PMPC Center of Excellence

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

23/04/2026

🥳 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 – Signe Vēliņa

Today we introduce Signe Vēliņa — pediatrician, neonatologist, and WP3 Lead in PMPC Center of Excellence project.

With a strong background in both clinical practice and health policy, Signe brings a unique perspective to pediatric precision medicine. In PMPC Center of Excellence, she acts as a “clock master” — connecting teams, aligning expertise, and ensuring that complex processes move forward efficiently.

Her vision is clear: a fully operational pediatric biobank, more clinical trials, and research that leads to better, more personalized treatment options for children.

Stay tuned as we continue to introduce the people behind PMPC Center of Excellence.

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

20/04/2026

Last week, PMPC Center of Excellence representatives Roberts Melbardis and Una Riekstiņa, PhD, met with experts from Zāļu valsts aģentūra (State Agency of Medicines of Latvia) to discuss the future of CAR-T cell therapy development in Latvia and the planned activities under PMPC Center of Excellence WP 5 (Cell Therapies).

Implemented by Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca, the Horizon Europe project PMPC Center of Excellence is advancing precision medicine in paediatrics — including building capacity for innovative therapies such as CAR-T.

The meeting highlighted:
• A constructive exchange on regulatory frameworks in Latvia and across Europe;
• Strong support for introducing innovative, internationally driven healthcare solutions;
• The importance of early and close collaboration to ensure quality, safety, and compliance;
• A shared commitment to continued dialogue for successful implementation.

We sincerely thank the Zāļu valsts aģentūra (State Agency of Medicines of Latvia) for their support and valuable exchange, and we look forward to continued collaboration to successfully advance CAR-T cell therapy implementation at Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca and in Latvia.

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

Zāļu valsts aģentūrā pārrunā CAR-T terapiju attīstību Latvijā.

📍16.aprīlī Zāļu valsts aģentūra notika tikšanās ar Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca Precīzijas medicīnas centra pediatrijā vadību, lai pārrunātu vienas no modernākajām ārstēšanas metodēm – CAR-T šūnu terapijas – attīstību Latvijā.

Šī terapija ir būtisks solis medicīnas attīstībā, taču tās ieviešana prasa rūpīgu izvērtēšanu, stingru kvalitātes kontroli un atbilstību Eiropas Savienības prasībām.

Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca izveidotais PMPC Center of Excellence attīsta personalizētu pieeju bērnu slimību diagnostikā un ārstēšanā sadarbībā ar vadošajiem Eiropas partneriem. Šāda centra izveide ir nozīmīgs ieguvums Latvijas veselības aprūpei.

Zāļu valsts aģentūra eksperti šajā procesā sniedz nozīmīgu ieguldījumu – nodrošina konsultācijas, skaidro prasības un izvērtē, vai jaunās terapijas atbilst drošuma, kvalitātes un efektivitātes standartiem, lai tās Latvijā varētu ieviest droši un atbildīgi.

👉 Sadarbība turpināsies, un nākamā tikšanās plānota 2026. gada otrajā pusē.

13/04/2026

🍕🔬 Pizza & Science Episode 7 – a strong closing to two inspiring days

The 7th Pizza & Science episode took place on 25 March, right after the PMPC Center of Excellence Consortium Meeting — marking a meaningful and inspiring conclusion to two intensive days of collaboration.

We were honoured to welcome Adeel Saleem, PhD, Head of the Cell and Gene Therapy Unit at Prinses Máxima Centrum voor kinderoncologie (Utrecht), who delivered a highly engaging session on:
“Establishing a GMP Facility for Advanced Cell Therapies: From Infrastructure to Clinical Implementation and Lessons Learned Along the Way.”

Dr. Saleem shared the remarkable journey of building a cell therapy unit from the ground up — from securing funding and developing infrastructure to delivering advanced therapies in clinical practice. His talk provided valuable insights into the real-world challenges and achievements behind translating innovation into patient care.

The session brought together students, clinicians, and researchers for an open and dynamic discussion, once again highlighting the strength of the Pizza & Science format.

👏 Thank you to all participants for joining us and contributing to the discussion!

AApvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LVEEU Science & InnovationRRīgas Stradiņa universitāte (Riga Stradins University) BBērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca

07/04/2026

📍Day 2 of the PMPC Center of Excellence Consortium Meeting in Riga continued with focus, depth, and strong alignment across the consortium.

The day brought forward key discussions on clinical translation, data governance, and long-term sustainability—critical elements for building a truly impactful Centre of Excellence. Sessions on CTU, data/legal/ethics, and sustainability of the PMPC Center of Excellence highlighted both the complexity and importance of creating a system that is not only innovative, but also responsible and sustainable.

A strong emphasis was placed on collaboration and synergy—especially in exploring connections between PMPC Center of Excellence and international partners, including the Swiss project—opening new pathways for knowledge exchange and future joint initiatives.

We also focused on internal strength: governance, project management tools, and communication & dissemination, ensuring that PMPC Center of Excellence continues to grow as a well-coordinated, transparent, and impactful initiative.

The meeting concluded with a shared sense of clarity and direction—knowing that the foundations we are building today will shape the future of precision medicine tomorrow.

And to close the day on an inspiring note—another engaging Pizza&Science episode brought science closer to the community, reminding us why this work truly matters.

A recap of Pizza&Science event is coming soon. Stay tuned!

Apvārsnis EU Latvijas Nacionālais kontaktpunkts - HE NCP LV EU Science & Innovation Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca Veselības ministrija Prinses Máxima Centrum voor kinderoncologie

01/04/2026

There is no present without a future! 💜

Today, PMPC Center of Excellence proudly joined "Ēnu diena" (Shadow Day) — a truly inspiring initiative that gives students a chance to experience their dream professions up close.

Our Communication Manager, Agnese Nemme, warmly welcomed two bright and curious “shadows” — Luīze and Karolīna. Both girls dream of working at the Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca one day, and were especially fascinated by the world of precision medicine — a field that will likely become part of everyday treatment in their future careers.

During the day, they not only explored the daily work of communication in PMPC Center of Excellence, but also visited Egija Berga-Švītiņa, PhD, molecular geneticist at Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca and PMPC Center of Excellence WP4 (Molecular Diagnostics) Co-lead.

Who knows — maybe in 10 years, we’ll welcome Luīze and Karolīna back as our colleagues 😉

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