CRONIC-PPF.at
CRONIC-PPF
“Clinical & Research Oriented Network for Innovative Classification
of Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis”
Research questions and concept of CRONIC-PPF
Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) is a devastating condition with worse survival rate than many types of cancer. PPF encompasses multiple distinct fibrotic lung diseases that, despite having different pathological origins and trajectories, ultimately lead to end-stage fibrosis. Currently only two treatments are available for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most extensively studied interstitial lung diseases (ILD) and PPF, but at best only slow disease progression, leaving patients a median survival of less than five years. Lung transplantation remains the only viable treatment option for end-stage disease. As our society ages, challenges posed by progressive diseases become more urgent, exacerbating healthcare costs and the demand for psychological support for patients due to the short life expectancy of affected individuals. CRONIC-PPF – Clinical & Research Oriented Network for Innovative Classification of PPF aims to take the next steps, bridging the gap between clinical needs and research innovation by combining translational science, integrating clinical samples, multi-modal screening, and functional studies to identify and stratify PPF phenotypes. By combining molecular, microbiological, and clinically available data with hypothesis-driven research, we seek not only to define disease subtypes but also to uncover common and diverging pathological mechanisms across PPF subtypes. This knowledge will be essential for improving patient classification and guiding the development of targeted therapeutic approaches.Despite its devastating impact, PPF remains an underrecognized societal challenge. By integrating patient perspectives, we will improve research outcomes and raise awareness about the urgency of tackling PPF. We will also foster a stronger connection between scientists, clinicians, and the community. Therefore, CRONIC-PPF is bridging research and society through patient engagement. We aim to actively engage with the public (dissemination, scientific communication, patient involvement), to ensure that the doctoral program CRONIC-PPF research and education remains relevant to societal needs.
General objectives of the project
To tackle major challenges relevant to progressive pulmonary fibrosis research into one training program, CRONIC-PPF offers cutting edge thesis projects covering both basic and translational research with strong clinical implications. CRONIC-PPF will result in the following achievements:- CRONIC-PPF offers a strong translational focus, as demonstrated by numerous pioneering contributions to progressive pulmonary fibrosis research, which will be reflected in top-tier publications.
- This PhD Program will provide a new generation of highly educated young researchers, who will drive the future of progressive pulmonary fibrosis research in the coming decades. Students will be trained at the highest level in translational research by a multidisciplinary consortium and will be strongly encouraged to actively engage with industrial companies.
- Young basic and clinician scientists will be supported in their career development and CRONIC-PPF brings along a strong focus on gender equality.
- By emphasizing science communication throughout the program, students are thoroughly equipped to clearly present their research findings to several different target groups, including the public at large including patient groups. This approach plays a key role in addressing the widespread skepticism towards science in society.
- Through international exposure, CRONIC-PPF will foster scientific exchange and lead to the development of strong international cooperation, both for the students and the consortium. This will be another pivotal step to further establish Graz as a leading center of pulmonary fibrosis research.