The Deputy Rector for Science and Accreditation of MU-Sofia, prof. Krasimira Yoncheva, Ph.D., opened a scientific seminar on “Genomic medicine for better health”, which was held in the Auditorium of UMBAL “St. Ekaterina” on November 7, 2024
The event was organized by the Medical University-Sofia and the British Embassy in Sofia, within the framework of the “Genome of Bulgaria” project, in which the university is a leading partner.
The aim of the workshop was to draw on the experience gained in the UK and to launch a national discussion on the strategy for the development of genomic medicine with representatives of all stakeholders: the scientific and medical community, the executive and legislative authorities, industry and patients.
The introductory presentation was “The Importance of Genomic Research in Modern Medicine” by Dr. Jasmina Koeva-Balabanova, Chairwoman of the Bulgarian Alliance for Precision and Personalized Medicine (BAPPM), Representative of Bulgaria for the “1+ million genomes” initiative and member of the special group to the EC for “1+MG”.
Then Dr. Joanne Hackett, Vice President Health Systems and Services of IQVIA presented global trends in precision medicine as well as the genomics project that took place in the United Kingdom – Genomics England. She talked about the experience, good practices and results of the initiative.
An attractive presentation of the “Genome of Bulgaria” project was made by Prof. Radka Kaneva, Head of the Center for Molecular Medicine at MU-Sofia, a leading Bulgarian researcher at GDI and GoE, Representative of Bulgaria in the special group at the EC for “1+MG”.
She told more about the participation in the European projects within the framework of 1+MG as challenges, opportunities and perspectives. The start of two important European projects related to the development of genomic medicine was officially announced – the European Partnership for Rare Diseases (ERDERA) and the “Genome of Europe” (GoE), in which MU-Sofia is included as a partner.
