Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the world’s most important age-related blinding disorder. The current proposal utilises epidemiological data describing clinical phenotype, molecular genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, and in-depth retinal imaging derived from existing longitudinal European epidemiological cohorts and biobanks to provide three major insights needed for long-lasting prevention and therapy for AMD: (a) the development of robust algorithms utilising genetic and non-genetic risk factors to identify personalised risks of developing advanced wet and dry AMD; (b) the identification of novel biomarkers for further stratification of disease risks. New insights from (a)+(b) will be used to elaborate preventive medical recommendations for highrisk subgroups of AMD patients; and (c) the identification of molecular drivers/biological pathways relevant for onset and progression of advanced AMD that will be used to identify and validate new therapeutic targets. Key deliverables are: 1. Determination of AMD frequency in Europe, and assessment of AMD risk for phenotypical, genetic, environmental, and biochemical risk factors and their interaction. (WP1-3) 2. Development of a web-based prediction model for personalised risk assessment of AMD based on integration of risk profiles derived from retinal imaging, molecular genetics, assessment of lifestyle, and biochemical testing. (WP4) 3. Modelling and functional characterisation of pathophysiological pathways identified from integrated analysis of current knowledge and the above risk profiles. (WP5) 4. Experimental testing and interpretation of pathophysiological consequences of risks at the molecular level. (WP6) 5. An extension and refinement of the prediction model (WP4) based on work in WP5 and WP6 to generate clinical guidelines for the medical management of high-risk subgroups of patients with AMD. (WP7) 6. Promotion and dissemination of newly gained knowledge towards AMD prevention and therapy development

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are potent lipid mediators of inflammation. CysLT1 and 2 receptors are widely expressed e.g. lungs, colorectum, heart, brain & eye; and CysLT1 antagonists are prescribed to treat airway inflammation. Excitingly, CysLT signalling was recently discovered to regulate the biology of vascular, neuronal and cancer cells underpinning its untapped therapeutic potential in other diseases. CRYSTAL3 interconnects unique and diverse researchers to create a multidisciplinary team sharing expertise and research capacities. The contribution of CysLT signalling to disease is divulged; its therapeutic potential unlocked and new services & products commercialised. This is delivered by staff exchanges to jointly research Ocular & Central Nervous System (CNS), Cardiovascular system (CV) and Cancer diseases. The R&I goal of CRYSTAL3 is to reduce human disease burden by enhancing EU capability and knowledge-sharing in research and commercialisation. This is achieved through advanced international co-operation between 5 academic and 5 non-academic partners, in 7 countries. The focus is on innovative research into the CysLT signalling pathway in human diseases related to the Ocular-CNS, & CV systems and Cancer (OCCC). The 3 overall objectives of CRYSTAL3 are: A) Combine resources to discover novel pathological mechanisms linking cysteinyl leukotriene signalling to ocular, central nervous system, cardiovascular disease and cancer (OCCC). B) Unite partner capacities to uncover the therapeutic potential of cysteinyl leukotriene signalling in ocular, central nervous system, cardiovascular disease and cancer (OCCC). C) Commercialise products and services co-developed within CRYSTAL3 The CRYSTAL3 consortium tackles these challenges by promoting cross-sector, inter-European R&I staff exchanges among participants with expertise in OCCC disease, computational drug discovery, genetic engineering, pre-clinical disease models, marketing and commercialisation.

Open Researchers 2022-23 is the 11th Andalusian experience in the European Researchers' Night. The project is designed to increase the awareness and perception of research as a solution to the numerous challenges faced by citizens all around the world, as well as showing Science as the way to achieve the goals of the Horizon Europe Missions. ‘Excellence Science for boost a greener, smarter and healthier future in Europe with and for citizenship’ is the main idea of the project. It has been conceived at a time when the UE has just launched Horizon Europe in order to join efforts to face the greatest societal challenges that Europe is facing. Understanding that science is present in our daily lives, it should be accompanied by a scientific culture that will prepare citizens to a reality full of challenges. It is essential to promote youth interest in Science by opening it to the general public through researchers in an accessible way. Fundacion Descubre will coordinate this project, based on its experience through the last decade working with relevant projects and in its consortium experience in the previous NIGHT projects. The consortium is composed of 9 Andalusian universities, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Andalusian Foundation Progress and Health, and the Royal Botanical Garden of Cordoba. The project's major strength is the numerous activities taking place on streets, theatres, and historical buildings of the 8 Andalusian cities, with a high mobilization of researchers and collaborating institutions. To reinforce this, partners will consolidate a strong programme of activities at schools. The European dimension will be underlined by the active involvement of researchers funded by EU and MSCA fellows in the event. Gender balance will be guaranteed in researchers as well as the RRI for designing inclusive and sustainable R&I. The project includes a European collaboration to design a set of shared activities linked to Horizon Europe Missions.