NEXT GENERATION IMMUNOSCIENCE: Advanced Concepts for Deciphering Acute and Chronic Inflammation

Digital data and information are key elements of research in biosciences and medicine. We currently experience a convergence between classical bioscience in the laboratory, translational health science and information science. Furthermore, novel advanced technologies have become available that not only open unprecedented possibilities for biomedical research but also create big data sets on multiple omics layers, data that need to be integrated into a multilayer network model to generate robust pathogenesis and prediction models leading to solutions for major human diseases. The emerging complexity on the technology and data level is added on to the already given complex nature and extreme variability and plasticity of the immune system, which is a key driver in the pathogenesis of many major human diseases. It is evident that such a multilayered complexity demands anew generation of immunological scientists who will be able to handle these challenges. However, at present – even on a global scale – there is a lack of facilities for the targeted, integrated training of experts who have both,a command of all these areas and enough specific knowledge to work across disciplines – covering all the necessary challenges of a new era in immunology, from wet lab to novel genetically modified animal models all the way to omics data generation, handling and integration. Providing such an education in Immunoscience at the highest scientific level, in combination with excellent opportunities for research work, is the main objective of the DTU NEXTIMMUNE. Thus, the DTU has set its primary strategy to address key research and innovation challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment of immune-mediated-inflammatory diseases, with acute andchronic infection and with cancer. For many of these major human disease burdens the available therapeutic approaches are either insufficient or provide only symptomatic relief rather than permanent cure. A portfolio of tightly interleaved advanced technologies are available amongst the key investigators in NEXTIMMUNE. The DTU will host research groups with strong critical mass around systems immunology/biomedicine,inflammation/infection and basic/molecular immunology from the Department of Infection and Immunity/LIH, the LCSB/LSRU/ULand the biotech entity COMPLIX. PhD projects will dissect unmet needs in infection and inflammation.