HNN3.0

Project cooperationUpdated on 23 January 2026

Brain organoids as a new diagnostic, prognostic, personalized methodology for approaching neurodegenerative diseases

Professor at University of Cagliari (UNICA)

Monserrato, Italy

About

Human pluripotent stem cell–derived brain organoids offer a reproducible and scalable three-dimensional (3D) human brain model that overcomes the limitations of animal models and two-dimensional (2D) systems. By faithfully recapitulating key structural and cellular features of the human central nervous system, these organoids enable batch-consistent production, longitudinal analyses, and high-throughput applications. This industry-ready platform accelerates disease modelling, drug discovery, and the development of human-relevant therapeutic strategies.

We offer expertise in the development of brain organoids derived from patient-specific somatic cells, enabling the modelling of disease trajectories from early stages, such as mild cognitive impairment, through advanced aging phases that closely reflect in vivo neurodegenerative conditions.

We are seeking collaboration with partners who:

  1. Develop cutting-edge blood–brain barrier (BBB)-on-a-chip technologies for advanced brain disease modelling;

  2. Have strong expertise in building personalised Digital Brain Twins to predict the progression of neurodegenerative processes.

Topic

  • DESTINATION 5: HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-TOOL-03: Integrating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to advance biomedical research and regulatory testing
  • DESTINATION 5: HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-TOOL-05: Pilot actions for follow-on funding: Leveraging EU-funded collaborative research in regenerative medicine

Type

  • Partner seeks Consortium/Coordinator

Organisation

University of Cagliari (UNICA)

University

Cagliari, Italy

Similar opportunities

  • Project cooperation

    Collaboration: NAMs to advance biomedical research

    • Partner seeks Consortium/Coordinator
    • DESTINATION 5: HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-TOOL-03: Integrating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to advance biomedical research and regulatory testing
    • DESTINATION 5: HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-TOOL-06: Support to European Research Area (ERA) action on accelerating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to advance biomedical research and testing of medicinal products and medical devices

    Sarka Lehtonen

    Research Director at A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences

    Kuopio, Finland

  • Project cooperation

    iPSC-derived neuronal models in 2D and 3D

    • Partner seeks Consortium/Coordinator
    • DESTINATION 5: HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-TOOL-03: Integrating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to advance biomedical research and regulatory testing

    Dáša Bohačiaková

    PI at Masaryk University

    Brno, Czech Republic

  • Project cooperation

    Patient-Derived iPSC & 3D Human Tissue NAM Platforms

    • Partner seeks Consortium/Coordinator
    • DESTINATION 5: HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-TOOL-03: Integrating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to advance biomedical research and regulatory testing
    • DESTINATION 5: HORIZON-HLTH-2026-01-TOOL-06: Support to European Research Area (ERA) action on accelerating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to advance biomedical research and testing of medicinal products and medical devices

    Sofia Aires Martins

    Research Manager at Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences

    Lisboa, Portugal