Five researchers from the Department of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet have been awarded significant research grants from the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet), highlighting their contributions to the fields of medicine and health. These grants, part of a competitive process, include a total of over SEK 22 million aimed at advancing critical research projects over the coming years.
Funding for Innovative Research Projects
Yvonne Johansson has received a starting grant of SEK 6 million to support her project titled “Investigation of the forgotten source of dopamine in the retrorubral field.” This funding will enable Johansson to explore the role of a lesser-known group of dopaminergic neurons and their impact on brain function and behavior. “We know that dopamine plays a fundamental role in human behavior, but this particular population of dopamine-producing neurons has largely been overlooked,” Johansson explained. She emphasized that this grant allows her to establish her own research group and delve into this exciting area.
In a similar vein, Andrea Carmine Belin has been awarded SEK 5.4 million over four years for her project “Mapping the pathophysiological mechanisms of cluster headache.” This research aims to clarify the biological processes involved in cluster headaches, a condition known for its debilitating effects. “To receive a VR grant for four years in high competition is an honourable and important recognition of my team’s research,” Belin said, noting the significance of long-term funding for larger investments in her field.
Exploring Chronic Pain and Movement Control
Another recipient, Saida Hadjab, has also been granted SEK 5.4 million for her project entitled “A central hub for pain and cognitive-affective conditions.” This research investigates how chronic pain influences not just physical sensations but also mood, sleep, and cognitive function. “By uncovering the biological mechanisms behind these changes, the project aims to explain why chronic pain is so often accompanied by broader behavioural and emotional difficulties,” Hadjab stated. She expressed gratitude for receiving this competitive grant for the third consecutive time.
Meanwhile, Francois Lallemend will receive SEK 5.4 million over four years for his project “Brain stem circuits for proprioceptive control of movement.” This research focuses on understanding how the brain interprets sensory signals related to movement and position. “This project aims to define how movement-related sensory signals from muscles are integrated across cellular and circuit levels in the brain to control coordinated movement,” Lallemend noted, emphasizing the importance of the grant in furthering this understanding.
Finally, Håkan Karlsson has been awarded just over SEK 4 million for a three-year study titled “Infections during early childhood and psychiatric disorders.” His project will explore the potential connections between infections, the immune system, and the development of psychiatric disorders. “This grant will allow us to explore the relations between the infections, the immune system and genetic variation at a level of detail not possible before,” Karlsson remarked.
The funding awarded to these researchers underscores their significant contributions to advancing medical science within their respective fields, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries that could improve understanding and treatment of various conditions.
