Our innovation support measures
Young researchers at the beginning of their careers in particular need comprehensive support, ranging from favourable framework conditions for their research to individual career planning and support in founding start-ups. CNATM offers all this and more with the help of institutional and several newly created packages of measures, which we coordinate in a central joint CNATM project (VP4).
Here, expertise, resources and technologies are made available to bring developments quickly into application:
- Imaging of nucleic acids: Tracking nucleic acid therapeutics in tissue to the target cell and also their binding to the target structure is difficult and can only recently be overcome with the help of lightsheet microscopy. Through CNATM, such a microscope has been installed and is now available to all members.
- Synthesis of nucleic acids: Especially for the screening of variously synthesized nucleic acids or their preclinical validation in animal models, the effort for syntheses quickly reaches budget limits. CNATM facilitates access to the required product.
- Sequencing and analytics of nucleic acids: Single cell sequencing (scRNA-Seq) in particular offers insights into gene regulation that seemed unthinkable just a few years ago. CNATM provides access to third generation sequencing and analytics, such as mass spectrometry.
- Stem cells and organoids not only have the potential to replace animal models, but also offer the possibility to validate active substances against the background of the human genome or even to be implanted in patients themselves. CNATM members bring this expertise to the network.
- Data management: the complex data sets from omics analyses are increasingly a challenge for researchers. CNATM supports the management of data and their networked bioinformatic analysis.
Sub-projects with particularly fast and positive development should not be hindered by rigid time and budget frames, but should be able to take the next step quickly. CNATM provides access to the expertise of companies from the regulatory sector and can draw on existing accelerator/incubator programs. (Interner Ansprechpartner:)
- Organoid and iPS cell technologies to reduce animal experiments
- Promoting young talent through various activities
- Development of a regional nucleic acid research network
- Public relations work through public outreach projects
Scientific buildings & Technology platforms
Each of the institutes and companies united in CNATM contributes specific expertise and equipment to the cluster. Our innovation network is thus built on a broad base of technological and methodological resources that is unparalleled in its density and diversity.
The establishment and utilisation of technology platforms in the cluster are a central asset of CNATM. Two state-of-the-art on-topic research buildings are available for this purpose. Further technology platforms are organised decentrally at the respective institutes and are available to researchers as part of innovation support measures.
Bayerische NMR-Zentrum (BNMRZ)
Contains a comprehensive range of equipment for the structural biological analysis of macromolecular RNA-protein complexes
Institute for Chemical Epigenetics Munich (ICEM)
Has a central electron microscope facility and a next-gen sequencing unit
Our contribution to the High-Tech Strategy 2025
CNATM will make key contributions in all three fields of action of the German government's high-tech strategy through the establishment of nucleic acid therapeutics and the value creation based on them.
The thematic location of this cluster in the health and care sector of field of action 1 addresses the considerable, unmet need for innovation in advanced therapies. Despite the success of the vaccines developed in Germany, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic made it clear that there is an enormous need for active substances and therapeutic options that can be used to achieve better treatment results. In addition to infectious diseases, this applies equally to the other disease foci of the cluster: immunity/chronic inflammation, tumor diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.