Functional genomics in obstructive airway disease: Wnt signaling and immunology

Purpose and goal

The primary aim of the visit was to discuss, prepare and finalize a project for submission of the VINNMER Marie Curie Incoming proposal after consulting with Prof. Linden and his academic unit at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Lung and Airway Research Unit, KI. To achieve the described objective, a detailed feasibility study was performed following visit to the laboratory premise, instrumentation and core facilities, animal facility, understanding of the human cohort and tissue bank, along with interaction with administrative staff and colleagues was undertaken.

Results and expected effects

Dr. Ganguly´s visit resulted in submission of the aimed project titled ´Th17 signaling and alveolar macrophage polarization in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease´. A detailed career building path, scientific leadership courses, conferences and workshops have been outlined for Dr Ganguly to successfully integrate him in our research curriculum including completion of docentship. The visit also enabled him to understand the research focus of the unit/institute, to interact with prospective colleagues through attending kick off meetings, workshops and seminars.

Approach and implementation

Activities related to Dr Ganguly´s visit were meticulously planned and executed starting from preliminary discussions, outlining specific hypotheisis, aims and objectives, visits to core facilities (microarray, NG sequencing for RNAseq, and animal house), development and finalizing the project based on accessible infrastructure, precisely planning a structured career path aimed at long term integration, securing the 50% matching salary component and finalizing the critical administrative issues for his appointment as a highly experienced researcher at IMM, KI.