Two group leaders of the Stem Cell Network NRW receive ERC Consolidator Grants: Ivan Bedzhov and Leo Kurian

This year, two independent junior research group leaders conducting research on stem cells in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, were selected in a multi-stage, highly competitive procedure and will receive funding up to 2 million Euros each over a period of five years for their research. A total of 2652 applications were received by the ERC for the current Consolidator Grant call, 12% of which were selected for funding.

Dr. Ivan Bedzhov from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine in Münster will study the process of embryonic dormancy as part of the 5-year grant. The funded MORPHEUS project analyzes how the mammalian embryo preserves its viability and developmental potential over extended periods of time in a state of suspended animation. Bedzhov is focusing on the so-called pluripotent lineage of the early embryo, which contains the cells that will form the animal's body. Although the process of "normal" (transient) embryogenesis in mice has been intensively studied, it is still unclear how the dormant embryo remains in "deep sleep" for extended periods of time without compromising its developmental potential. The main goal of the project, which is being pursued by Ivan Bedzhov and his research group "Embryonic Self-Organization", is to understand the cellular mechanisms of embryo diapause (more information on the MORPHEUS project).

Dr. Leo Kurian, whose research group is based at the Institute of Neurophysiology and the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne at the University of Cologne, is investigating in his research group how the translation of mRNA is regulated - a process in gene expression about which little is known so far. The TRANSCEND project, which was selected for funding by the ERC, aims to re-evaluate the current scientific understanding of the regulation of mRNA translation and to contribute to a better understanding of translational control over cell fate decisions, i.e. whether an embryonic cell will develop into a stem cell or specialized somatic cell. These processes are particularly central to the development of the human heart. The project will analyze the fundamental principles in human heart development by which DNA information is translated accurately and selectively in time and space. The results will help to understand how heart diseases develop in abnormalities and open new avenues of controlled therapeutic restoration of cardiac function (more information on the TRANSCEND project).

Leo Kurian received a state funded independent junior research group award of the NRW Stem Cell Research Competence Network from 2013-2018. 

Scientists can apply for an ERC Consolidator Grand, if they have completed their PhD at least seven and no more than 12 years ago, have a promising academic track record and present an excellent and ambitious research project. Funding through an ERC Consolidator Grant has a high reputation within the scientific community.