july to december · education, universities and research of the basque government and the...
TRANSCRIPT
scientia ad rememdium
2012
July to December
i
FOREWORD ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1. STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................... 2
Precedents .................................................................................................................................... 2
Analysis of Environment ............................................................................................................ 3
Scientific Plan 2013-2016 .......................................................................................................... 4
Research Groups | Principal Investigators ........................................................................... 6
Management Plan 2012............................................................................................................. 8
2. PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS ............................................................................. 10
3. PEOPLE ........................................................................................................................................ 14
4. RESEARCH ................................................................................................................................... 15
5. TRAINING .................................................................................................................................... 17
6. DISSEMINATION ........................................................................................................................ 19
7. INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT.................................................................................... 24
8. ACHUCARRO IN FIGURES ........................................................................................................ 27
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
1
This is a detailed report of the activities
that the Achucarro Basque Center for
Neuroscience has developed in the first
six months of its life.
In the following pages we review the
most relevant actions and activities in
the period of establishment of the
Center and the outcome of launching its
first actions, in accordance with its
founding objectives, the Strategic Plan
2013-2016, and the Management Plan
2012.
If we had to highlight briefly the most
important achievements in these past
months, we would say they are twofold.
Following the completion of the
preparatory phase, in which the
proposed neuroscience centre
competed with a number of other
proposed centres, thanks to the strong
support of the Department of
Education, Universities and Research of
the Basque Government and the
University of the Basque Country
(UPV/EHU) this project was able to lay
the foundation for its future
development, first by finding an
appropriate temporary site, which
provides space and resources especially
useful and needed for this initiative, and
second by acquiring a super-resolution
microscope, equipped with unique
technical features. These two
investments allow Achucarro to have a
first base for its headquarters and
cutting-edge scientific equipment to
contribute to the visibility of the Center
in the international community of
neuroscience.
In its scant 28 weeks of life, we have
already held 11 research seminars, one
scientific conference to introduce the
Centre to our community, and
participated in several scientific and
dissemination initiatives that we will see
in detail in the following pages.
Carlos Matute
Scientific Director
Jaime Sagarduy
General Manager
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
2
Interdisciplinarity, collaboration and excellence in experimentation are the cornerstones
for successful research in neuroscience. Recent advances in technology research
support, which fall within the areas of molecular biology, genetic modification, "in vivo"
images at different levels of brain organisation, modern pharmacology and
electrophysiological techniques, offer unprecedented opportunities for the acquisition
of new data. These become even more advanced and powerful when used in
combination. This potential can only be achieved within the framework of the ongoing
collaboration among different research groups with the relevant expertise, and diverse
and complementary technologies.
The Achucarro Center was originally conceived in 2008. Following the creation of
Ikerbasque, the Basque Foundation for Science, in late 2006, and the realisation that
one of its main priorities was the creation of new scientific infrastructure, Professors
Carlos Matute and Alexej Verkhratsky devised a new strategic approach for a centre in
neuroscience research in the Basque Country.
Undoubtedly, the novelty of the Center lies in its specialisation in the study of brain
biology, particularly in the relationship between neurons and glia, on one hand, and the
translational approach to research, on the other.
Although neuroscience or neurobiology, more specifically, is a sub-area halfway between
medicine and biology, its extension is significant, since the same field of work covers a
wide range of approaches and scientific interests. Hence, the external panels that have
successively appraised the proposals to create the Center have approved this strategic
approach.
With respect to the creation and organisation of the Center, the support of Ikerbasque
and a vibrant university community, in recent years in the Basque Country and Bizkaia, in
particular, have helped to attract international neuroscientists, providing an important
substrate to meet the challenges that this initiative and the current situation demand.
Our team, currently comprising some 50 people, is a point of strength for several
reasons: the Center is strongly rooted, constitutes added value to the continued hard
work of professionals from our science system, provides a systemic view of research in
the field, and offers expertise and international collaborations, which are essential for
the effective prioritisation of actions and investments to be made in the coming years, to
name a few.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
3
The key ideas and concepts that guide the scientific strategy of the Achucarro Center are
based on major global trends, on the one hand, and on the Centre’s framework and our
geographical strengths, on the other. Here are the most relevant ones.
