PMPC Center of Excellence

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PMPC Center of Excellence

This project is funded by the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The mission of the Center of Excellence for Precision Medicine is to advance precision medicine approaches in diagnosing and applying targeted therapies for pediatric illnesses, with the aim of improving the quality and outcomes of children’s healthcare. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency.

17/12/2025

🧬 Advancing precision medicine requires more than science alone — it also depends on dialogue, shared understanding and informed decisions at policy level.

We are pleased to share this update from the Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca, highlighting a meeting where Signe Vēliņa, Head of Research Infrastructure at the PMPC Center of Excellence, met with Members of Parliament and representatives of the Veselības ministrija to discuss key biobanking topics — including the role and importance of paediatric biobanks in the context of the upcoming Biobank Law.

Such discussions are essential to help policymakers better understand how paediatric biobanking supports ethical research, safeguards patients’ interests and creates a sustainable foundation for innovation. This dialogue is an important step in advancing the Biobank Law and, ultimately, improving access to precision medicine for children in Latvia.

Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV EU Science & Innovation

09/12/2025

💡Continuous learning and the exchange of best practices are essential to building sustainable excellence in precision medicine.

In November, PMPC Center of Excellence colleagues visited the Prinses Máxima Centrum voor kinderoncologie for an in-depth knowledge-exchange visit focused on advanced research infrastructure and clinical research processes.

On 18 November, Liene Lūse, Quality Manager at Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca Laboratory and Signe Velina, PMPC Center of Excellence Head of Research Infrastructure, explored the Biobank at Prinses Máxima Centrum voor kinderoncologie, gaining insight into quality management systems, sample storage, data and sample flows, researcher access platforms, and governance of biobank-based studies. The visit also included an overview of research laboratories and collaborative spaces supporting studies that directly contribute to improved treatment outcomes for children with cancer.

On 19–20 November, Solvita Verkevica, PMPC Center of Excellence Head of the Pediatric Clinical Trial Unit and Signe Velina focused on the Center’s Data and Clinical Research Units. The visit highlighted close integration with clinical teams, effective management of a high number of clinical trials, and an organizational model that enables efficient and patient-centred research operations.

We are sincerely grateful to Philippine Doekes, Marion Persoon, Dr. Francisco Jose Bautista Sirvent, as well as the Biobank and Research & Data teams at the Prinses Máxima Centrum voor kinderoncologie, for their openness, hospitality, and willingness to share both expertise and practical documentation. This exchange will directly support the development of a pediatric biobank and a Clinical Trials Unit at Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca, contributing to improved access to precision medicine for children in Latvia.

Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV EU Science & Innovation

28/11/2025

🌟 Insight into values, dedication, and the drive to strengthen paediatric care

We are pleased to share an inspiring interview with Dr. Mirjam Eleonora Blattner-Johnson, Project Coordinator of the PMPC Center of Excellence — an interview conducted by Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte (Riga Stradins University).

Mirjam plays a key role in advancing modern, child-centred precision medicine approaches in Latvia, working closely with clinicians, researchers, and international partners to bring cutting-edge science into real clinical practice.

In this RSU interview, Mirjam reflects on her professional path, motivation, and the importance of encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in science — as well as her vision for how we can collectively strengthen the future of paediatric healthcare.

We invite you to read the full interview. Link in comment.👇

EU Science & Innovation Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV

27/11/2025

🥳 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 – Lennart Kester

In PMPC’s Molecular Diagnostics team, Lennart works where genomics, data science, and paediatric oncology meet. With expertise in real-time nanopore sequencing and methylation-based tumour classification, he is focused on pushing diagnostic technologies to be faster, smarter, and clinically meaningful.

What sets Lennart apart is his clear vision: diagnostic answers that arrive within hours, not weeks — and tools designed from the start to be practical in real hospital settings. His work helps shape a future where precision diagnostics are not a luxury, but a standard for every child.

🌍 Learn more about how PMPC is shaping the future of paediatric care → https://pmpc.bkus.lv

Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV EU Science & Innovation Prinses Máxima Centrum voor kinderoncologie

25/11/2025

A quick reminder: our search for a Project Manager continues.

Join us in supporting meaningful innovation and helping PMPC Center of Excellence grow its impact at Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca.

