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.

17/06/2026

🧬 From long-read sequencing to methylation-based classification, some of the most exciting developments in molecular diagnostics were in the spotlight at the AMP Europe Congress 2026 in Tallinn.

These are not just topics shaping the future of precision medicine worldwide — they are also areas where PMPC Center of Excellence is building expertise and advancing capabilities in Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca.

At the congress, Roberts Melbardis, Head of PMPC, presented the PMPC Center of Excellence project and joined discussions on technologies that are already shaping the future of precision medicine — including areas in which PMPC is actively building expertise.

Innovation happens when local expertise becomes part of a global conversation!

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

08/06/2026

🥳 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 – Viola Daniela Kiseļova

Behind every successful precision medicine initiative is not only clinical expertise, but also strong data governance.

Meet Viola Kiseļova, Data Steward at Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca and a member of the PMPC Center of Excellence team. With expertise in public health, biostatistics, and research data management, Viola helps ensure that data is managed responsibly, securely, and effectively across the project.

Her vision? To build a sustainable environment where data creates lasting value for research, collaboration, and ultimately, better health outcomes for children.

Read more about Viola and her role in PMPC Center of Excellence in the slides below. ⬇️

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

05/06/2026

Small wins. Big wins. Ice cream. 🍦

Working in precision medicine is challenging, responsible, and inspiring. That’s why it’s important to occasionally pause, sit down with the amazing PMPC Center of Excellence team on a summer morning, and celebrate both the small and the big achievements along the way.

Just look at those happy faces. 😊

Want to follow our journey and stay updated on PMPC Center of Excellence news and milestones? Sign up for PMPC news updates! Link in the comments. 👇

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

27/05/2026

Last week, Signe Velina, PMPC Center of Excellence project WP3 lead, participated in the organised by the BBMRI-ERIC community and partners — an important platform bringing together experts in biobanking, precision medicine, ethics, and healthcare innovation across Europe.

This year’s European Biobank Week congress placed a strong focus, both in dedicated sessions and pre-congress workshops, on pediatric biobanking, Special sessions and workshops focused on:
🔹 informed consent in pediatric biobanking and how it differs from adult consent,
🔹 age-appropriate communication with children and families,
🔹 legal and ethical aspects of consent,
🔹 involving patient representatives in the development of consent forms.
Discussions highlighted that approaches across Europe still differ, while the BBMRI-ERIC community is exploring opportunities for more harmonised recommendations in the future.

The congress also explored how biobanks can strengthen public engagement through initiatives such as science days and open-door events for researchers, clinicians, patients, families, and the wider public. Another important topic was how to manage and communicate incidental findings discovered during research.
Beyond biobanking itself, keynote speakers provided a broader healthcare perspective — including how climate change is influencing the spread of infectious diseases in Europe, and how upcoming European biotechnology initiatives could accelerate clinical research and innovation.

Importantly for PMPC Center of Excellence, several sessions demonstrated how biobanks contribute to the development of oncology biomarkers, supporting not only diagnostics but also disease prognosis and future treatment strategies.

These discussions strongly resonate with PMPC Center of Excellence mission: building an integrated research infrastructure that combines a biobank, clinical trial capabilities, and advanced genetic technologies to advance pediatric precision medicine.

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

25/05/2026

A week ago, PMPC Center of Excellence journey across Europe gained even more momentum.

From the stage of — Northern Europe’s leading deep tech conference bringing together scientists, innovators, investors, and industry leaders — to the international CINNAMON CAR-T Conference focused on advancing CAR-T research and implementation in widening countries, PMPC Center of Excellence was once again part of the conversations shaping the future of healthcare innovation in Europe.

At both events, Dr. Mirjam Blattner-Johnson, PMPC Center of Excellence Project Coordinator and Leading Researcher, represented the project among internationally recognised experts in precision medicine, translational research, and advanced therapies.

In Riga, at , the spotlight was on the future of MedTech, innovation ecosystems, and turning scientific excellence into real-world impact.
Just few days later in Kaunas, during the CINNAMON CAR-T Conference, Mirjam presented PMPC’s work on establishing CAR-T manufacturing infrastructure in Latvia — placing the project alongside leading Baltic and European initiatives working to advance next-generation cancer therapies.

What stands out most is not only the number of events, but the growing recognition of PMPC Center of Excellence within Europe’s precision medicine and innovation landscape. Across countries, disciplines, and expert communities, PMPC Center of Excellence continues to build new collaborations, strengthen visibility, and contribute to shaping the future of personalised healthcare.

