The current project aimed to foster the understanding of the systems biology of a various number of different tumor entities, increasing the knowledge about radiobiological aspects and help to facilitate the integration in the field of radiation therapy planning, verification and treatment monitoring. In this context, the planned R&D research infrastructure will be implemented in the research facilities of the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt and the ion therapy and research center – MedAustron to support (1) expert training of students and scientific staff in theoretical (lectures) and practical (“hands-on training) aspects of preclinical molecular imaging techniques, (2) collaborative research especially in the field of functional imaging, medical physics and radiation biology to investigate molecular changes in tumor biology and microenvironment during radiotherapy, (3) acquisition, performance analysis and verification of preclinical imaging techniques in radiation therapy. The intention of the R&D research infrastructure is to provide the basis for cutting-edge biomedical research in the field of both conventional and ion radiotherapy in a regional, national and international context. In addition the project benefits and increase the quality of the education in the academic environment (students, scientific staff, etc…) in the field of quantitative molecular imaging, medical physics, radiobiology, radiation therapy planning and verification and helps to increase the understanding of (patho)physiological processes concerning the systems biology of a various number of different tumor entities.
Cancer therapy has experienced a rapid surge in the use of protons and carbon ions, over high-energy photons. This is due to their superior physical properties, including their major energy deposition at the end of their range and their higher ionization densities of particle beams. The biological outcomes are less damage to healthy tissue, as well as altered DNA damage and cellular signaling.
‘Care about Care’ (C^C) aims to support the ecosystem of professional home care (care workers, care recipients, family and non-kin carers, home care organizations, software providers) by providing new ICT-enhanced ways of collaboration, assistance and information exchange. By developing and combining ICT-based solutions C^C intends to: (i) initiate new ways of collaboration, workflows and (remote) support to make care work more attractive, (ii) provide tools for sharing information between members of the care network and (iii) promote knowledge transfer between them. FH Wiener Neustadt is coordinating the project and leading the development of the Remote Care Assist service. (Funding authority: FFG and Active Assisted Living Programme; Website: https://www.careaboutcare.eu/)
'CARU cares' combines one of the most successful AAL services of the past - the emergency call - with new functions to support care workers in documenting their care activities. The result is a new, attractive and non-stigmatising way for elderly people in assisted living environments to make an emergency call to increase their sense of security and quality of life. The tasks of the FH Wiener Neustadt in the project are support within the framework of the co-creation and requirements process, conception and implementation of a component for location and context analysis as well as participation in the evaluation of the system. CARU cares will be tested and evaluated in Austria, Switzerland and Belgium. (Funding authority: FFG and Active Assisted Living Programme; Website: http://carucares.com/)