Link in comment.👇

EU Science & Innovation Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV

21/11/2025

We are hiring! 😎

Join the PMPC Center of Excellence team as a Project Manager and play a key role in strengthening research, innovation, and capacity-building at the Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca.

If you’re passionate about meaningful impact and ready to help shape the future of paediatric precision medicine, this opportunity is for you.
Link in comment.👇

EU Science & Innovation Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV

31/10/2025

🌍 Representing PMPC at the CCI Annual Conference 2025

Last week, Julija Namavire, member of the newly established PMPC Center of Excellence Patient and Parent Council and Deputy Coordinator, took part in the Childhood Cancer International (CCI) Annual Conference 2025 in Amsterdam.

The event gathered parent representatives, patient advocates, and healthcare professionals from around the world — sharing experiences, ideas, and best practices to strengthen the voice of families in pediatric cancer care.
We are proud to see our Parent and Patient Council members engaging internationally, bringing valuable insights that will help shape family-centered care within the PMPC framework. 💛

EU Science & Innovation Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV

24/10/2025

🥳 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 – Welcome back to our series dedicated to the incredible team making PMPC Center of Excellence a reality. Great projects don’t run on plans alone – they run on people. Meet the professionals turning vision into reality.

🧬 Today meet Lauma Freimane - a molecular geneticist at the Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca and a PhD candidate in genetics — a scientist whose work bridges innovation and real-world impact.

Within PMPC Center of Excellence, Lauma is part of Work Package 4 – Molecular Diagnostics, where she describes herself as “the hands in the lab.”

“I’m truly grateful to be part of a project that has the potential to transform diagnostic approaches and improve both the quality and speed of patient care,” she shares.

Beyond the lab, Lauma’s curiosity and energy reflect her passion for discovery, learning, and innovation — values that are at the very heart of the PMPC project.

🌍 Learn more about how PMPC is shaping the future of paediatric care → https://pmpc.bkus.lv

EU Science & Innovation Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV

20/10/2025

🌍Strengthening international collaboration in clinical research and innovation.

We were pleased to welcome representatives from EUGENE, Seoul National University Hospital, and Yonsei Severance Hospital to discuss future cooperation with PMPC Center of Excellence and Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca

Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV EU Science & Innovation

17/10/2025

🌍 PMPC at the TEAMING Club Conference 2025 | Portugal

This week, Roberts Melbardis, Interim Head of the PMPC Centre of Excellence, and Dr. Mirjam Blattner-Johnson, PMPC Project Coordinator, are representing the PMPC Center of Excellence at the TEAMING Club Conference in Portugal.

The TEAMING Club brings together coordinators from across Europe — a community of Centres of Excellence established under the Horizon Europe Teaming programme — to exchange experience, share good practices, and discuss sustainability and growth strategies.

With around 35 Teaming projects represented this year, the conference serves as a valuable platform for collaboration and learning.

Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV EU Science & Innovation

15/10/2025

🍕🔬 Pizza & Science Ep.5 with Dr. Lu Wang

Last week’s Pizza & Science session was a special one — we had the honour of welcoming Dr. Lu Wang, Medical Director of Molecular Pathology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, who was visiting Riga in connection with PMNET - Precision Medicine Networking Forum 2025.

Dr. Wang introduced the field of molecular pathology, highlighting its clinical applications and sharing valuable insights from her work at St. Jude.
The session brought together clinicians, researchers, and students for an engaging discussion on how molecular diagnostics can enhance precision medicine for children.

Thank you to Dr. Lu Wang and everyone who joined us — for your questions, ideas, and the shared commitment to improving pediatric care through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV EU Science & Innovation Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte (Riga Stradins University)

13/10/2025

🌟 PMPC at PMNET Forum 2025 – Two Inspiring Days of Collaboration and Insight

What an inspiring two days it has been at the PMNET - Precision Medicine Networking Forum 2025 in Riga — filled with exchange, collaboration, and a shared vision for advancing precision medicine in pediatrics.

PMPC Center of Excellence was proud to co-organize three dedicated pediatric sessions, bringing together international and local experts to discuss clinical trials, innovative therapies, and the role of data in shaping the future of children’s healthcare.

A heartfelt thank you to the PMNET - Precision Medicine Networking Forum team for the great partnership and to all PMPC Center of Excellence, Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca and international colleagues for your dedication and contributions throughout the forum. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for precision medicine — for every child, everywhere.

Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV
EU Science & Innovation

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