Hepatometrix

The goals of the ANR Hepatometrix is to build an international Japanese – European consortium to propose a larger European research program on bioengineered liver for advanced hepatic therapies. The main European project targeted is the H2020-MCA-RISE-2018. Most of the Japanese and French partners are identified. We would like to use the support of the ANR Hepatometrix : (i) To identify European partner (ii) To finalize the scientific research project and the institutional support structuration. Hepatometrix aims bridge a unique research community between Europe and Japan to master the steps for the construction of a liver for clinical and pharmaceutical uses, by compiling all necessary technologies and expertise brought by partner groups from hospital (Paul-Brousse), Universities (Paris-Sud, Université de Tokyo), high schools of Engineering (Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, Universite de Technologie de Compiegne). The partners have already developed collaborative projects in the field of liver tissue engineering, at both the basic research and clinical application levels based on the RHU project iLite. Among iLite, the partners are working with technologies that include cell bioengineering, matrices and scaffolds, bioreactors and microfluidics, organoid technologies and biosensors. The final result of the networking action of Hepatometrix project would lead to the proposal of the European LiverRISE project. LiverRISE will combine both basic and applied research in the fields of Micro and then nano technologies in order : - to develop new instrumentations at the frontier of science to improve liver disease diagnostics and therapy - to bring Micro and Nano systems for biology devices (bioMEMS) close to the clinical research with a comprehensive investigation program against liver disease targeting both early diagnostic and drug screening. - to provide an unique frame for the efficient transfer of knowledge and training between the European and the Japanese partners - to identify and exploit new and emerging market opportunities. The strategy relies on a comprehensive mobility plan proposed to ANR and then to Europe. These activities are in collaboration with UTOKYO with secondment in Japan. To reach that goal, we are planning to organize in the frame of Hepatometrix, staff and student mobility between France, Europ and Japan in order to increase the researcher interactions. We also plan to organize a common workshop. Finally, we will take the opportunity to meet institutional leaders to get additional structure supports (mobility funds, Ph.D and internship programs).