Partners

The University of Tartu (UTARTU) coordinates the SysAge project in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) and Institut Pasteur (IP) to advance expertise in systems immunology and healthy ageing.

University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is a world-class research university, driven by intellectual creativity and critical thinking since 1479, and highly ranked on the leading ranking lists of the world’s best universities placing 5th as best university in Europe and 42nd in the world by CWTS Leiden Ranking in 2023.
Claus Desler is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Science at University of Copenhagen. His group is dedicated to investigating the intricate mechanisms governing molecular ageing, With a specialized focus on senescence, immunosenescence, and bioenergetics. The Desler group models ageing and cell stress in 2D and 3D in vitro models using primary and immortalised human cell lines and organoid systems. Here, pathways related to stress, functionality and metabolism are correlated with the functional decline of ageing and premature ageing tissue. This approach is used to model a long range of age related diseases to discover functional pathways, to develop reliable prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers and to identify drug targets for treatment. This way the research output pursuits align with translating scientific discoveries into practical applications. Claus Desler has fostered a robust academic network through national and international collaborations, constantly seeking innovative solutions and entrepreneurial opportunities to drive innovative solutions for age-related diseases, aiming to contribute meaningfully to global health outcomes. The Desler group carry out their research in state-of-the-art laboratories. They conduct QPCR, RNA sequencing (including single cell), cell metabolic analysis, flow cytometry, electron microscopy and other assays using own equipment or through well-equipped UCPH core facilities.

Institut Pasteur
The Institut Pasteur is a private, non-profit foundation. Its mission is to help prevent and treat diseases, mainly those of infectious origin, through research, teaching, and public health initiatives. IP develops many major international projects in partnership with the main international scientific authorities such as the World Health Organization, and many research institutions, foundations, universities and other private actors worldwide. In addition, the Institut Pasteur is at the heart of the Institut Pasteur International Network, 33 members around the world linked by missions of research, public health and education.
Dr Duffy’s Translational Immunology Unit is a part of the Immunology Department at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. The focus of their cutting-edge research is to better understand the fundamental mechanisms behind inter-individual differences in immune responses and apply these discoveries to relevant clinical questions. To do this, they use cellular mechanistic models, population immunology cohorts, and experimental clinical studies in infection and autoimmunity. To carry out their projects, the research unit has state of the art laboratory spaces. Dr Duffy as co-coordinator of the MI consortium is part of an active international systems immunology community consisting of leaders in this field with diverse expertise from human immunology, genetics, medicine, microbiome, and dietary research with over 150 publications.

University of Tartu
The University of Tartu (UTARTU), established in 1632, is Estonia’s largest university and a leader in research and education. The Molecular Pathology Group at University of Tartu focuses on the immune system’s molecular and cellular regulation, studying immune dysregulation in ageing and diseases. Their research has advanced understanding of rare autoimmune syndromes, such as APECED, and explored ways to rejuvenate the thymus to enhance immune function in elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The group also investigates epigenetic changes in immune cells and their roles in ageing and autoimmune diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic UTARTU developed innovative antibody testing methods, identified rapid declines in vaccine-induced immunity, and contributed to global discoveries, including autoantibodies linked to severe cases. The university’s collaboration with the Estonian Biobank and e-health system enables impactful studies on vaccine efficacy and ageing.
Beyond research, the university is committed to training future medical professionals, offering advanced courses and mentoring opportunities. University of Tartu’s interdisciplinary approach and resources position it as a key player in advancing ageing and immunology research.

Contact us: project.sysage@gmail.com
Funded by the European Union through HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions under grant agreement Nr: 101159920