Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a key technology for research in the modern Life Sciences, with an increasing impact on human health. This technology is unique in new areas of molecular systems biology providing detailed insight into protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions.

Europe has traditionally enjoyed a leadership role in NMR, but to maintain this position in the face of increasing international competition, scientific and technological capabilities throughout the EU must be fully exploited. This requires the full mobilisation of all European countries, including Eastern Europe, where NMR applications are sparse and tackling challenging scientific projects is less common. Emerging technological and research frontiers must also continue to be addressed.

The EAST-NMR project responds to the new challenges facing NMR and its RIs, based on the I3 model. The project will:

• Provide transnational access to NMR instrumentation based in Eastern Europe by taking advantage of the experiences of another on-going European project (EU-NMR, Contract No. RII3-026145EU-NMR) and will provide access to solid-state NMR facilities, an emerging technology at the international level
• Educate and train researchers, especially from Eastern Europe, in NMR’s potential and use
• Advance in sample preparation technologies especially of difficult to tackle membrane proteins through joint research activities

The project will also influence research throughout the Life Sciences and enhance Pan-European potential for excellence in competitive sectors such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

EUrelations contributed substantially to the preparation of the successful proposal. EUrelations itself is partner in the project, supports the management and is leader of the work package "Dissemination".