Centre of Excellence for Precision Medicine in Pediatric Care
PMPC will strengthen pediatric research and healthcare in Latvia through the establishment of a new Centre of Excellence at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital. In partnership with the Princess Máxima Center, PMPC will advance precision medicine, genomics, clinical trials, and innovative therapies, including cell and gene therapies. By accelerating research and fostering the development of more effective, personalized treatments for children, the project supports the Princess Máxima Center’s ambition to improve outcomes and quality of life for young patients across Europe.
PMPC is a Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence project that aims to position the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (CCUH) in Riga, Latvia, at the forefront of pediatric precision medicine research and care in the region. Through the creation of a new Centre of Excellence, the project will integrate research, innovation, care and education to accelerate the development and implementation of personalized approaches for diagnosing and treating childhood diseases.
Translating innovations
PMPC addresses a critical need in pediatric healthcare; translating advances in genomics, data science, molecular diagnostics and cell and gene therapies into tangible benefits for children and their families. The project will establish key research and clinical infrastructures, including a Genomics Core Facility, a Latvian CCUH Biobank, a Pediatric Clinical Trial Unit, and capabilities to support advanced therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy. These investments will strengthen Latvia’s research and innovation ecosystem while improving access to cutting-edge healthcare solutions.
Knowledge exchange and training
The project brings together two organizations from two European countries. The Children’s Clinical University Hospital (CCUH), Latvia, acts as the coordinator, overseeing project management, governance, sustainability and implementation. The Princess Máxima Center participates as a beneficiary and strategic partner, providing expertise in precision medicine, translational research, rapid molecular diagnostics, pediatric clinical trials and cell therapies. The partnership enables intensive knowledge transfer, training and staff exchanges to build long-term capacity in Latvia.
Sustainable access to new innovations
For the Princess Máxima Center, PMPC directly contributes to its mission of improving outcomes and quality of life for children through innovation, research and international collaboration. By expanding access to advanced diagnostics and personalized therapies beyond national borders, the project helps bring leading-edge pediatric oncology knowledge and technologies to more children across Europe.
What makes PMPC unique is its combination of substantial infrastructure investment, expertise transfer and long-term sustainability planning. Running for 72 months from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2030, PMPC is expected to establish a sustainable center with international visibility, strengthen research excellence in a widening country, and contribute to reducing health inequalities across Europe.
Partners
Bernu Kliniska Universitates Slimnica Valsts Sia (Children’s Clinical University Hospital)
Contact
Bastiaan Tops
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.