With the Human Lung Cell ATLAS impact story, we aim to introduce different steps of the journey to showcase research impact (see 'the impact cycle'). In this post the input for the human lung cell atlas and what the intended impact of the project is, will be discussed.
Dr. Martijn Nawijn is a molecular biologist and geneticist, with a research focus on lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. With his colleagues, he is examining how environmental factors alter the biology of cells in the lungs. With this knowledge they aim to understand why some people are more sensitive to environmental factors and thus might become sick more quickly than others (input). The schematic representation of ‘the impact cycle’ is depicted on the right; a more detailed one can be found on our webpage.
They will do so within the initiative of the Human Lung Cell Atlas, as part of the larger Human Cell Atlas project, that was launched to get an overview of what the lungs look like and what information is still missing. With this project, Dr. Nawijn and his colleagues aim to characterize the cells in the lungs, where they are exactly located and how they influence each other. By doing so, the research team aims to draw a comprehensive map of the healthy tissue of the human lungs. Having a complete portrait of a lung will contribute significantly to determine how and where diseases arise in the lungs. A crucial role in this research will be given to patients, who can offer valuable information about lung diseases, and to whom Dr. Nawijn aims to connect already at the start of the project.
The combination of the insights provided by the lung map and the increased understanding of the course of lung diseases will contribute to the future development of new diagnostic procedures and medicines with the aim to eventually cure COPD and asthma (intended impact).
The ATLAS impact story will be composed of a total of three posts, each introducing a different step of the journey to research impact. Here, you will be able to find out more about the societal challenges that motivated Dr. Nawijn and his network to start the project, which partners are involved and which outcomes are expected.
For more information refer to the links below:
