Biomolecular Technology of Protein Interactions (Biotopia) - LTEC

Protein interactions are fundamental to virtually all cellular processes. BIOTOPIA enables twelve doctoral candidates to investigate protein interactions within a pioneering research program. BIOTOPIA will advance the ability to design and regulate protein interactions more efficiently, with significant implications for applications in medicine and biotechnology. Furthermore, it will equip the doctoral candidates with the expertise required to take leadership roles in academia and industry. BIOTOPIA will address protein interactions at the molecular and cellular levels by exploring three closely interconnected research questions: 1. What factors determine how proteins interact with one another? 2. How are these interactions modulated to function effectively in complex biological environments? 3. How do protein interactions within the crowded environment of the endoplasmic reticulum affect protein production? The program will approach these questions through twelve interdisciplinary doctoral projects, each co-supervised by at least two of BIOTOPIA’S nine distinguished faculty members, bringing internationally recognized expertise in molecular biology, enzymology, cell biology, microbiology, protein production systems, downstream processing, and molecular modeling and simulation. By integrating these diverse expertises, BIOTOPIA aims to generate novel insights into protein interactions while training the next-generation of scientists. BIOTOPIA builds upon the success of the BioToP doctoral school, established in 2010 as BOKU University’s first structured doctoral program. To date, 130 doctoral candidates have graduated from BioToP. The program features a dedicated curriculum comprising 42 ECTS credits and 80% of graduates have gained valuable international experience through research stays abroad. Rigorous supervision and monitoring processes ensure that 70% of candidates complete their degrees within 4.5 years. Beyond providing training in cutting-edge research topics, BioToP emphasizes the development of transferable skills and fosters a thriving community of researchers, a tradition that will continue with BIOTOPIA. The doctoral projects in BIOTOPIA are inherently interdisciplinary, collectively advancing research into protein interactions. This effort is supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and leading expertise in all relevant fields. Doctoral candidates will become part of an established, vibrant research community, benefiting from collaboration with peers and faculty members. Additionally, BIOTOPIA offers opportunities for international research stays, enabling candidates to expand their global networks and further enrich their scientific training. BIOTOPIA is all about interactions: critical interactions between proteins, dynamic collaboration between faculty and doctoral candidates, vibrant engagement within the doctoral school, and valuable connections within the international scientific community.