1 Figure 1. Trans-disciplinary approach Multi-Institutional Graduate Programme for Virtual Physiological Human Scientists (VPH-MIP) V. FEIPEL 2 , J. BISBAL 1 , P. LAWFORD 3 , M. NELSON 4 , G. DUBINI 5 , A. NARRACOTT 3 , J. VILLÀ-FREIXA 1,7 , V. DÍAZ 6 , B. BROOK 4 , G. DITOMASO 6 1 Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain, 2 Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, 3 University of Sheffield, UK, 4 University of Nottingham, UK, 5 Politecnico di Milano, Italy, 6 University College London, UK, 7 Universitat de Vic, Spain Correspondence: vfeipel@ulb.ac.be ; 0032 (0)2 555 6329, CP 619, route de Lennik 808, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium Introduction Currently there is no formal VPH-specific training in Europe [1]. Some Masters programmes in related areas partially address this challenge, but none focuses on the essential characteristics of the discipline, such as heterogeneous data fusion, multi-scale and multi-physics modelling of physiopathology, and simulation of complex clinical work-flows. The VPH-MIP project addresses this deficiency by developing a framework for VPH graduate programmes. Fig. 1 explains the trans- disciplinary approach that has been adopted in VPH-MIP. In a multi-disciplinary field such as the VPH [2], it is essential that students have a solid scientific grounding. The curriculum envisaged, will be tailored to VPH needs, but will be founded in relevant, and successful, pre-existing programmes at partner institutions. Novel VPH-specific modules (termed VPH Core in Fig. 1) covering core topics will be developed for use in all participating institutions and delivered through intensive use of ICT technologies, facilitating cultural and language adaptations. In addition, mobility between institutions, facilitated by ERASMUS exchange agreements, will be encouraged enabling students to complement training provided by their primary institution by undertaking selected specialist modules at a second institution. In the longer term, joint or double awards are envisaged. General objectives The general main objectives of this project are to: • Identify VPH-relevant modules offered in graduate programmes within participating institutions, and develop alignments to enable students at one institution to take related but complementary modules at a second institution. • Design extensibility principles by which additional institutions could participate in this programme in the future, considering complementarily to partners, and ensuring mobility of students and staff. • Identify gaps in current provision and develop exemplar VPH Core Modules as on-line resources that can be followed by all students participating in the programme, and which will become the backbone of training in this field. • Do so in a manner that is compatible with educational systems throughout the EU. • Address legal, administrative, and political issues required to materialise a multi-institutional programme such as this and to facilitate mobility. VPH-related VPH-related VPH-related VPH-related VPH Core MSc Bioinformatics (UPF) MSc in Mathematical Medicine and Biology (UNOTT) MSc in Biomedical Engineering (POLIMI) MSc in Motor Sciences (ULB) Shared content between existing programmes Shared content between existing programmes Shared content between existing programmes MSc-specific MSc-specific MSc-specific MSc-specific