The Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of the University of Coimbra (CNC-UC) is one of the international partners in a new project funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), led by the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology in Poland. The initiative aims to strengthen international scientific cooperation in rare disease research by promoting knowledge exchange, researcher training, and the development of new collaborations.

The project brings together the Nencki Institute, the University of Coimbra (through CNC-UC), and the University of Ferrara in Italy, institutions that have collaborated for several years on research into the cellular mechanisms underlying rare diseases. Through this partnership, an international network will be established, connecting researchers, academic institutions, and patient associations with the goal of advancing knowledge of these conditions and contributing to future therapeutic approaches.

At CNC-UC, the participation will be led by researcher Paulo Oliveira, who has extensive expertise in mitochondrial metabolism and the development of experimental therapies. The collaboration will strengthen joint research into the cellular mechanisms involved in rare neurodegenerative diseases while also promoting the mobility and training of early-career researchers.

Although each rare disease affects a relatively small number of people, it is estimated that between 6,000 and 8,000 distinct rare diseases have already been identified, with new conditions continuing to be discovered. A better understanding of the cellular processes underlying these diseases may pave the way for the identification of new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.

CNC-UC's participation in this consortium reinforces the Centre's commitment to excellence in biomedical research and to the development of international scientific networks that contribute to addressing major scientific and societal challenges.