Objectives
Specific Objectives, Research Coordination Objectives and Capacity Building Objectives
Specific Objectives
To achieve the main objective described in this MoU, the following specific objectives shall be accomplished:
Research Coordination Objectives
The main aim is to build the CONNECT Action network among already existing research groups to leverage currently funded research. The Action has identified research coordinating objectives for each working group. The research coordination objectives are:
- Gain understanding of the current state-of-the-art CKD and cognitive animal models available, imaging tools available for animal models
- Coordination of pre-clinical research efforts on MCI-CKD (merge currently separated research lines). Publication of state-of-the-art review on putative mechanisms of MCI in CKD and open questions as evident from preclinical models
- Define the needs for clinical research and clinical trials to be conducted
- Development and publication of MCI-CKD clinical trial guidelines and/or best practices
- Coordinate clinical cohort and trial data collection
- Define methodological challenges in clinical trials
- Develop a common clinical understanding of MCI-CKD
- Develop and publish guidelines for testing for – and/or treatment of – MCI-CKD
- Map the software and analytical needs of preclinical and clinical researchers
- Disseminate CONNECT outcomes and guidelines to relevant stakeholders from health care professionals, researchers, pharmaceutical industry, politics and the public to ensure uptake by the broader scientific and clinical community and general public
Capacity Building Objectives
CONNECT will increase the capacity for MCI-CKD research through capacity-building objectives, which is largely supported by the research coordination objectives. This Action will bring together the different stakeholders to have an adequate capacity to undertake research for the link between MCI and CKD. By connecting them, the Action will build a new platform for this research by bridging the fields of kidney disease and cognitive research. The capacity-building objectives are:
- Bridge the preclinical MCI and CKD fields to form an interdisciplinary field
- Exchange knowledge of existing and new clinical cohorts and clinical trial conduction in MCI-CKD
- Involve clinical researchers currently not conducting clinical trials within MCI-CKD
- Foster knowledge exchange: a) Educate nephrologists on tests used for cognitive impairment and its treatment, and b) Educate neurologists on the diagnosis and role of CKD in MCI and its treatment
- Develop a joint research agenda to investigate MCI-CKD
- Train researchers in the use of bioinformatic tools for big data
- Create an international platform for MCI-CKD research to ensure active participation of clinicians and scientists to ensure growth of the field during, and after completion of, the COST Action