A globalised world
The ageing population is one of the most serious challenges to the world, and in
particular to Europe. According to recent projections, the number of Europeans
aged over 65 will almost double over the next 50 years, from 87 million in 2010
to 148 million in 2060.
Promoting active and healthy ageing is important for improving the quality of life
of older people, to help reduce unsustainable pressure on public health
systems.
Public expenditure on health today accounts for 7.8% of GDP in the EU, and by
2060, public spending on acute health care and long-term care is expected to
increase by 3% of GDP due to the age effect. This trend is a challenge for
governments and public administrators, but also for companies and researchers
in biomedical areas, such as neuroscience.
Diseases of the nervous system associated with stroke and neurodegeneration
have quickly become the leading causes of incapacity and death in developed
countries.
At least two strategic actions of the EU Horizon 2020 directly affect the roots of
our activity: "Tackling Societal Challenges" and "Excellence in the Science Base".
Within Spain, the networked research centre (CIBER) in neuroscience
(CIBERNED) is proposed as one of only two such centres which will be
maintained in the future, after the merger of all the other centres, thanks to its
performance, and it can be said to have reached critical mass during
development. The Achucarro Center is part of that forum through the research
group of Professor Matute. The group of Professor Vandenbroeck is part of the
REEM (Red Española de Esclerosis Múltiple).
Basque strategy for science
Since 2000, the Basque Country has addressed the challenge of becoming a
reference node among European bioregions, thanks in part to actions of the
agency strategy BioBasque.
The Basque Government defined a Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation
2015, which sets out an action plan called "Market Focus", where ageing is
placed prominently. In addition, the creation of the National Research Center on
Ageing (CNIE), to be located in San Sebastian in the coming years, is a valuable
potential ally and complement.
Euskampus, the Campus of International Excellence, an initiative of the
University of the Basque Country, has placed neuroscience as one of the Poles
of Knowledge (Mens sana) that they will support, in cooperation with the
Bordeaux/Aquitaine BRAIN initiative.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
4
The Directorship of Political Science within the Department of Education, Universities
and Research of the Basque Government designed a programme called BERC (Basque
Excellence Research Centres) to provide a suitable framework for the launch and
development of research centres at the frontier of knowledge, such as Achucarro. The
basic part of this project/proposal is a four-year strategic research plan.
The key elements of the Achucarro Strategic Plan for the period 2013-2016 could be
summarised as follows:
Mission
The Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience is:
a research centre supported by Ikerbasque and the University of the Basque
Country (UPV/EHU)
devoted to fundamental and translational research in neuron-glial biology
focused on the discovery of new therapies for brain diseases
cooperating with the local community and networking with international
institutions in the field of neuroscience
intended to contribute to the training of future neuroscientists.
Vision
By 2016, The Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience strives to lead and coordinate
the Basque efforts to advance in neuroscience knowledge by:
establishing a world-class research centre, with internationally recognised
research groups and state of the art equipment and facilities
contributing to the understanding of the human brain in the field of neuron-glial
biology
generating relevant knowledge and scientific results that contribute to the well-
being of society.
Strategic focus of research
Fundamental and translational research in neuroscience requires a deep exploration of
all aspects of the brain, from neuroanatomy and neurophysiology to neurohistology, and
from neuropsychology to neuropathology. Thus, this first Science Plan focuses on brain
function in physiology and pathophysiology, with particular emphasis on four aspects:
in-depth understanding of the organisation and information processing in
neural circuitries;
identification of genetic and molecular backgrounds of neural circuits during
development and ageing;
characterisation of genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms of
neurodegenerative and autoimmune-mediated brain diseases;
translational research aimed at the development of new strategies for the
treatment of brain diseases.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
5
Objectives
The overall objective of the Center is to develop coordinated interdisciplinary research
on brain function, at all levels, from individual molecules to individual cells and nerve
tissue isolated precisely, in order to study "in vivo" brain networks that allow us to
advance our understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the nervous
system.
In particular, the fundamental scientific strategy is based on thorough study of neuron-
glial biology in normal and diseased brain.
Research programmes
This strategic research focus finds expression in three high-level research programmes
including different areas that involve the coordinated and complementary expertise of
the different research groups from the Center.
Characterisation of the role of glial cells in the physiology of the nervous system
o roles of astrocytes in synaptic communication
o neurotransmitter signalling during neurogenesis and gliogenesis
o mechanisms of microglia phagocytosis during neurogenesis.
