In March 2025, the kick-off meeting of the GeneH – Excellence Hub for Advancing Innovation in Gene Therapy took place at the Science Museum in Coimbra. This Horizon Europe–funded event brought together over 20 partners from Portugal, Slovenia, and other international backgrounds, with the primary goal of overcoming key challenges in the field of gene therapy.
Vision and mission
GeneH brings together top-tier research institutes, healthcare institutions, patient representatives, industry stakeholders, and policy-makers. Built on collaboration between the Chemical Institute and the University of Coimbra, the project aims to:
- Connect science, industry, and policy to foster a supportive ecosystem for training and understanding rare genetic diseases.
- Accelerate innovation and the practical application of research discoveries.
- Strengthen Europe’s global leadership in gene therapy.
Highlights from the kick-off meeting
- Opening address by Luís Pereira de Almeida (University of Coimbra).
- Consortium presentation by Dr. Mojca Benčina (Chemical Institute), outlining partner roles.
- Speakers representing EATRIS, RD‑Portugal, Health Cluster Portugal, Infarmeda, Portugal Ventures, and IAPMEI.
- Closing remarks by Fernando Alexandre, Portuguese Minister for Education, Science & Innovation
“Dr. Mojca Benčina on the future of gene therapy” (starts at 3 min 46 s) – video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eZBPwJzaI4
“The GeneH project will revolutionize gene therapy by connecting researchers, industry, healthcare institutions and patient advocates. This will enable a faster transfer of research discoveries into clinical practice, significantly improving treatment options for rare diseases and contributing to a better future for all of us.”
Key project partners
Slovenia:
- Chemical Institute – chemistry and biotech expertise
- ZOPS – patient advocacy and healthcare improvement
- SIH EGIZ (SRIP Health – Medicine) – innovation and translational research support
- Biosistemika R&D – biotech tech development
- RRA LUR – regional public sector collaboration
- Jafral R&D – technological innovation
Portugal:
- University of Coimbra (coordinator)
- CCDRC – regional coordination
- APAHE – hereditary ataxia patient representation
- Bluepharma – pharmaceutical industry
- IPN – tech transfer and market strategies
- Biocant – innovation transfer hub
- CHUC – clinical translation partner
Slovenian Ambassador to Portugal, Mojca Nemec Van Gorp, also attended and emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation.
Conclusion
The first kick-off marked a major step toward building a strong international alliance that transcends national borders. By uniting researchers, healthcare providers, industry, and patient advocates, GeneH aims to not only accelerate scientific breakthroughs but also bring innovations rapidly into clinical settings. This collaboration promises better treatment prospects for rare diseases and a brighter future for patients and society.
