SPP1629 coordination project

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This DFG priority program focuses on the question: WHAT DEFINES HEALTHY AND DISEASED THYROID FUNCTION? To answer this, THYROID TRANS ACT has established a network and coordination structure that integrates the efforts of leading thyroid research laboratories and centers in Germany. SPP1629 aims at translating findings in basic sciences to better treatment options for patients in the long run. In particular, we were successful in recruiting highly motivated and capable junior scientists who entered this emerging field of research. The consortium has also contributed to brain-gain in the field of endocrinology by facilitating the return of experienced German scientists from abroad. THYROID TRANS ACT provides a platform for connecting junior scientists, who are actively collaborating while being guided by senior researchers. These efforts are supported by focus meetings like the Annual Meeting of SPP1629, Arbeitstagung Experimentelle Schilddrüsenforschung and the Bregenz Summer School of Endocrinology. Individual career building is supported by an educational program for the young scientist that involves workshops, lab exchanges and a dual mentorship component ensuring supervision and feedback from different angles. THYROID TRANS ACT is highly collaborative as evidenced by numerous joint publications within the first funding period. Regular meetings take place every year, where progress is discussed and new project ideas are set into action by, e.g., defining SOPs, exchanging material, and sharing expertise in an open atmosphere. The results of SPP1629 are also presented as posters or oral presentations during meetings of the German Society of Endocrinology, the European Thyroid Association, and many more. THYROID TRANS ACT was honored by the attendance of the world-leading thyroidologists at its first International Conference in December 2014. Communication within the SPP1629 is achieved by our website (www.thyroidtransact.de) that provides information on the projects, members, news, and hot topics in thyroid research. Importantly, the website informs both, scientist and the interested lay-public about the results of the SPP1629 through its publications, while an internal area allows the members to share and exchange information. In the next funding period we will build on these important achievements and aim to support young scientists to establish themselves as independent researchers. In addition, we will continue to support mobility of returning thyroid researchers to Germany. We will promote formation of a long-lasting research network emerging from THYROID TRANS ACT. In particular, we aim to seed new consortia such as research groups or SFB that will act as well-connected hubs of thyroid research in Germany and internationally. Already now, the SPP1629 helped to internationally strengthen the position of German thyroidology. We will further pursue this goal by linking THYROID TRANS ACT to other international research consortia.