SSMF (Swedish Society for Medical Research) is aimed at researchers in all medical fields and supports basic research as well as applied research. In the autumn of 2024, 21 researchers at Karolinska Institutet have been awarded SSMF Consolidator Grants, Starting Grants and Postdoctoral Grants, respectively.
The SSMF Consolidator Grant has been awarded to , associate professor and docent at the , Solna, and , associate professor at the , Danderyd Hospital.
The purpose of the grant is to give prominent researchers in medicine the opportunity to strengthen their position as independent researchers. The total amount of the appropriation is SEK 11,000,000 over five years.
Christopher Sundling: “Allows us to investigate tuberculosis to an unprecedented level”
Project: Immune responses associated with protection or disease in tuberculosis.
“Tuberculosis (TB) is the single infectious disease killing most individuals every year. This stems from as much as 25% of the global population being infected with the causative pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Most of those exposed to Mtb eliminate or control their infection. However, we don’t know how this control works and why it sometimes fails. The support from SSMF will allow us to investigate this at an unprecedented level,” says Christopher Sundling.
What is the goal of the research project?
“Using our own biobank established at Karolinska University Hospital together with samples collected in the EU consortium ERASE-TB, we will investigate biological pathways and mechanism associated with infection control or disease progression. Our goal is then to develop methods to detect these individuals that lose control of their infection at an early stage, as well as identify new targets and treatment strategies for continued control or elimination of the infection,” he concludes.
Charlotte Thålin: “Extra exciting with a completely unexplored field”
Project: Molecular mapping and design of future IgA antibodies for broad immunity in the respiratory tract.
“For almost five years, my research group has collected blood and nasal secretion samples every four months from more than 2,000 healthcare employees at Danderyd Hospital. We have seen a strong link between IgA antibodies (immunoglobulin A) in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and protection against infections. Thanks to the support from SSMF, we now have the opportunity for more in-depth investigations of how IgA contributes to our protection at the molecular level,” she says and continues:
“Through our unique biobank and innovative research methods, we want to explore in particular how carbohydrate structures affect the properties and function of secretory IgA antibodies. This is a completely unexplored field, which makes it extra exciting,” says Charlotte Thålin.
How is this research important?
“While today’s vaccines protect against severe disease, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for new strategies to prevent the infection itself and thus slow the spread of the virus. Our results will be important for understanding fundamental mechanisms of our mucosal immune system and may at the same time open up opportunities for the development of new drugs. Our long-term goal is to develop an IgA antibody that can protect against infections, perhaps by administration directly to the respiratory mucosa,” she concludes.
KI researchers who have received SSMF Starting Grants
The SSMF Starting Grant aims to give young, promising medical researchers the opportunity to establish themselves and become independent researchers. The support is aimed at those with postdoctoral qualifications and includes salary funds and associated operating grants.
The grant period is four years and for full-time employment the amount is SEK 800,000 per year plus operating cost appropriations.
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Florian Rosenberger, Karolinska Institutet
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KI researchers who have received SSMF Postdoctoral Grants
The SSMF Postdoctoral Grant aims to give young researchers the opportunity to gain qualifications in order to establish themselves as independent researchers. The grant is for postdoctoral research in medical science. The total grant amount over three years is SEK 3,950,000.
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