Marie Curie Doctoral Networks CILIA-AI

European Training Program for Deconvolution of Multi-scale Cilia Function in Health and Disease by Integrating Machine Learning-AI Approaches

Project duration: 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2028

The question of how the activity of cellular cilia impacts on health and illness of organisms is the focus of the doctoral network “European Training Program for Deconvolution of Multi-scale Cilia Function in Health and Disease by Integrating Machine Learning-AI Approaches” (CILIA-AI).

The primary cilia – microtubule projections of the cell membrane that resemble microscopic hairs – are of special significance for cellular signal transmission and for physiological functions such as hearing, smell, respiration or reproduction. The aim of the research studies is to achieve a better understanding of the organization and regulation of cilia in health and disease. Accordingly, super-resolution datasets are to be gained with advanced imaging techniques, then analyzed and combined with machine-learning approaches. The doctoral network CILIA-AI is being coordinated at the Stichting Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum in Nijmegen (Netherlands). Directing the studies on the Heidelberg side is Prof. Dr Robert Russell, who investigates the evolution of proteins with his research group at Heidelberg University’s BioQuant Center and at the Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center.

Coordination: Stichting Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum, Niederlande
Head (Heidelberg): Prof. Dr Robert Russell
Institution (Heidelberg): BioQuant