FUNDED PROJECTS
FRONTLINE
This project will lay the foundation for a PM (Precision Medicine) education network built around the FRONTLINERS online platform currently hosted by the University of Bern.
Category: Incubator Grant
University:
University of Bern, University of Galway, Ghent University
Precision Medicine (PM) is transforming healthcare by enabling more targeted treatments, reducing drug toxicity, and improving early screening — particularly for rare diseases. Advances in gene editing offer hope for curing genetic conditions, with trials showing eradication of disease-causing variants and symptom reduction. PM holds the potential to help patients live longer, healthier lives.
This project will lay the foundation for a PM education network built around the FRONTLINERS online platform currently hosted by the University of Bern. This project will build on this existing platform, with a new module, leveraging the University of Galway’s expertise in biomedical genomics, Ghent University’s interdisciplinary student engagement, and the University of Bern’s leadership in developing PM content for healthcare professionals.
The new online module on Precision Nephrology will include the basics of genetic and rare kidney diseases, problem-based learning cases on lupus nephritis and problem-based learning case on a transplanted patient with IA nephropathy, and interactive video cases presentation with a patient, to elicit student behaviours required to discuss in a consultation with a patient.
Participants and Stakeholders
- Coordinator: University of Bern, Dr. Sharon Mitchell
- Other Partner Institutions: Ghent University, University of Galway
Team Composition:
Dr. Sharon Mitchell, scientific collaborator, post-doctorate researcher in health education, University of Bern
Dr Mitchell will be the lead researcher and developer for this project. She will bring her expertise in education to build in best practices in online learning design and implementation.
Prof. Dr. Sissel Guttormsen, head of Institute for Medical Education (IML), University of Bern
Prof Guttormsen will co-lead the development to ensure that overall alignment within and across modules as part of the Frontliners initiative.
Prof. Dr Uyen Huynh-do, head of Department of Nephrology, University of Bern
Prof. Huynh-do will contribute her expertise Precision Nephrology, developing case scenarios and learning tasks to incorporate into the module
Prof. Dr. Idris Guessous
Prof. Guessous will overview the content, acting as a reviewer from Swiss training perspective
Prof. Dr. Tammy Schellens, full professor, department of education, Ghent University
Prof. Schellens will be an integral part of the review process bringing her education expertise, reviewing constructive alignment, formative assessment and interactivity of learning tasks.
Dr. Mieke Embo, post-doctoral researcher, department of education, Ghent University
Dr. Embo will remain a key contact bringing together the expertise from the University of Ghent
Prof. Derek Morris, Professor of Human Genetics & Genomics, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway
Prof. Morris will bring his expertise in genetics and genomics to ensure the educational content is up-to-date with current science
Objectives
This project brings together the Universities of Bern, Ghent, and Galway to co-develop a high-quality online module that addresses the PM education gap in a scalable, interdisciplinary way. Each partner contributes complementary strengths—clinical content, genomics expertise, and educational design—ensuring academic rigour and contextual relevance. The module will be built on the validated FRONTLINERS platform, supporting multilingual access and future curricular integration across institutions. By fostering sustainable cross-border collaboration and laying the groundwork for a shared PM education network, the project aligns closely with ENLIGHT’s goals of challenge-based and interdisciplinary learning within its flagship domain of PM.
Contact
Dr. Sharon Mitchell,
Additional information
My personal highlight of this project is the creation of an innovative, interdisciplinary Precision Nephrology learning module that directly links cutting-edge genomic science with real clinical decision-making. The integration of problem-based learning and interactive patient video cases uniquely prepares students to translate precision medicine into compassionate, patient-centred care. By connecting expertise across three universities and building on the established FRONTLINERS platform, the project not only strengthens education in rare kidney diseases but also creates a sustainable, international learning network with long-term impact on healthcare training and patient outcomes.