Medical University - Varna (MU-Varna) has earned an outstanding evaluation from the European Commission for its implementation of the TRANSTEM scientific project (www.transtem.org), with the EC confirming that all objectives were fully met.
The Commission's report emphasizes remarkable achievements, including the establishment and robust expansion of the Stem Cell Biology department at MU-Varna's Scientific Research Institute, along with the ERA Chair team led by Dr. Manlio Vinciguerra. It also praises the project's highly impactful scientific outcomes in stem cell medicine and regenerative medicine, as well as the creation of a dedicated office for technology and innovation. The assessment underscores the project's strong visibility and broad dissemination efforts, achieved through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, targeted stakeholder seminars, the project website, and media outreach. Anticipated long-term impacts include sustained excellence in scientific research at MU-Varna, enhanced collaborations with EU member states, greater innovation and commercialization capabilities, and improved translation of stem cell advancements into clinical and societal applications.
Of note, MU-Varna is the first Bulgarian institution to host an ERA Chair under the EU's Widening programme. This milestone occurred in 2018, toward the end of the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, following a competitive process involving over 100 project proposals. Such initiatives, ongoing since 2015, fund the recruitment of a prominent researcher in a targeted field to the host organization. The TRANSTEM project—titled "ERA Chair in Translational Stem Cell Biology"—was valued at €2.5 million and ran from October 2019 to July 2025.
For details on all activities undertaken by the MU-Varna team, visit the project website: https://transtem.org/en.
Velina Markovska
