Six researchers from Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) have received prestigious Starting Grants from the European Research Council (ERC), each valued at €1.5 million. This notable achievement highlights the university’s commitment to fostering exceptional research talent. Paul Pauli, President of JMU, stated, “Six prestigious ERC awards in one fell swoop is an outstanding achievement that only a few universities manage to accomplish. It is clear evidence of the breadth of excellent research at our university and a milestone on our path to becoming a university of excellence.”
The ERC Starting Grants support talented young researchers with promising track records and innovative research ideas. Among the recent recipients, five are affiliated with JMU, and one is from the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI). The JMU Research Advancement Centre (RAC) provided vital assistance in the application process for these grants.
Innovative Research Projects
The awarded projects span diverse fields, reflecting the interdisciplinary strength of the university.
Dr. Beatrice Baragli from the Chair of Ancient Near Eastern Studies is delving into the enduring legacy of Sumerian, one of humanity’s earliest languages. Her project, titled LASU, aims to uncover why Sumerian remained in use long after the last native speaker had died, positing that its sacred status contributed to its longevity. By employing a unique framework to analyze Sumerian’s interactions with other languages, Baragli seeks to shed light on its cultural significance.
In the realm of cognitive science, Dr. Jerome Beetz, head of an Emmy Noether junior research group at the Biocentre, is exploring insect navigation through his ERC project BeeSpace. Beetz has developed techniques for recording brain activity in freely navigating insects, aiming to understand the neural basis of their navigation. He noted, “If we understand how insects navigate their home terrain with relatively simple neural circuits, we can also identify innovative ways to develop autonomously navigating vehicles.”
Dr. Jacqueline Degen is tackling the issue of light pollution’s impact on moth navigation with her ERC project LIGHTSTAR. Moths play a crucial role in ecosystems, yet their behavior is disrupted by artificial lighting. Degen plans to develop a drone-based 3D tracking system to conduct large-scale field experiments. This research could inform the creation of insect-friendly lighting solutions, addressing a significant environmental concern.
Expanding Knowledge in Neuroscience and Chemistry
The intersection of emotion and cognition is the focus of Dr. Mona Garvert‘s ERC project CogFlex. Garvert aims to demonstrate how emotions influence human perception and behavior. Utilizing high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging, her research could enhance understanding of mental health issues linked to these cognitive processes.
In the field of organic chemistry, Dr. Jake Greenfield is investigating energy storage inspired by nature. His project, HeliOS, examines how spiral-shaped molecules can be controlled by light. By coupling these spirals with light-sensitive molecules, Greenfield aims to develop new strategies for energy storage, potentially advancing technological applications in this area.
Lastly, Dr. Jens Hör from HIRI is focusing on RNA phages in his ERC project RIBO-PHAGE. These viruses, which infect bacteria, hold significant potential for biotechnological applications. Hör’s research aims to explore their unique reproductive strategies and how they interact with bacterial defenses, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The success of these researchers underscores the vibrant academic environment at JMU and the growing recognition of its contributions to science and technology. As the university continues to cultivate groundbreaking research, the implications of these projects could extend far beyond academic circles, impacting various sectors and enhancing our understanding of complex scientific questions.
