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The project team presented to the media the achieved outcomes and accomplished targets under the large-scale European TRANSTEM project of the European Commission at a final press conference at Medical University – Varna. As the sole beneficiary, in 2019 MU-Varna was granted funding of a total of BGN 5 million for research and development in the field of stem cells in different organs.
Prof. Dr. Anton Tonchev, Director of the Research Institute of MU-Varna (RIMU-Varna), outlined to the media the procedure through which Dr. Manlio Vinciguerra, European Research Area (ERA) Chair, was attracted to MU-Varna. Thanks to the project, Dr. Vinciguerra has set up a high-quality scientific team composed of both experienced and talented young researchers who over the past almost six years have achieved significant research outcomes. The project coordinator Prof. Dr. Igor Resnick also attended the meeting.
Among the project achievements reported by Prof. Tonchev were training and mobility of scientists, equipment of a cutting-edge laboratory for molecular analyses, selection and cultivation of cells and gene expression studies, organization of international scientific events of exceptional quality with the participation of prominent scientists from all over the world, leading to the establishment of an international network of researchers working in the field of stem cells. TRANSTEM has also contributed to the establishment of an Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation (OTTI) at RIMU-Varna, which will focus its efforts on patenting the ideas and discoveries of researchers.
In addition to stem cell research, the TRANSTEM team has been able to develop new biomarkers in the fields of Oncology and Cardiology that provide a more accurate disease prognosis and determine what the optimal treatment should be. Intellectual property is about to be protected and the discovery patented, with Prof. Tonchev emphasizing that he expects funding to be ensured next year by creating a start-up and launching production of the biomarkers in a real environment.
Dr. Manlio Vinciguerra added, “In parallel with these studies, work is also underway to create small, inexpensive equipment that would be accessible to conventional laboratories and allow application of biomarkers to become routine. These markers would be beneficial for patients with heart failure, haemato-oncological diseases, as well as lung, colon, and breast cancer. The idea is to be able to determine a disease prognosis and what medications should be administered through a laboratory test, i.e. in a minimally invasive way,” Dr. Vinciguerra explained.
“TRANSTEM project has allowed Varna scientists to join an international network of researchers, and the city is now renowned as a scientific and research centre not only in Europe, but on all continents,” added Prof. Tonchev.
Media representatives visited the laboratories equipped under the TRANSTEM project, examining the facilities that will be available for use by all researchers at MU-Varna.
TRANSTEM project scientists also held a three-day final scientific conference entitled “From a Fundamental Understanding of Stem Cells to Regenerative Therapies”, which took place from 4th to 6th July 2025 in Varna. At the conference, team members reported their scientific findings and international lecturers presented topics related to Stem Cell Biology.
Velina Markovska