated for the training of ESR/ERs promoting their independent careers, their own scientific goals and future employment prospects.
• To transform our current successful, long-term collaborations into a stronger intellectual and training network and build durable links between the participating labs and the industry (SMEs).

The aDDRess ITN will focus on a series of relatively short-term objectives that are achievable within the time course of the Network project. These objectives are centered to seventeen ESRs and one ER and are grouped into two broad thematic areas:

1. Function of DNA repair/DDR mechanisms in the context of chromatin.
2. DNA repair/DDR mechanisms and chromatin dynamics in cell fate and disease.

In addressing these aims, we have put forward a multidisciplinary approach to study this central thematic area at the molecular, cellular and systems level by assembling a group of scientists and industrial partners with cross disciplinary expertise and capabilities. The aDDRess ITN will include several genetic model systems employing cutting-edge technologies and tools, some of which have been specifically developed by the participants of this ITN. This consortium combines toplevel, state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research skills ranging from basic molecular mechanisms and ‘omics’ level understanding to translational research and clinical applications.