Characterisation of structural and functional changes of neuronal-glial
networking in the aged brain
o age-dependent remodelling of neuronal-glial signalling
o regulation of the intrinsic properties of Neural Stem Cells in the Adult
Hippocampus.
The role of neuroglia in neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological
disorders
o research on general mechanisms of neuron and glial cell death
o understanding the pathophysiology of Alzheimer´s disease
o genetics of autoimmune pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and
neuroinflammation.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
6
The Board of Trustees of the Center appointed Professor Carlos Matute as Scientific
Director, and granted Professor Alexej Verkhratsky the title of Adjunct Scientific Director,
an advisory role to the Scientific Director.
We expect that the researchers and groups listed below will be engaged during 2013 on
secondment agreements approved by the University of the Basque Country and
Ikerbasque.
Juan Manuel Encinas, Group Leader
PhD Universidad Complutense de Madrid – Instituto Cajal (Spain), 2003
Ikerbasque Research Professor (UPV/EHU)
Laboratory of neural stem cells and neurogenesis
Carlos Matute, Scientific Director
PhD University of Zaragoza (Spain), 1982
Full Professor in Anatomy and Human Embryology
Department of Neurosciencies (UPV/EHU)
Laboratory of neurobiology
Florence Perrin, Group Leader
PhD University of Basel (Switzerland), 2000
Ikerbasque Research Professor (UPV/EHU)
Laboratory of integrative biology of neurodegeneration
Jose Julio Rodríguez Arellano, Group Leader
PhD Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain), 1993
Ikerbasque Research Professor (UPV/EHU)
Laboratory of functional neuroanatomy
Amanda Sierra, Group Leader
PhD Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain), 2003
Ikerbasque Research Professor (UPV/EHU)
Laboratory of glial cell biology
Koen Vandenbroeck, Group Leader
PhD University of Leuven (Belgium), 1993
Ikerbasque Research Professor (UPV/EHU)
Laboratory of neurogenomics
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
7
Alexej Verkhratsky, Adjunct Scientific Director
PhD Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology (Kiev, Ukraine), 1986
Full Professor in Neurophysiology (University of Manchester)
Ikerbasque Research Professor (UPV/EHU)
Laboratory of pathophysiology
Jose Luis Zugaza, Group Leader
PhD Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (Spain), 1993
Ikerbasque Research Professor (UPV/EHU)
Laboratory of GTPases and neurosignalling
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
8
The Achucarro Center has developed and adopted a management model based on
processes that follow the guidelines and recommendations of the EFQM (European
Foundation for Quality Management), already a de facto standard in organisations with
more advanced management systems in the Basque Country, and elsewhere in Europe.
The Management Plan for 2012 presents the ideas and objectives set by the Strategic
Plan.
Thus, considering the Center’s mission and vision, we set out their concepts in a number
of management processes represented in the following process map.
Infrastructure, Equipment and Resources
Strategy and Management
Partnerships People
FUNDAMENTAL AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN
NEUROSCIENCE
TRAINING
DISSEMINATION
Within this approach, all activities in the Center are managed by one or more processes
that aim to achieve the objectives set in each case, and through continuous learning
acquired in the development of the various activities, pursue continuous improvement
in the activities and performance of the organisation.
The number of processes should be consistent with the size of the organisation, given
that all team members are responsible for ensuring that all activities carried out within
the framework of each process is managed properly. Hence, for example, we have
defined a “macro-process" called "Infrastructure, Equipment and Resources", which
involves all the activities supporting the development of facilities, scientific and office
equipment, and all kinds of resources, from consumables to supplies and the
relationship and negotiation with suppliers.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
9
The most important activities during the year have been planned and implemented,
according to these processes, within the following chronology.
