Greece is entering the international map of genomic research by launching the first dedicated institute fully focused on one of the hottest scientific fields of our time. This is about Hellenic Institute of Human Genomics (HEIG)new institute Technology and Research Foundationthe first is based in Athens.

The birth of EIGA took place after the adoption of a corresponding amendment by the Ministry of Development and Investment in Parliament. “The new institute will support the Greek biomedical ecosystem by combining genetics and genomics with computational and clinical research,” ITE said in a related statement.

“This is a very important step for research in our country, especially in this specific area, where there has not been concentrated scientific efforts so far, since there was no corresponding institute. Research was carried out in laboratories, but fragmented. We are proud to welcome the 10th ITE Institute”, says “K” President and Director of the Research and Technology Foundation, Nektarios Tavernarakis.

“It is worth noting that EIGA is the first ITE institute in the capital. We strive to cooperate with large hospitals of the center that have biobanks necessary for research. There will also be a collaboration with Precision Medicine Networks. In general, we want to develop cooperation to develop valuable knowledge, to fight diseases and help people in practice,” adds the president of ITE.

With fast procedures

Following the publication of the Parliament’s decision in the Official Gazette, procedures are expected to be swift. “The first step is to select a director through an international competition open to the whole world. We want the best to come, in terms of excellence. Then, and in 2023, we believe that key researchers – university professors – will be recruited and research teams will be completed. Leading scientists work in this area in Greece, many of them abroad, where they excel. The new institute will also be a magnet for brain gain,” says Mr. Tavernarakis.

EEGA is focused on one of the hottest scientific fields of our time.

“The creation of the Institute of Genomics is the result of the efforts of some people over several years. It met with the political will expressed by Deputy Minister Christos Dimas and was implemented. It is important that it will develop in the context of ITE, one of the best research organizations in Greece”, – says Mr. Stylianos Antonarakis “K”.honorary professor of genetic medicine at the University of Geneva and former president of the International Human Genome Organization (HUGO).

Mr. Antonarakis believes that an appropriate institution is simply necessary in our country. “We are in the postgenomic era. Greece cannot be absent from it. While the anatomy of the human genome is known, how it works is not yet known. Biologically, we know the value of 1/3, but only 0.37% know the medical role. We have a lot to learn, and for every field and every researcher there is a large field for research,” emphasizes the professor, who in 2019 was awarded the highest award in the field of genetics, the Allan Prize.

“Each person is unique. Their genome differs from everyone else by 0.97%. Our diseases are the result of the special diversity of the genome of each of us, the diversity of the environment in which we live, and their combination. Now we need to look at the relationship between the genome and diseases ”, emphasizes Mr. Antonarakis.

The study of the human genome is one of the most promising areas of research for understanding the multitude of diseases associated with genome dysfunction. Discoveries related to the genome reveal the secrets of the mechanism of diseases and pave the way for the development and provision of modern diagnostic and therapeutic services to the Greek population, as well as the development of new treatments. that address the cause of each disease, not just the symptoms, notes ITE.

“This is not a luxury”

Can such an institution be successful or is it a luxury for Greece? we ask Mr. Antonarakis. “Genomic medicine is absolutely essential today. Fighting disease is not a luxury. It is well known that the progress in research is mainly achieved not by machines, but by the human mind. And Greek scientists are very strong in thinking. We can have an institution based on the excellence of its members, international competitiveness, and innovative ideas and responses. In this way, he will be able to attract excellent scientists and contribute to international efforts,” replies the distinguished geneticist.