SPACE-MEL

SPAtial single-CEll omics research training for MELanoma precision medicine

Spatial technologies are enabling researchers to spatially map cellular heterogeneity and cellular interactions with unprecedented molecular precision, providing insights into the spatial organisation and functional states of cells in complex tissues. Despite their enormous potential, several challenges at experimental and computational level still needs to be solved, a gap hindering their translation into clinics.

SPACE-MEL aims to harness the full impact of spatial single-cell omics to advance precision medicine by 1) moving from 2D to 3D analysis, 2) achieving multi-omics technology integration on a single sample for greater accuracy, both in the experimental and computational fields, and 3) creating the expertise to interpret the vast and complex datasets generated and maximise the biological insights obtained using these techniques. To achieve this, our inter-disciplinary and cross-sectoral network will train 15 doctoral candidates (DCs) in the fields of spatial single-cell imaging technologies, molecular biology, computational biology, pathology and biomarker discovery. Our holistic training programme will equip DCs with both research and transferable skills to navigate spatial biology from beginning to end. With direct training from leading innovators in the spatial biology value chain, SPACE-MEL DCs will graduate as the first generation of scientists with a complete spatial biology background.

The involvement of technology providers and leading companies in the field, as well as close collaboration with the EORTC group will be key to address major scientific and societal challenges and ensure Europe remains at the forefront of innovation in this rapidly advancing field. This project is currently in grant preparation with the European Commission and set to start on 1 September 2026.

This project is currently in grant preparation with the European Commission.

This project contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 4.

• Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam, NL
• Università di Firenze, IT
• Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, PL
• University of Zurich, CH
• University of Manchester, UK
• University of Perugia, IT
• Aspect Analytics, BE
• Intelligent Biodata, ES
• accelopment Schweiz AG, CH