M04 M05 M06 M07 M08 M09 M10 M11 M12
STRATEGY AND MANEGEMENT
Definition of Strategic Plan 1
1 1
Definition and follow-up of Management Plan 1
1
1
1
Meetings of the Board of Trustees
1
1
Administrative and accounting management
1 1 1 1 1 1
Legal Procedures 1 1
PARTNERSHIPS
Framework Agreements Ikerbasque
1
1 1
Framework Agreements UPV/EHU
1
Incorporation of Bioef to the Board
1
Affiliation to RedIris e i2Basque
1
Affiliation to BSTIN
1
Affiliation to Innobasque
1
Appointment of ISAC
1
PEOPLE
“European Charter & Code of Conduct
1
Formal hiring of General Manager
1
Edition of “Welcome Manual”
1
1
Selection and induction of intern for management
1
RESEARCH
Development of own research projects
Scientific Coordination meetings
1
TRAINING
Achucarro Seminars
2
1 5 1 1
Collaboration with Masters courses
1 1 1 1
Collaboration with PhD courses
1 1 1 1
DISSEMINATION
Development of Center ID and Brand 1
Registration of Brand
1
Develoment of Website 1
Development of Leaflet
1
Official Presentation event
1
Development of Annual Report
1
Press-conferences
1
Press-realeases
1
INFRASTRUCTURE
Refurbishment of headquarters 1 1 1
Procurement and installation of furniture
1
1
Procurement of supplies
1
2
1
EQUIPMENT
Procurement of super-resolution microscope 1 1 1
Installation of super-resolution microscope
1
Installation of incubator
1
RESOURCES
Telecommunication networks
Procurement and installation of Office equipment
1
1
Procurement of main support providers
(Legal and accounting advisor, insurances) 1 1
Next we will review in detail all the activities undertaken over this period, following the
framework provided by the processes, starting with the Partnerships, since Strategy and
Management have already been discussed.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
10
Collaboration and partnering with other institutions and people are essential for the
successful launching of a new initiative such as the Achucarro Center. Furthermore, the
very conception of the institutions promoting the project, and the ties between
Ikerbasque and UPV/EHU, ensure joint and shared success, not just for the stakeholders
directly linked to Achucarro, but for the whole Basque science system.
Depending on the impact of each partnership or collaboration in the development of
the Center, we have classified them as strategic, institutional or operational. This
classification helps us determine different types of management for each case. In some
cases, the relationship with one institution may straddle more than one of these
categories.
Strategic Alliances
We consider strategic alliances those that we establish with all kinds of institutions
operating in our area, either generally or specifically.
UE - HRS4R Community
Following the subscription to the European Charter for Researchers (see section 3.
Persons) by the Achucarro Board of Trustees, the European Commission has invited us
to participate in a community of concerned institutions and sensitised people
management in scientific fields, called "Human Resources for Research Strategy
(HRS4R)". This forum will allow us to have contact with such relevant entities as the
Directorate General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission and
other European research institutions, which will lead to the internationalisation of
Achucarro.
Associations of patients and families affected by neurodegenerative diseases
Although the path of fundamental research is often far from clinical trials, we believe in
the importance of an honest approach, without creating false expectations, to social
groups affected by the diseases studied in the laboratory. To that end, we have
maintained direct contact with, or reported the activities of the Center to, a number of
these organisations, such as, among others, the Bizkaia Parkinson’s Association, the
Bizkaia Association of Alzheimer's Relatives, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and the
Walk On Project.
Forums and professional associations
Through our researchers we participate in all the relevant forums in our area, and strive
to expand our institutional presence. Among our contact groups are the Alzheimer's
Association, the British Neuroscience Association, the Centres of Excellence in
Neurodegeneration Research, the European Brain Council, the Federation of European
Neuroscience, the International Brain Research Organization, the Japan Neuroscience
Society, the EU Joint Programme - Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND), the ERA-
NET Nanostroke, the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, the Society for
Neuroscience, and, of course, the Spanish Society of Neuroscience and the Spanish
Society of Neurology.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
11
Institutional alliances
Institutional partnerships and collaborations are those based on a partnership
agreement or similar document, which enables us to maintain a close collaborative
relationship in specific areas.
To some extent, such alliances are also strategic in nature, as indicated by the
agreements signed with Ikerbasque and the UPV/EHU for the appointment of personnel.
The following institutional alliances/agreements are currently in force:
Ikerbasque
agreement to support the launch of Achucarro financially
Framework Agreement for the appointment of research staff
Annex to the Framework Agreement for the appointment of Robert Zorec
(University of Ljubljana, Slovenia) as Ikerbasque Visiting Professor
Annex to the Framework Agreement for the appointment of Rogelio Arellano
Ostoa (National Autonomous University of Mexico) as Ikerbasque Visiting
Professor.
