The INT2ACT consortium – Innovative Nucleic Acids Technologies for Analysis, Detection and Treatment – has been awarded funding from the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) to launch a new Doctoral Network. The project will begin in January 2026, offering 15 fully funded PhD positions. Details on the individual research projects and how to apply will be published in the coming weeks.

INT2ACT is coordinated by Carlo Vascotto (University of Udine, Italy), with Charles Lawrie and María Armesto, members of Molecular Oncology group, the PIs in IIS Biogipuzkoa. This project brings together 11 beneficiaries, including seven academic institutions and four industry partners, supported by 10 associated partners. The network aims to train the next generation of experts advancing nucleic acid (NA) technologies for clinical applications.

Why nucleic acids?

In recent years, nucleic acids (NAs) have become essential tools in modern medicine, enabling progress in cancer immunotherapy, infectious disease diagnostics, and rare disease treatment. New genetic technologies like CRISPR, which can cut and change DNA, and RNA sequencing, which reads our genetic messages, are helping scientists find better ways to treat diseases like cancer and rare disorders. But many of these tools are still hard to use in real-world healthcare. For example, it’s not always easy to spot very small amounts of genetic material, current methods can be slow or limited, and delivering these treatments safely inside the body remains a big challenge.

How will INT2ACT train future leaders?

15 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will be recruited and enrolled in a structured, interdisciplinary and intersectoral training programme combining academic research with industry experience.

Each DC will benefit from:

  • Hands-on research in NA technologies
  • Exposure to clinical and therapeutic applications
  • Skills training in innovation, communication, and ethics
  • Career development support across sectors

The programme is designed to equip graduates for diverse careers in academia, biotech, healthcare, and beyond.

Where to learn more?

PhD position announcements will be published soon on the INT2ACT website (www.int2act.eu ) and information will be provided through the channels of the MSCA Doctoral Networks and participating institutions.