Collaboration is a hallmark of the MERIT project. Every group
leader in MERIT represents a specific expertise of which all
participnats can benefit. Modern biology is often interdisciplinary and
therefore MERIT researchers will learn essential technologies for their
projects by working visits in the laboratories of project partners.
To efficiently organize these visits a number of technology centers
(TCs) have been established. These centers complete the network-wide
activities and offer the possibility for extensive scientific training
of the ESRs / ERs. The centers are staffed with the
expertise of partners and the TC coordinators will offer both generous
possibilities for secondments in the center but most importantly also
continuous support for their technology to other MERIT members
throughout the program. The active effort of the TC managers to spread
their expertise to the whole network will be facilitated by the
efficient digital infrastructure of MERIT in which protocols, tips and
tricks, sample results, as well as troubleshooting guides will be
available.
During secondments of a month or longer the trainees will conduct experiments in the context of their own project in the scientific environment of the technology centers. He or she will get supervision and support by the host laboratory of the centre. MERIT member can always turn to the Technology Centers for advice and guidance.
Overall, the Technology Centers will maximize knowledge transfer, assure excellent training as well as generating synergism and cross-exchange via intensive exchange and collaboration.