University of the Basque Country
Framework Agreement
specific agreement for the appointment of the Scientific Director
specific agreement for the provision of telephony services.
Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network (BSTIN / RVCTI)
attachment to this network and be recognised as a BERC – Basque Excellence
Research Centre.
Innobasque
membership of this organisation, which leads the Basque community in
innovation, and collaboration with the FIRST Lego League project coordinated by
them.
In addition, exploratory talks have been held with other Euskampus and Cooperative
Research Centres (CIC) and other Basque Excellence Research Centres (BERC), to try to
identify areas of common or complementary work.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
12
Operational allies and partners
The Achucarro Center has a number of different providers who we could consider as
allies for operational issues, because of either the nature of the goods or services they
provide or their contribution to the development of the mission and vision of the school,
involving close collaboration.
Bizkaia Science and Technology Park
This is the case of the Science and Technology Park of Bizkaia, which has provided a local
basic – though appropriate – site, on a rental basis, for the centre of operations and the
physical image of the new Center.
Novartis
The research groups that currently make up the Center have been working with various
companies and institutions for a while, and thanks to that relationship, during our
inaugural day, the pharmaceutical company Novartis supported the scientific outreach
programme by donating 5,000 euros to finance mainly the cost of renting the room and
the light lunch served after the event.
Basque Association of Economists and Kutxabank
In October this year, we received a proposal from the Basque Association of Economists,
in agreement with Kutxabank, to launch a scholarship programme for unemployed
young people from the region of Biscay (Bizkaia) without work experience and higher
education in economics and/or business management.
In line with the vision and mission of Achucarro, which aims to assist in the development
of local talent, primarily (but not exclusively) in sciences, we selected a person who is
undertaking her professional practice (internship) for a period of six months. The
Basque Association of Economists and Kutxabank fund 65% of the cost of this contract
and Achucarro the remainder.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
13
International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC)
Scientific advisory committees have, in general, multiple objectives. However, in the
particular case of the Achucarro Center, in addition to providing advice and objective
assessment of the Center’s approaches and activities, we are confident that our
relationship with the Committee will help us to strengthen ties with the institutions of
the internationally well-known researchers listed below.
The ISAC is currently composed of distinguished professionals in different geographical
areas and with expertise in neuroscience. Their appointments took into account their
professional background, expertise and geographical location, with the aim of covering
most of the international views of the different subareas of neuroscience.
Jesús Ávila
CBM Severo Ochoa
Spain
Geoffrey Burnstock
University College
London
United Kingdom
Isabel Fariñas
University of Valencia
Spain
Christian Giaume
Ecole Normale
Supérieure
France
Helmut Kettenmann
Max-Delbrück
Centrum
Germany
Frank Kirchhoff
Saarland University
Germany
Jose A. Obeso
CIMA, University of
Navarra
Spain
Jorge Oksenberg
University of California
in San Francisco
USA
Anna Planas
IDIBAPS, Barcelona
Spain
Bruce Ransom
University of
Washington
USA
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
14
Since we have already introduced the main research team, in this section we will focus
on the Center’s management personnel. Currently, Achucarro has one person directly
contracted as a member of staff, who is the General Manager.
It is not expected that the management team will be very large in the short to medium
term, but there are some functional areas, complementary to those assumed by the
General Manager, that should be covered by extra staff during the strategic period
2013-2016, to support the development of the research activities and research staff.
As mentioned before, through the collaboration with the Basque Association of
Economists and Kutxabank, from November 2012 to late April 2013, we have in the
Center an intern in the management area, being trained in the specific aspects of
managing a research organisation.
Thus, in 2012 the management team of the Achucarro Center comprises:
Carlos Matute,
Scientific Director
Responsible for Strategy and Management, Partnerships, Research,
Training and Dissemination processes.
Jaime Sagarduy
General Manager
Co-responsible for Strategy and Management, Partnerships,
Training and Dissemination, and responsible for People and
Infrastructure processes.
Maria Luisa (Mawi) Brito
Project Assistant
Internship.
Supporting Strategy and Management, Training and Dissemination
processes.
