Both the European Research Council (ERC) and COST contribute to the free flow of ideas and researchers in Europe, welcoming individuals regardless of their scientific field, career status, and country of origin. The ERC focuses on excellence, supporting both research and researchers, while COST plays a unique role as a bridge. It brings together excellent research projects and allows researchers and innovators to develop their ideas across various fields of science and technology by sharing them with their peers.
Through COST Actions, ERC grantees have the opportunity to interact with leading researchers from Europe and beyond, regardless of their location. This opportunity is particularly valuable for young researchers who may have had fewer chances to network and are less familiar with European funding opportunities. It’s also beneficial for researchers from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC). This story of 3 ITC researchers from Portugal is one of collaboration, networking, and synergies between the ERC and the COST programme.
Manuela Gomes’ synergies in tendon regeneration
The ERC Consolidator Grant MagTendon – Magnetically Assisted Tissue Engineering Technologies for Tendon Regeneration, coordinated by Dr Manuela Gomes, explores new ways to help tendons heal. Researchers are using technologies such as 3D bioprinting with different materials and magnets to create systems that act like real tendons. Adding special cells to these systems gives them the right signals to help regenerate tendon tissue. It’s like giving the body a little instruction manual on how to repair its own tendons! “I feel very lucky to be coordinating an ERC project”, says Manuela.
“Networking in science is not only fundamental – it is the best part of the work, the part that gives us a sense of purpose”
Manuela Gomes, the Chair of the Action TENET
The main motivation for Dr Gomes to apply for the COST Action was to take advantage of the network developed over the years and to address the multidisciplinary challenges in advancing therapies for tendon injuries and diseases. In particular, she was inspired by two young researchers in her team, who highlighted the profound impact of collaborative projects on their professional development and the overall growth of the team.
Manuela is now leading the new COST Action TEndon Regeneration NETwork (TENET), demonstrating the dynamic synergy between the ERC and COST programmes. She sees the COST Action as a platform to address multidisciplinary challenges in tendon therapies. Current repair strategies mainly involve surgery, but the clinical outcome is poor, demanding alternative approaches. The main aim of TENET Action is to create a scientific network of excellence integrating academics, research laboratories, clinicians, biotechnological companies, and regulatory bodies to foster the scientific and industrial capacity to develop, test and translate advanced regenerative therapies to promote tendon tissue regeneration and restoration of tendon function in order to improve patient treatments and outcomes.
Manuela’s move to TENET stems from a deep belief in the power of collaboration. In her words: “Networking in science is not only fundamental – it is the best part of the work, the part that gives us a sense of purpose”. She believes that researchers benefit not only on a scientific level, but also in terms of soft skills and personal development: “I strongly believe that we need support to develop basic science projects, while recognising the importance of sharing knowledge, perspectives and resources to take our research to a higher level and solve the constant demands and challenges of an ever-changing world,” she explains.
Dr Manuela Gomes is Professor at the University of Minho, the Chair of the TENET COST Action, ERC and EC Twinning Project Achilles grantee.
Read more at COST website