The pace is accelerating — and PMPC Center of ExcellencePMPC is moving forward with it!

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

21/05/2026

At last week, conversations about the future of laboratory medicine reached far beyond diagnostics alone — focusing on how research, genomics, and collaboration are shaping more precise and patient-centred healthcare.

PMPC Center of Excellence was proud to be part of through presentations and discussions by:

🧬 Dr. Mirjam Blattner-Johnson, PMPC Center of Excellence Project Coordinator and leading researcher
🧬 Dr. Lauma Freimane, Researcher Geneticist at Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca and PMPC Center of Excellence WP4 team member

Their contributions reflected a shared PMPC Center of Excellence vision: connecting scientific excellence with real clinical impact and strengthening precision medicine collaboration across Europe.

Because innovation in healthcare starts with knowledge — but grows through people willing to share it.

Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV EU Science & Innovation Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca

19/05/2026

🍕🔬 Pizza & Science Episode 8 – thank you for joining us!

Last week, Pizza & Science once again brought together students, clinicians, and researchers for an inspiring discussion on rare disease diagnostics and genomic medicine.

We were honoured to welcome Dr. Laima Ambrozaitytė from VUL Santaros klinikos, who shared valuable insights into the Lithuanian experience in applying genomic sequencing in clinical practice.

This time, the lecture became active and engaging from the very first moments — discussions and questions started immediately, creating a truly dynamic and interactive atmosphere throughout the session.

Participants learned more about the potential and limitations of whole exome and whole genome sequencing, the impressive turnaround times achieved in genetic analysis, and the nationwide laboratory structure developed in Lithuania, where specialised laboratories contribute with their own areas of expertise.

👏 Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to another successful Pizza & Science episode!

At the same time, the PMPC Center of Excellence project has truly gained momentum, with many presentations and activities taking place across various events and platforms. Stay tuned — we will soon share more highlights and insights from all the exciting initiatives happening within PMPC Center of Excellence.

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

14/05/2026

💜A new milestone in the PMPC project has been reached!

Our team at Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca initiated the first sequencing runs using the newly introduced Nanopore technology. While this does not yet represent a new routine diagnostic service, it marks the beginning of a rigorous validation and implementation phase within the Genetics Laboratory.

The first method under development focuses on rapid CNS tumour classification using DNA methylation profiling — an approach not currently available in Latvia. The long term goal is to establish a rapid, intraoperative CNS tumour classification to support diagnostic decision pathway for paediatric oncology patients.
As an initial step, sequencing was performed on a retrospective CNS tumour samples and analysed using the Sturgeon algorithm. This proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates the feasibility of integrating this advanced technology into clinical practice.
In the long term, Nanopore tecnology has the potential to:
• enable intraoperative diagnostic support;
• improve diagnostic accuracy;
• significantly reduce turnaround time;
• support more precise, personalised treatment decisions;
• ultimately improve outcomes for children with oncological diseases.

This work is led by Dr. Egija Berga-Švītiņa, molecular geneticist and Co-Lead of PMPC WP4, together with Dr. Lauma Freimane, Researcher Geneticist, in close collaboration with the Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca Genetics Laboratory team, whose contribution is essential for advancing in-house molecular diagnostic capabilities at Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca.

This milestone contributes directly to PMPC Work Package 4, advancing the research and clinical implementation of rapid molecular diagnostics, and bringing us closer to the project’s Objective 4: enabling high-quality, in-house molecular diagnostics to support better patient care.

The journey from innovation to clinical application is long — but this is how it begins!

Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV EU Science & InnovationBērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca

06/05/2026

This week PMPC Center of Excellence is represented at the SIOP Europe 2026 Annual Meeting, one of the leading events in paediatric oncology bringing together experts from across Europe.

Our colleagues Roberts Melbardis, Interim Head of the PMPC Center of Excellence and Dr. Egija Berga-Švītiņa, molecular geneticist at Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca, are actively participating in the event, engaging with the international community of clinicians, researchers, and innovators.

Their presence highlights PMPC Center of Excellence strong commitment to collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advancing research in personalised medicine for paediatric patients.

Events like SIOP Europe play a key role in strengthening professional networks, fostering new partnerships, and connecting PMPC Center of Excellence with the broader European research ecosystem.

Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV EU Science & Innovation Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca International Society of Paediatric Oncology - SIOP

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https://pmpc.bkus.lv/

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