In addition, as previously mentioned, the Board of Trustees agreed to grant Professor
Alexei Verkhratsky the title of Adjunct Scientific Director, whose purpose is to advise in
scientific matters, in recognition of his participation in the idea and strategic concepts
that led to the creation of the Achucarro Center.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
15
So far the Achucarro initiative has involved eight research groups, comprising 25
doctors, 16 PhD students, four technicians and two Masters students. It is noteworthy
that 60% of the Achucarro personnel are women, and that in 2012 our students
completed five PhD theses.
Scientific output consisted of 58 documents, of which more than half were published in
journals in the first quartile of their areas. In addition, there were 12 contributions as
books or book chapters, and one as editor. Attendance at conferences and participation
in scientific forums have involved invited lectures (24) and meetings (5), as well as
posters (17) and the direct organization of meetings (3).
The general target for 2013 is to increase this level of scientific output by around 20%,
while improving the quality and impact of this activity with the expected addition of new
research groups and facilities to the Center.
Research Staff
Training | PhD Dissertations
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
16
Research outcome
Published and In press articles
Articles according to their impact classification
(quartiles)
Participations in Congresses
Books and Chapters
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
17
Between July and December 2012 we held 11 scientific seminars.
July 12th
“Neuron-glia signaling in the trigeminal ganglia”
David C. Spray
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University (USA)
“Pannexin1 channels in status epilepticus”
Eliana Scemes
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University (USA)
September 14th
“The modulation of synaptic processes as a tool to control cognition”
Shira Knafo, MD, PhD
CBM Severo Ochoa / CSIC / UAM (Madrid)
October 5th
“Mitochondria dysfunction underlying axonal degeneration: from molecular
pathogenesis to clinical trials in adrenoleukodystrophy”
Aurora Pujol
Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL, Barcelona)
October 9th
“Human adult neurogenic astrocytes: towards their recruitment for brain repair”
Elly M. Hol
Institute for Neuroscience / University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
“Differential Cell Proliferation in the Cortex of the APPswePS1dE9 Alzheimer's Disease
Mouse Model”
Willem Kamphuis
Institute for Neuroscience / University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
October 11th
“Papel del intercambiador sodio/calcio mitocondrial (NCLX) en la excitotoxicidad
neuronal”
Asier Ruiz Nuñez
Departament of Neurociencies - UPV/EHU
October 19th
“Papel del zinc en la muerte oligodendroglial excitotóxica”
Susana Mato Santos
Departmento de Neurociencias - UPV/EHU
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
18
November 16th
“Efectos de la activación del receptor P2X7”
Rogelio Arellano Ostoa
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (Queretaro, Mexico)
November 26th
“Novel synaptic mechanisms”
Fiorenzo Conti
Fondazione di Medicina Molecolare Università Politecnica delle Marche (Italy)
December 20th
“Role of neurons and microglia in Alzheimer's disease”
Estibaliz Capetillo-Zarate
Weill Cornell Medical College Biochemistry Department (USA)
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
19
The dissemination process spreads and communicates the image and ideas of the
Achucarro Center, besides being responsible for communication about neuroscience to
society. To this end, we developed the Communication Plan for the period 2013-2016,
which includes the definition of public and media messages.
One of the first actions in this area was the definition and design of the corporate image
for the Achucarro project. We studied other initiatives and institutions, within both our
functional and geographical scope, and also those that are a reference in our sector
internationally.
With the decision by the Board of Trustees to foreground the figure of Nicholas
Achúcarro, the design of the brand has revolved around the name Achucarro, on the
one hand - without the accent, to make its international use easier - and the concept of
neuroscience, on the other hand. Furthermore, in recognition of the participation and
leadership of the UPV/EHU, the Board decided to include the image of the EHU group in
the logo of Achucarro, as shown below.
In order to have basic material for the dissemination of the Center’s ideas and concepts,
we have designed and produced a generic leaflet for our stakeholders, to provide them
with a tangible product representing our key ideas.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
20
Regarding the virtual image of Achucarro, different initiatives have been set up to start
creating and disseminating our brand.
The first was the development of a self-managed and multilingual Web space, which
allows us to have direct control over the content and reduce maintenance costs, and
whose content can be altered depending on the needs and rapidly changing realities of
the Center.
To contribute to the positioning of this new website, and to provide alternative and
complementary media publishing and advertising on the Internet, we also have profiles
on all major platforms where some of our key target audiences can be found. So, we are
currently present in BasqueResearch.com, ScienceCareers.eu, Twitter, Facebook and
Linkedin.
