LifeTime scientists are world leaders and pioneers in the key disciplines required to fulfill the initiative's vision. LifeTime is the result of the merging of several research communities in Europe including single-cell biologists, computer scientists, mathematicians, clinicians, pathologists, imaging experts and physicists. Individually, all mambers have made seminal scientific contributions. Together, and with industrial partners, the members of the initiative will synergise and develop a unique collective network.

Many interdisciplinary challenges must be tackled to achieve LifeTime vision, for example:

a) single-cell genomics must be integrated with smart imaging to deliver clinical-grade single-cell pathology with high spatial resolution

b) computational models for deriving predictive models from electronic health records must be integrated with AI models of gene function and big data from multi- omics analysis of single cells

c) novel organoid technologies must be profiled at single-cell resolution and optimised given computational modelling of human samples, then serve as ideal vehicles for perturbation analysis using CRISPR-Cas technologies and targeted drug screens

d) finally, suitable in vivo models should be generated based on these data and used to determine causality in intact organisms.

By leveraging the continuous decreasing costs in computing power, DNA sequencing, multi-omics technologies and advanced imaging, LifeTime will ensure that we can move quickly from researching solutions for these key challenges towards innovation and implementation of cost-effective and scalable instruments, products and services.

As the European Commission (EC) announced, the LifeTime initiative will be supported with one million euros for one year from 1 March 2019. The funding is an incentive for the international research initiative.

More information: https://lifetime-fetflagship.eu/