ERC grant will improve treatment with stem cells
The use of stem cells from the blood – called hematopoietic cells – in the treatment of cancer and genetic diseases can be a challenge. According to Associate Professor Rasmus O. Bak from Aarhus University, the solution is genetic engineering. He has received EUR 1.5 million from the European Research Council (ERC) to support a new five-year research project.
Transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells is part of the treatment of a number of diseases found in the blood and the immune system. Associate Professor Rasmus O. Bak from the Department of Biomedicine has received an ERC Starting Grant of EUR 1.5 million from the European Research Council to improve the application of hematopoietic stem cells.
Stem cell transplants are currently associated with a number of challenges. By using advanced gene technology, Rasmus O. Bak will affect the hematopoietic stem cells to make them more effective in the treatment of hereditary diseases in the blood such as leukaemia. The research project strengthens knowledge of the basic molecular mechanisms that are crucial for the effectiveness of the hematopoietic stem cells used to fight disease. In this way, the project contributes to expanding the use of stem cell transplants as a form of treatment.
Facts about the ERC Starting Grant
An ERC Starting Grant is a prestigious European research grant that is given to early career researchers. Up to EUR 1.5 million is granted to each individual project over a five-year period. Unlike many other foundations, the ERC only has one assessment criterion: scientific excellence. Health has even greater focus on securing grants from the ERC in 2022.
Contact
Assistant Professor & PhD Rasmus O. Bak
Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine
Mobile: (+45) 9392 9100
Email: bak@biomed.au.dk
