Assoc. Prof. Jernej Jorgačevski
Neurobiology Department Director
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Collaborate and grow with the Alliance4Life research community
Our aim is to exchange knowledge, initiate joint projects, and develop new research direction within the life sciences field.
Resources & Knowledge Sharing (in progress)
Societal Engagement
(in progress)
We are organized in virtual departments,
led by field experts
Our departments serve as hubs for collaboration, facilitating scientific activities (such as webinars or journal clubs), funding opportunities, and research initiatives within its specific field. As members, you are invited to take part in discussions, join collaborative projects, and participate in community events.
Neurobiology
The Department of Neurobiology at the Alliance4Life Virtual Research Center focuses on understanding the structure and function of the nervous system, with a particular emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive processes, and neural repair mechanisms.
Cardiovascular Research
The virtual Department of Cardiovascular Research is dedicated to advancing research on the mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of heart and vascular conditions. Researchers within this department focus on a range of topics, including myocardial regeneration, early detection of cardiovascular risks, and the development of personalized treatment strategies
Assoc. Prof. Filip Sedlić
Cardiovascular Research Department Director
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Metabolism and Endocrionology of Skeletal Muscle
The virtual Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology of Skeletal Muscle focuses on skeletal muscle as a major metabolic tissue, a target for metabolic hormones, and a source of signaling molecules such as myokines. Researchers study the impact of metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity, physical inactivity, and aging on skeletal muscle, as well as its role in whole-body metabolism in both health and disease.
Assoc. Prof. Sergej Pirkmajer
Metabolism and endocrinology of skeletal muscle Department Director
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Membrane Biochemistry
The virtual Department of Membrane Biochemistry is committed to advancing the understanding of the inner life of membranes. Our focus primarily lies in the neuronal membrane, however the department is deeply interested in the interplay between specific proteins and membrane lipids in other cellular membranes as well as organelle membranes.
Assoc. Prof. Kristina Mlinac Jerković
Membrane Biochemistry Department Director
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History of Medicine and Medical Humanities
The virtual Department for History of Medicine and Medical Humanities engages in interdisciplinary outreach that explores the human side of medicine. It bridges medicine with disciplines such as history, ethics, philosophy, literature, and the arts to enrich understanding of the human experience in healthcare
Prof. dr. Zvonka Slavec
History of Medicine and Medical Humanities Department Director
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Cancer biology and targeted therapy
The virtual Department of Cancer biology and therapy focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive tumor initiation, progression, and resistance, which in turn informs the development of more effective interventions.
Prof. Marek Mraz, Msc., MD, PhD
Cancer Biology and Targeted Therapy Department Director
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Translational Education and Training in Biomedical Sciences (TETra-BioMed)
The department will focus on the development of innovative teaching and training approaches in various (bio)medical fields, bridging the fundamental biomedical sciences and clinical/educational application.
Assoc. Prof. Petra Hudler
TETra-BioMed Department Director
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Become a a member
Membership in the VRC is open to all active scientists and researchers from Alliance4Life partner institutions. Members are expected to contribute by participating in discussions, engaging in collaborative projects, and attending events.
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Create your department
The VRC is designed to evolve with the needs of its researchers. If an important area of life sciences is not yet covered, members have the opportunity to establish a new Virtual Department.
Who can propose a new department?
New departments can be proposed by experienced researchers who are actively involved in one of the A4L partner institutions. This includes researchers with more than 10 years of experience after obtaining a PhD or those leading a major grant, such as an ERC grant.
If you meet these criteria and have a vision for a new department, your leadership can help shape the future of the VRC!
What responsibilities come with creating the department?
Creating a new department is not just about tasks—it’s about shaping the VRC itself. The departments are the VRC; they bring it to life and make collaboration possible. Key responsibilities include:
- Organizing webinars and virtual Journal Clubs for VRC members.
- Contributing to virtual mini-courses for PhD students.
- Participating in scientific meetings and advancing societal engagement.
- Identifying common research interests and fostering complementary expertise.
- Exploring collaborative projects and joint grant applications with other members.
- Contributing to the A4L_BRIDGE e-learning platform and supporting its mentorship and internship activities.
Through these activities, the department creates the community—connecting researchers, driving innovation, and ensuring VRC thrives as a dynamic and collaborative network.
How is a new deparment approved?
Each new department needs to be approved by the A4L board to ensure alignment with the network’s goals and maintain high-quality standards.
We will guide you through the process to ensure a smooth approval and integration into the VRC.
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