We have also compiled a database of contacts including members of university
departments related to our activity, as well as contacts from other relevant institutions,
which are promptly informed about the activities and news of Achucarro.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
21
Press releases
In 2012 we produced and disseminated press releases in collaboration with the press
offices of Ikerbasque and UPV/EHU on:
the creation of the Achucarro Center (together with BCMaterials and Polymat
BERCs)
the installation of the confocal microscope
the official inauguration of the Center
the appointment of Carlos Matute as a member of the Academia Europaea.
Many general and specialist media have published the news. A Google search (on
December 14, 2012) for the term "Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience"
produced 18,700 hits pointing to a resource containing our name.
Official inauguration
On October 24th, we celebrated the scientific launch of the Center to our neuroscience
community and institutional stakeholders. A total of 157 people attended the event,
mainly colleagues from the Department of Neuroscience, the Department of
Pharmacology, hospitals and representatives of institutions and administrators.
This event was opened by the President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, in the
presence of distinguished colleagues from Achucarro and the ISAC.
The scientific programme started with an address by Professor Jesús Avila, Director of
the Center for Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa in Madrid and President of CIBERNED,
the countrywide network of research centres of excellence in neurodegenerative
diseases.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
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Next Professor Alexei Verkhratsky, Adjunct Scientific Director of Achucarro, introduced
us to the idea and concept of glial cells or glia, and the active participation of Nicholas
Achucarro in the discovery of the functions of these cells.
Elaborating on the relationships between neurons and glial cells, Professor Alfonso
Araque, Research Professor at the CSIC / Cajal Institute and head of the research group
on cellular physiology of astrocytes and neurons, spoke on communication and dialogue
between neurons and glia, and their influence on brain function.
Professor Koen Vandenbroeck, Ikerbasque Research Professor at the UPV/EHU and
neurogenomics specialist, gave an update on the latest developments and the
challenges that multiple sclerosis research faces today.
Professor Carlos Matute, Professor of the Department of Neurosciences at the UPV/EHU
and Scientific Director of Achucarro, discussed the keys to understanding the research
strategy that the Achucarro Center has adopted.
And finally, the keynote that closed the event was given by Professor Helmut
Kettenmann, from the Max-Delbrück Center in Berlin, a pioneer in the investigation of
the properties of glial cells, who discussed the topic "Why does the brain need glial
cells?".
Collaboration with Innobasque / FIRST Lego League
The subject of this year's competition organised annually by the FIRST Foundation and
the Lego Company, the FIRST LEGO League, was ageing. Following a suggestion by
Innobasque, the local organiser of the League, the Achucarro Center participated in this
initiative.
On October 30th
Achucarro received 46 teenagers from different high schools, such as
Colegio El Regato, Ikastola Begoñazpi and Colegio Urdaneta, who attended a
presentation by Professor Carlos Matute on "Ageing of the Brain" and visited the
laboratories of research groups and the microscope room.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012
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“Comunicar la Neurociencia” conference
The Spanish Association of Scientific Communication (AECC), together with the University
of Zaragoza, organised a conference on the challenges and opportunities for the
communication of neuroscience, within the "Spanish Year of Neuroscience 2012".
The Achucarro Center was present at this meeting, which brought together scientists
and journalists, who presented problems, solutions, ideas, and suggestions for ways to
make neuroscience better known to the general public.
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The year 2012 saw the creation of the Center, which was essentially possible because we
have been able to locate, rent and adapt a space in the building where most of the
research groups of the Achucarro project are currently located.
The Center’s headquarters are located in Building #205 of the Bizkaia Science and
Technology Park, in the town of Zamudio, close to Bilbao and Leioa.
The Center’s floor space covers 340 m2, which provides a seminar and meeting room, a
laboratory and space for scientific equipment, and the offices of the Scientific
Directorate and Management.
In fact, it hosts spaces for resources and facilities that are fundamental for the Center,
addressing a constant demand by research groups located in this building, as are the
seminar room with a capacity for 50 people and an isolated and suitable space for the
installation of the confocal microscope, which requires a particular operating
environment.
