Project TARGETWISE

Metabolic diseases are a major concern of public health and great interest in the pharmaceutical industry. TARGETWISE is a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing metabolic disease research using big data analysis. This project is set to modernize the drug target discovery capabilities in the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS) by establishing the Metabolic Research Group. Led by the distinguished researcher Prof. H.B. Schiöth, who has outstanding experience in attracting and training international research talent, the Metabolic Research Group will serve as a hub for exploring innovative data analysis approaches. The primary objectives include attracting international talent, integrating data-driven methodologies into LIOS's research agenda, and fostering scientific excellence. The initiative targets the personal development of LIOS researchers through advanced training and sophisticated workshops in critical areas such as R programming, big-data mining, omics data analysis, and biostatistics. The research will focus on drug target validation and drug discovery research for unmet needs in metabolic diseases. These approaches aim to unravel the mechanisms underlying energy imbalance in diseases, paving the way for groundbreaking research directions. In addition to skill development, the project envisions the establishment of a mentorship program under Prof. Schiöth's guidance, fostering an environment of innovation. The goal is to boost the translation of preclinical and clinical health research findings into practical applications. The project outcomes will also contribute to international networking platforms, facilitate collaborations with academic and industrial partners worldwide, and communicate the findings to society. By implementing the TARGETWISE project, we aspire to position LIOS at the forefront of metabolic disease research, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and impactful contributions to the global scientific community.