The Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, thanks to the commitment and work of the Polish Collection of Microorganisms, has become a partner in the international MIRRI-FIRM project (Making MIRRI FAIR for Globally Impactful Research), funded under the Horizon Europe programme (Research and Innovation Action, Grant Agreement No. 101292674).
The project, which is due to commence in October 2026 and will run for 48 months, is coordinated by MIRRI-ERIC (Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium). Its aim is to strengthen MIRRI-ERIC’s position as a leading European research infrastructure specialising in microbial resources and to further integrate the European ecosystem of microorganism collections and associated data.
MIRRI-FIRM focuses on improving the accessibility, quality and long-term sustainability of microbial resources in accordance with the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). The project will develop, amongst other things, the MIRRI resource catalogue, quality management standards and solutions to enhance data interoperability with European and international research infrastructures, including the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC).
The project addresses key contemporary challenges, such as climate change, food security, the monitoring of infectious diseases, growing antimicrobial resistance and environmental pollution. Through the modernisation and integration of European microbiological infrastructure, it will support the development of scientific research and innovation in the life sciences.
The MIRRI-FIRM consortium comprises 25 organisations from 13 European countries, representing research institutions, research infrastructures and organisations supporting innovation. The Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Sciences’ participation in the project reinforces the Institute’s commitment to the development of European research infrastructures and to international cooperation in research on microorganisms and their applications in science and the economy.
The project is being carried out as part of the HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-DEV-03 – Consolidation of the Research Infrastructure Landscape call for proposals under the Horizon Europe programme.
On behalf of the Institute, Agnieszka Korzeniowska-Kowal, PhD, Deputy Head of the BIOBANK PCM Biological Resources Centre, will be responsible for the implementation of the project. The funding awarded to the IIET PAS amounts to 21,200 euros.
Further information:
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101292674
https://www.mirri-eric.eu/mirri-eric-to-coordinate-new-horizon-europe-project-mirri-firm