Data connectivity, indispensable for any organisation today, has been provided by the
Basque Academic Network (i2basque). Thanks to i2basque we have a network
connection of high capacity and availability, suitable for large data exchange, essential in
the case of neuroscience research, since we very often need to send or receive multiple-
file microscopy of tens or hundreds of megabytes.
Voice connectivity, telephony, is provided by the UPV/EHU, placing us within the
corporate network of the University. We have chosen to integrate into the network
managed by the UPV/EHU for the synergies that this service offers, and also bearing in
mind our future move to the Centre for Animal Biotechnology building to be located in
the Science and Technology Park of the University, in the Leioa Campus.
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Regarding scientific equipment, the Achucarro Strategic Plan states that one of the
cornerstones to achieve the vision is the acquisition of cutting-edge equipment. In
particular, in our area, the image (genetic, molecular or cellular) and scanning
capabilities offered by modern microscopy equipment provide a crucial competitive
advantage, to go further and faster than other investigators and centres.
Thus, the first major strategic decision in this period has involved the selection,
acquisition and installation of a super-resolution microscope.
Leica TCS STED CW SP8 confocal microscope
This is a state of the art microscope, which allows real-time exploration of details in
tissue and brain cells, below the limits of the diffraction barrier (50 nanometres), which
for years has limited the technical capacity to penetrate samples. This equipment is
currently the most modern of its kind on the market, and among other technical
aspects, it is notable for having a white laser that provides great flexibility in selecting
fluorochromes to monitor and visualise subcellular elements, along with a super-
resolution system for highly detailed analysis of cellular structure. It allows the scanning
of sample preparations of living cells and produces brain images at high speed, allowing
the study of dynamic processes in real time.
It is the first equipment of its kind in the Basque Country, and its performance
represents a quantum leap in the field of neurobiology.
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CO2 Heracell 150i incubator
In order to develop live cell experiments, we
use an incubator in the microscope room, so
we can perform cell and tissue cultures,
including cultures for in-vitro fertilisation.
This equipment has, among other novel
aspects, automatic programmable steam
sterilisation for multiple repetitions, and an “air
jacket” heating system, which ensures even
distribution in all useful enclosure walls, thus
preventing possible condensation, and the
consequent loss of crops.
This makes the incubator an indispensable complement to increase the capabilities of
the microscope.
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STRATEGY AND MANAGENENT
% of publications in neuroscience over the total in the Basque Country
(2011) 4.5%
% of publications in neuroscience from Achucarro groups vs total 37.8%
% Compliance of Management Plan 99%
Number of meetings of the Board of Trustees 2
% Attendance at Board of Trustees 100%
Annual Budget 1,005,000 €
Rate of funding different from Basque Government 6%
PARTNERSHIPS
Number of strategic agreements 2
Number of institutional agreements 5
Number of operational agreements 4
PEOPLE
Number of persons involved 51
Number of directly contracted staff 1
Number of persons in practice work 1
Number of researchers 49
Number of principal investigators 8
Number of senior researchers 7
Number of postdoctoral researchers 10
Number of PhD students 16
Number of Master students 2
Number of technicians 4
Number of Ikerbasque Research Professors 7
Number of Ikerbasque Visiting Professors 2
RESEARCH
Number of research groups 8
Number of publications with Achucarro affiliation 3
Number of publications with Achucarro affiliation (Q1) 3
Number of publications by groups in 2012 60
Number of publications by groups in 2012 (Q1) 31
Number of participations in congresses 51
Number of books and chapters 12
Number of patents (applications) 3
Number of Ph D theses in progress 18
TRAINING
Number of Achucarro seminars 11
Number of Scientific events 1
Number of participations in Masters programmes 7
Number of participations in PhD programmes 1
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DISSEMINATION
News published on the Web 34
Press releases 4
Press conferences 1
Tweets 432
Twitter Followers 94
Total visits to the website 3,285
Visitors from Spain 2,712
Visitors from USA 165
Visitors from United Kingdom 143
Visitors from France 65
Visitors from Germany 53
Unique visitors 1,686
Visits from mobile devices 9%
Traffic generated by searches 31%
Traffic generated by other external references 15%
Page views per visit 6.17
Average length of visit 4 minutes
Returning visitors 50%
New visitors 50%
INFRASTRUCTURE, RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT
% of budget for investments 76%
Total useable working space (m2) 340
Space per person (m2/person) 34
Number of own research equipment 2