Research Infrastructure

National Centre for Translational Medicine and Clinical Research

The National Centre for Translational Medicine and Clinical Research (NCTMCR) was established in 2010. The mission of NCTMCR is to ensure high-quality translational and medical health research both in Estonia and internationally. The research infrastructure enhances the national and international competitiveness of translational and medical research in Estonia, promotes networking, and accelerates the practical implementation of scientific results.

NCTMCR ensures the availability of necessary technologies and user support for preclinical and clinical research for physicians, researchers, doctoral students, medical residents, and other members of the research team.

Starting from 2025, the research infrastructure consortium will include the University of Tartu, the Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu University Hospital Foundation (SA Tartu Ülikooli Kliinikum), and Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ.

The primary goal of NCTMCR is to innovate and improve the quality of health research in Estonia. The centre brings together researchers from various fields of health research and integrates expertise from different areas of medical research.

Research Infrastructure Units and Their Roles

Clinical Research Centre

The Clinical Research Centre provides comprehensive support to researchers in both medical sciences and hospital projects, as well as in the administration and coordination of various international consortia, collaborations with universities and healthcare providers in Estonia and abroad, and EU-funded research projects.

The expertise of the Clinical Research Centre is utilized by research teams in all stages of clinical studies (including drug trials) and research projects. This includes:

• Writing research protocols,
• Preparing materials for study participants,
• Submitting applications and obtaining approvals from ethics committees, the Estonian State Agency of Medicines, and/or the Health Board,
• Setting up and managing databases based on REDCap software,
• Drafting and signing partnership agreements,
• Ensuring quality control and monitoring of research,
• Preparing study budgets and tracking expenditures,
• Reporting and organizing meetings.

Additionally, the Clinical Research Centre systematically conducts mandatory training for all participants in drug trials and provides education on ethical and data protection issues for the broader medical community.

Laboratory Animal Centre

The Laboratory Animal Centre is more than just a large vivarium; it is a research and experimentation hub where preclinical studies can be conducted using modern behavioral testing and live imaging equipment. The Laboratory Animal Centre is also collaborates with specialized local laboratories focused on the molecular biological analysis of tissues obtained from animal experiments.

Biomedical Department

The Biomedical Department aims to develop capabilities for drug screening and drug development.

Core Laboratory of the Institute of Pharmacy

The core laboratory specializes in providing pharmaceutical development projects, particularly in drug formulation and drug carrier system development, for business partners both in Estonia and internationally.

Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Institute at the Estonian University of Life Sciences

This institute has developed the infrastructure and facilities for conducting various preclinical large-animal studies (chicken, rabbit, pig, sheep, and other livestock, as well as dogs and cats) and small-animal experiments.

Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ

In 2024, Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ formed the Cell Therapy Consortium together with Tartu University Hospital and North Estonia Medical Centre. The goal of the consortium is to establish a qualified local infrastructure for cell therapy and to develop validated processes, including the production, quality control, and administration of cell-based medicinal products to patients.

NCTMCR: A Key Research Infrastructure for Estonia’s Health Research Development

NCTMCR is a vital research infrastructure that supports the advancement and international competitiveness of health research in Estonia. The centre provides the necessary technological and scientific support for both preclinical and clinical research, fostering the practical application of research results and collaboration between scientific institutions and healthcare providers.