Mathematical, computational models are central in biomedical and biological systems engineering; models enable (i) mechanistically justifying experimental results via current knowledge and (ii) generating new testable hypotheses or novel intervention methods. SyMBioSys is a joint academic/industrial training initiative supporting the convergence of engineering, biological and computational sciences. The consortium's mutual goal is developing a new generation of innovative and entrepreneurial early-stage researchers (ESRs) to develop and exploit cutting-edge dynamic (kinetic) mathematical models for biomedical and biotechnological applications. SyMBioSys integrates: (i) six academic beneficiaries with a strong record in biomedical and biological systems engineering research, these include four universities and two research centres; (ii) four industrial beneficiaries including key players in developing simulation software for process systems engineering, metabolic engineering and industrial biotechnology; (iii) three partner organisations from pharmaceutical, biotechnological and entrepreneurial sectors. SyMBioSys is committed to supporting the establishment of a Biological Systems Engineering research community by stimulating programme coordination via joint activities. The main objectives of this initiative are: * Developing new algorithms and methods for reverse engineering and identifying dynamic models of biosystems and bioprocesses * Developing new model-based optimization algorithms for exploiting dynamic models of biological systems (e.g. predicting behavior in biological networks, identifying design principles and selecting optimal treatment intervention) * Developing software tools, implementing the preceding novel algorithms, using state-of-the-art software engineering practices to ensure usability in biological systems engineering research and practice * Applying the new algorithms and software tools to biomedical and biological test cases.

Inno4Vac proposes an ambitious programme that will harness the latest advances in immunology, disease modelling, and modelling for tackling persistent scientific bottlenecks in vaccine development and for de-risking and accelerating this process. To reach this aim the project is divided into four interlinked subtopics. In Subtopic 1, artificial intelligence in combination with big data analysis and computational modelling will be used to build an open-access and cloud-based platform for in silico vaccine efficacy assessment and development. Subtopic 2 will develop new and improved controlled human infection models (CHIM) against influenza, RSV and C. difficile that will enable early vaccine efficacy evaluation. Subtopic 3 will contribute to the development of cell-based human in vitro 3D models that resemble the in vivo situation of an infection at the mucosa and more reliably predict immune protection. These models will be combined with the development of related functional immune assays for clinically relevant (surrogate) endpoints. Finally, Subtopic 4 will develop a modular one-stop computational platform for in silico modelling of vaccine bio-manufacturing and stability testing. In parallel to the scientific-technical work, the partners will develop strategies and roadmaps for positioning the newly developed models in the regulatory framework and integrating them into pharmaceutical vaccine development. The overall workplan is underpinned by horizontal activities on coordination/management and dissemination/communication, including data management and future sustainability. To achieve these ambitious objectives, Inno4Vacc has assembled a multidisciplinary consortium from academic and research institutions, industries, regulatory bodies, and vaccine R&D alliances. This unique partnership brings together clinical, immunological, microbiological, systems biology, mathematical models, and regulatory expertise and includes world-leaders in each respective field.