EDUC8 is an Innovative Training Network (ITN) funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 Programme. The EDUC8 training network represents a novel, pioneering platform for studying the immunogenicity of therapeutic pro-coagulant factor VIII (FVIII) in patients with haemophilia A (HA). It includes leading scientists from academia and industry. The EDUC8 training network offers a total of 8 doctoral research projects (PhD projects) for 8 early stage researchers (ESRs) across 8 institutes in Europe. The research topics range from fundamental to translational science, and aim at identifying drug- and patient-related risk factors for the development of neutralizing anti-FVIII antibodies, and at developing innovative protocols for inducing tolerance to FVIII.
Successful applicants will receive training in basic immunology, haemostasis research and bioinformatic approaches, clinical haemostasis, project management, entrepreneurship, healthcare economics, ethics and marketing. The interaction between biologists, clinical experts, healthcare professionals, industry and patients’ organizations is central to EUDC8. It will expose ESR to complex issues in bench-to-bedside research from different perspectives. Graduates from EDUC8 will be highly skilled, entrepreneurial and broadly-trained experts, equipped with innovative and beyond state-of-the-art proficiency on the exponentially expanding area of “immunogenicity of biotherapeutics”.
Jim is aged 66 and has Haemophilia A with a high titer inhibitor which he developed at age 14.
Maria Elisa Mancuso (MD, PhD) is a Haematologist and works as a Senior Haematology Consultant at the Center for Thrombosis and Haemorrhagic Diseases of IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital in Rozzano, Milan, Italy. She is Adjunct Clinical Professor at Humanitas University. She obtained a post-degree in Clinical and Experimental Haematology and a PhD in Clinical Methodology. She is involved in clinical research and has published several original articles in peer-reviewed journals a The Lancet, Blood, Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Haematologica, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, British Journal of Haematology and Haemophilia. She is reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals and member of the Editorial Board of JTH. She is a member of several scientific societies (ISTH, WFH, ASH, EAHAD, SISET, AICE) and was a medical member of the Inhibitor Working Group of the European Hemophilia Consortium. She is co-chair of the ADVANCE Study Group. She has acted also as co-chair of the Scientific and Standardization Subcommittee of ISTH on FVIII, FIX and rare bleeding disorders. She has been involved as principal and co-investigator in several clinical trials, and she takes care of both children and adults with hemophilia and other congenital bleeding disorders with a specific scientific interest in novel therapies, prophylaxis, inhibitors, and chronic hepatitis C.
As a patient with factor II deficiency, the diagnostic and treatment of rare bleeding disorders is a matter dear to my heart. My motivation to participate in the work of the ERIN committee is to improve both diagnostic and treatment for patients with rare bleeding disorders across Europe.
Economist and financial expert by profession, executive coach and trainer by passion and haemophilia advocate by every drop of my blood through my son (who has severe haemophilia A with inhibitors). Bringing a good decade of practical experience from the corporate insurance world, laser focus, growth mindset and resilience from my own experience, offering you anything I can just do, in hope that together we can make life more fulfilled for those impacted by bleeding disorders.
Amy Owen-Wyard is a Registered Mental Health Nurse. With experience working with children, young people, their families and adults with severe and enduring mental health conditions. Amy was also involved in a service improvement to provide a holistic care approach for those in general hospitals to support both their mental and physical health, whilst sharing her expertise and knowledge in mental health with the wider multidisciplinary team.
