Research project
HORIZON Europe MSCA Doctoral Network - Self-organisation and barrier functions of the mammalian glycocalyx – Training glycoscientists across disciplines and borders to stimulate new approaches, understanding and biomedical applications (GLYCOCALYX)
- Start date: 1 December 2025
- End date: 30 November 2029
- Funder: EU - European Union
- Value: 1,310,666.94
- Partners and collaborators: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101227305
- Primary investigator: Dr Ralf Richter
- Co-investigators: Professor Jessica C F Kwok
Project title
HORIZON Europe MSCA Doctoral Network - Self-organisation and barrier functions of the mammalian glycocalyx – Training glycoscientists across disciplines and borders to stimulate new approaches, understanding and biomedical applications (GLYCOCALYX)
Description
Project Overview
Every mammalian cell is enveloped in a sugary layer called the glycocalyx. This is a vital, dynamic structure involved in cell communication, immunity, tissue repair, and more. When disrupted, it plays a role in diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration, yet it remains one of biology’s least understood frontiers. With this in mind, the EU-funded GLYCOCALYX project will train 15 doctoral researchers to uncover the molecular and physical rules behind this ‘dark matter’ of biology. By combining physics, chemistry, and biology, the project will develop new tools to study the glycocalyx’s organisation and barrier functions. This interdisciplinary training aims to fuel future breakthroughs in medicine and biotechnology.