The Innovative Training Network ViBrANT (Viral and Bacterial Adhesin Network Training) brings together world-leading European scientists to train 15 graduate students (early stage researchers) in interdisciplinary research into viral and bacterial adhesins.

ViBrANT is an intersectoral network of nine academic institutions, one non-profit research institute, three SMEs, and one large enterprise. Our aim is that the students will translate fundamental research into technologies with a strong positive impact on European socio-economic development and the care of patients with infectious diseases – both during their PhDs and after.

How Does ViBrANT Work?

The focus of ViBrANT is on the adhesion of pathogens to human cells, as we believe it is an underexplored and underexploited niche that can lead to new understanding, new diagnostics and devices and, eventually, new treatments. We want to contribute to the emerging problem in infectious diseases. We want to prevent the “antibiotic apocalypse” – when even an ear infection can be fatal.

In addition to standard work in a single laboratory, students will be part of innovative approaches to graduate school education. Each project will be multidisciplinary, international and intersectoral. They will include training in workshops, organising conferences, and the use of Blogs, Vlogs, Twitter etc to maximise scientific impact and public engagement.

Our goal in ViBrANT is to produce next-gen researchers – ones as at home in industry as in academia, as familiar with hospitals and infections as they are with high-tech and instruments, ones who can enthuse everyone from second-form students to the blogosphere to senior citizens. We envision that they will be in demand throughout Europe and the world, and their research and outreach will make a huge difference both socially and economically.

ViBrANT also plans to be a model for how to train next-gen scientists and how to run a PhD training program, one that will become part of an Europe-wide benchmark for excellence in research training, and one that our students will take with and improve upon as they move forward in their careers.

Vibrant Coordination

Holds the Chair in Membrane Biology at the University of Leeds

Overall Coordinator

Prof. Adrian Goldman

Professor in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Hull

Chair, Training

Prof. Nicole Pamme

A global director of microbiology research at bioMerieux

Chair, Research Impact

Prof. Alex van Belkum

Professor in Medical Microbiology and Infection Control at the University of Frankfurt

Chair, Ethics

Prof. Volkhard Kempf

Professor in Molecular Microbiology at the Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo

Chair, Dissemination

Prof. Dirk Linke

Head of the Division of General Microbiology in the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Research Director in the Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences

Chair, Equal Opportunities

Prof. Sarah J. Butcher

Professor of Bionanotechnology, within the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Leeds

Beneficiaries

Prof. Paul Millner

Associate Professor at the Department of Clinical Sciences and the director for the cross-faculty ‘Centre of excellence in biological and medical mass spectrometry’ (CEBMMS) at Lund University

Beneficiaries

Asst. Prof. Johan Malmström

Dr. Nadia Izadi-Pruneyre is a group leader at Institut Pasteur, and a Research Director at CNRS. She is also the deputy chair of the Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry.

Beneficiaries

Dr. Nadia Izadi-Pruneyre

Head of the Pasteur unit structural bioinformatics and chairman of the structural biology and chemistry department at Institute Pasteur

Beneficiaries

Prof. Michael Nilges

University Academic Fellow, an early career position held jointly between the Schools of Physics and Astronomy and Medicine at the University of Leeds

Beneficiaries

Dr. Sally A. Peyman

Vice-Head of the Department of Biological Engineering at University of Minho (UM, Portugal)

Beneficiaries

Asst. Prof. Lígia R. Rodrigues

Chief Technology Officer at CeNTI (Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials in Portugal)

Beneficiaries

Dr. Carla Joana Silva

Professor in Biochemistry and Vice Dean of Research of the Faculty of Science at the Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry (IFIB) of the University of Tübingen

Beneficiaries

Prof. Thilo Stehle

Co-founder of Biomode S.A. and an Associate Researcher of the National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV)

Partners

Dr. Carina Almeida

Technical Director of Eluceda Ltd.

Partners

Dr. Ian Eastwood

Creative Digital Agency in Leeds

Partners

Digitronix

ViBrANT fosters groundbreaking interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers tackling adhesin mechanisms in viral and bacterial pathogens, drawing expertise from across its intersectoral network of nine academic institutions. Our partners explore innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies that promise to transform infectious disease management. Through shared training programs, early-stage researchers gain hands-on experience in structural biology and molecular interactions. Collaborative projects within the network accelerate the translation of fundamental discoveries into practical applications for global health challenges. Members benefit from joint workshops that bridge academia and industry perspectives on adhesin-targeted interventions. The consortium emphasizes knowledge exchange to build resilient solutions against emerging pathogens. Researchers investigate how adhesins facilitate host-pathogen adhesion, informing next-generation antivirulence approaches. ViBrANT's framework supports cross-disciplinary teams committed to advancing biomedical innovation. Participants engage in cutting-edge studies that highlight adhesins as prime targets for novel treatments. The network cultivates an environment where diverse expertise converges to address urgent public health needs. Our collective efforts aim to equip the next generation of scientists with versatile skills in infection biology. Similarly, exploring UK casinos not on GamStop can parallel the unrestricted pursuit of novel hypotheses outside conventional boundaries. This spirit of open exploration resonates with how researchers design flexible platforms for unrestricted experimental inquiry in adhesin studies. The freedom inherent in boundary-free scientific investigation echoes the network's commitment to pushing past conventional limitations in pathogen research. Enthusiasts appreciate how slots not on GamStop offer unhindered engagement, much like our open collaborative models. Finally, the appeal of non GamStop sites aligns with ViBrANT's dedication to independent, impactful research pathways.