—Prof. Bernardo Franklin from the Institute of Innate Immunity at the University Hospital Bonn has been awarded a Proof of Concept Grant by the European Research Council (ERC) as part of a program designed to help researchers translate their ideas from previous ERC projects into commercial applications. The project entiteled “Nanobodies to prevent hematopoietic stem cell bias and hyper-inflammation” (UNBIAS), aims to “wipe” the immune system’s harmful memories of inflammation. The project is awarded with a funding of €150,000, provided over a period of around one year.
—An international research team, including ImmunoSensation² member Prof. Kathrin Leppek of the University Hospital Bonn and scientists from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), the Netherlands, and the US has been awarded a US$ 1.3 million grant by the “Human Frontier Science Program” to investigate brain immune cells and manipulate them via light irradiation. This will involve using gene transcripts (mRNAs) as molecular mediators.
—Hannah Scheiblich and her group are investigating the role of microglia during neuroinflammation and their role in neurodegenerative diseases. Situated at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology of the University Hospital Bonn, Scheiblich recently strted her research group at the cluster of excellence.
—Neurobiologist Özgün Gökce was recently recruited to the German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseasses (DZNE) on campus of at the University Hospital Bonn. He is also a member of the Medical Faculty at Bonn University. As head of the research group "Systems Neuroscience – Cell Diversity", Gökce has been appointed as a member of ImmunoSensation2 from March 2023.
Women TechEU Start-Up Funding for University of Bonn Spin-Off
—relios.vision GmbH, a University of Bonn start-up that has developed the SmartContrast software, receives funding from the European Innovation Council’s (EIC) Women TechEU program. ImmunoSensation² member Prof. Alexander Effland, together with experts from the fields of medicine and mathematics is involved in the company. Using artificial intelligence, SmartContrast aims to lower the use of contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, thus reducing examination costs and potential risks for patients and the environment.
International Conference: Mathematics meets Life Sciences
—Researchers discuss at a four-day symposium, organized by the Bonn Clusters of Excellence ImmunoSensation² and HCM, and the TRAs "Modelling" and "Life and Health".
—The multimedia report "Beyond the boundaries" introduces some outstanding group leaders at ImmunoSensation². The report highlights the scientific work of three young scientist, focussing on their innovative research approaches as well as showcasing the excellent research environment at the University of Bonn. The project was suported by the Henriette Herz Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
—The research group led by Dr. Laura Surace at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology at the University Hospital Bonn has received funding from the German Cancer Aid through the Max Eder Junior Research Group Program. The program was established to specifically support the research of up-and-coming young oncologists. This is intended to benefit not only the field of oncology, but also the training of the researchers. Surace joins a group of around 30 young scientists who are being supported throughout Germany.
—Immunologist Tim Rollenske was recently recruited to the Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology at the University Hospital Bonn. As head of the newly formed research group "Mucosal Immunology", he has been appointed as a member of ImmunoSensation² from March 2023. We met Tim Rollenske to talk about his research interests and future perspectives at the Cluster of Excellence, here in Bonn.
