baseclick is joining INT2ACT project as an industry partner to advance nucleic acid technologies
The INT2ACT (Innovative Nucleic Acids Technologies for Analysis, Detection and Treatment) consortium has been awarded funding under the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) program by the European Union. The funding will support the launch of a new Doctoral Network set to begin in January 2026, offering 15 fully funded PhD positions across Europe.
A Collaborative Initiative
Coordinated by Professor Carlo Vascotto from the University of Udine, INT2ACT brings together 11 core partners, including seven academic institutions and four industry leaders, alongside 10 associated partners. This interdisciplinary and intersectoral network is dedicated to training the next generation of experts in nucleic acid (NA) technologies and their clinical applications.
The Growing Importance of Nucleic Acids in Medicine
In recent years, nucleic acids have become indispensable in modern medicine, facilitating progress in cancer immunotherapy, infectious disease diagnostics, and the treatment of rare genetic disorders. Technologies such as CRISPR and RNA sequencing are revolutionizing how scientists understand, diagnose, and treat disease by enabling precise genetic analysis.
However, translating these tools into real-world healthcare solutions remains a challenge. Detecting minute amounts of genetic material, achieving high-throughput processing, and ensuring safe, targeted delivery within the body are all significant hurdles the field must overcome.
A New Generation of Researchers
INT2ACT aims to tackle these challenges through a structured PhD training program that blends academic excellence with industrial innovation. The 15 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) recruited into the network will receive hands-on research experience, gain exposure to clinical and therapeutic applications, and develop transferable skills in areas such as innovation management, communication, and research ethics.
This well-rounded approach is designed to prepare graduates for diverse careers in academia, biotechnology, healthcare, and other knowledge-based sectors.
baseclick: Pioneering RNA Sequencing with Click Chemistry
One of the key industry partners in the INT2ACT consortium is baseclick GmbH, a company specializing in click chemistry technologies for nucleic acid modification.
baseclick’s role in the project focuses on advancing direct RNA sequencing techniques using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platform. Their work will concentrate on non-coding RNA (ncRNA), a critical but underexplored area in genomics research.
Through this work, baseclick aims to simplify and improve the accuracy of RNA sequencing, removing the need for reverse transcription and amplification, thereby accelerating discoveries in diagnostics and therapeutics.
Through the integration of advanced research, industrial expertise and a dedication to impactful training, INT2ACT is ready to promote innovation in nucleic acid technologies and prepare Europe’s future scientific leaders to tackle critical healthcare issues.