EMBL ARISE2 programme receives EC funding

The programme will advance excellence in research infrastructure management and technology development

By Brenda Stride, Fellowship Programmes Lead and Deputy Head of Internal Scientific Training

EMBL has received funding from Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND for ARISE2, the next phase of its innovative ARISE (Career Accelerator for Research Infrastructure Scientists) fellowship programme. ARISE2 is a unique fellowship programme offering talented scientists, technology developers, engineers, and mathematicians from around the world the opportunity to work on the development or improvement of technologies for life science research while developing the expertise needed for a career in research infrastructures. 

The 5-year ARISE2 programme will support the recruitment and training of 50 talented fellows by EMBL and 18 partner organisations.

“The ARISE2 fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for talented researchers who show both the potential and willingness to grow into infrastructure professionals,” said Annika Jenmalm Jensen, Infrastructure Director of SciLifeLab, an ARISE2 partner. “Having a structured program like this is vital for building strong career pathways in research infrastructures and ensuring a continuous supply of expert infrastructure managers and researchers, who form the backbone of tomorrow’s life sciences, increasingly dependent on cutting-edge research infrastructures.” 

Contribution to technology-focused projects – with a strong emphasis on data science and AI

ARISE2 fellows will gain hands-on experience in the development of technology or methods that are suitable for research infrastructures, by working on a project of their choice, receiving excellent supervision, and participating in secondments. Through their projects, ARISE2 fellows will accelerate innovations in quantitative and high-sensitivity data generation and interpretation.

Technological advancements over the last decade have revolutionised scientific discovery, leading to an explosion in the volume of data generated by life sciences research. The new programme has adapted to the changing needs of the scientific community by incorporating a strong emphasis on data science and artificial intelligence (AI).

“With ARISE2, the programme has evolved to now also include stronger data science and AI training elements and use of technologies to support open science,” said Programme Scientific Director Jan Korbel. “This is not only timely but essential, given the shifting landscape of life science research which is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary and data-driven.” 

The fellows will be challenged to plan novel technologies or methods to support FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) management of data.

A strong collaboration between EMBL and academic and industry partners

The ARISE programme involves 18  leading academic institutions and industry partners to offer fellows exceptional access to diverse expertise and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Partners contribute to supervision, training, and the offering of secondments. ARISE2 is open to new partner organisations, to broaden the exchange of expertise and impact on the community. RIcapacity, the programme’s implementing partner, will facilitate the partnerships’ development.

“VIB is proud to partner with EMBL in the ARISE2 programme, because of our shared dedication to training technophile scientists and focus on advancing technologies and methodologies for scientific services,” said Geert Van Minnebruggen, Technology Director at VIB, an ARISE2 partner. “ARISE2 is instrumental in preparing Europe’s next generation for careers in research infrastructures, which are crucial for the progression of fundamental research.”

A unique training programme for the next generation of European research infrastructure professionals

In addition to receiving scientific training through their research project, supervision, and secondments, ARISE2 fellows benefit from a set of modules that teach key research infrastructure management competencies, such as how to provide scientific services, manage teams, support users, manage administration and finances, and promote innovation. 

By making the training materials open and structured as micro-credentials (certificates for short skills training), ARISE2 will contribute to the professionalisation of RI careers. The formal training is complemented by professional development activities, including participation in international conferences, seminars, and courses, and direct experience of research service provision, communication, and outreach. 

EMBL’s extensive portfolio of postdoctoral and career services provides additional individualised opportunities, ensuring that fellows receive the necessary support to succeed in their future careers.

“ARISE2 specifically addresses the gap in technology development and professional training within Europe’s research infrastructure landscape,” said Programme Director Monika Lachner.

For more information on the ARISE2 programme, please visit this page.  

Tags:
ARISE, core facility, funding, research infrastructure, training