Recent research has shown that a large share of proteins gains functional advantages by remaining natively unstructured. This challenges well-established concepts in structural biology. In this frame NMR plays a strategic role (see also EAST-NMR). The highly dynamical properties of such “intrinsically disordered proteins” are characterised at atomic resolution and the possible reorganisation by interacting with partners in environment is followed.

The IDPbyNMR project aims to establish a framework to train a new generation of young researchers in this emerging area. The network offers a multidisciplinary training programme as to transfer not only know-how in the scientific field but also in complementary skills, like e.g. project management and intellectual property rights.

Intrinsically disordered protein states are involved in many biochemical processes at the basis of life. They are expected to have a significant impact in biomedical research and in the design of new drugs, e.g. in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.