The Independent Research Fund Denmark’s Research Project 1, also known as FP1, supports independent, researcher-initiated research across all scientific fields. The goal is to promote the overall quality of Danish research, with all applications reviewed by the fund’s five academic committees.

The 15 grant recipients from Health are:

Professor Jeppe Prætorius from the Department of Biomedicine receives 3,106,800 DKK for the project “The lateral intercellular space is essential for isosmotic transport across epithelia”.

This project investigates how kidney epithelial tubules perform isosmotic water transport, a process unexplained by traditional osmosis models. Jeppe Prætorius aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this water transport, with potential implications for patients suffering from inflammatory kidney diseases.

Professor Martin Tolstrup from the Department of Clinical Medicine receives 3,061,039 DKK for the project “Development of Immunoprophylaxis for Epstein-Barr Virus-induced post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder”.

The project aims to develop antibody-based treatments to protect children undergoing organ transplants from the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), thereby reducing the risk of developing EBV-induced cancer.

Associate Professor Jean Farup from the Department of Biomedicine receives 3,162,145 DKK for the project “Unlocking the Fountain of Youth: Spermidine Supplementation and Stem Cell Function in Aging Skeletal Muscle”.

This project explores whether spermidine, a naturally occurring compound, can improve muscle health in the elderly, potentially promoting healthy aging by reducing muscle degeneration and loss of function.

Professor Jacob Giehm Mikkelsen from the Department of Biomedicine receives 3,123,072 DKK for the project “In vivo prime editing of inherited gene variants in stem cells for treatment of hematopoietic dysfunction”.

The project investigates the use of virus-based nanoparticles to deliver CRISPR tools for precise genetic editing of stem cells. The goal is to treat inherited blood and immune diseases by repairing disease-causing mutations.

Associate Professor Holger Brüggemann from the Department of Biomedicine receives 2,971,440 DKK for the project “Staphylococci as skin guardians: harnessing and improving their beneficial properties for acne treatment”.

This project explores how beneficial staphylococci (CONS) can be used to restore and strengthen the skin microbiome, with a focus on treating acne and enhancing the skin's defense against pathogenic microorganisms.

Professor Bent Winding Deleuran from the Department of Biomedicine receives 3,154,506 DKK for the project “The role of anti-Topoisomerase-1 autoantibodies in scleroderma”.

The project examines how the autoantibody ATA (anti-topoisomerase-1) contributes to fibrosis and inflammation in patients with scleroderma by penetrating cells, damaging DNA, and activating antiviral responses. The goal is to better understand disease mechanisms and contribute to potential treatment developments.

Clinical Professor Peter Jepsen from the Department of Clinical Medicine receives 3,157,193 DKK for the project “Shared care to prevent infections and fractures in patients with liver cirrhosis”.

This project investigates how patients with liver cirrhosis use their general practitioner and the effectiveness of preventive measures such as pneumococcal vaccination and osteoporosis medications. The goal is to improve collaboration between hospitals and general practice to reduce severe complications like pneumonia and fractures.

Associate Professor Martin Kristian Thomsen from the Department of Biomedicine receives 3,019,392 DKK for the project “Exploring the double edge sword of prostate cancer iron dependency”.

This project studies how iron-induced cell death (ferroptosis) can be exploited to treat prostate cancer. The research focuses on genes that protect cancer cells from this form of cell death, aiming to develop new treatment strategies through genetic manipulation.

Clinical Professor Henning Grønbæk from the Department of Clinical Medicine receives 2,902,115 DKK for the project “Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and risk of cardiovascular disease severity and prognosis (LIVER-HEART)”.

The LIVER-HEART study investigates the link between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The goal is to identify new biomarkers and risk factors that help assess both the severity of fatty liver disease and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Clinical Chair Professor Jens Otto Lunde Jørgensen from the Department of Clinical Medicine receives 3,001,968 DKK for the project “Abrogation of insulin resistance by ketone body infusion in obese subjects: unraveling the paradox”.

This project studies the effects of ketone bodies on energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and heart function in obese individuals. The goal is to develop a treatment that increases energy expenditure and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Professor Morten Schallburg Nielsen from the Department of Biomedicine receives 3,168,000 DKK for the project “Receptor Mediated Trafficking in Brain Endothelial cells”.

The project explores how the transferrin receptor can be used to transport drugs across the blood-brain barrier using a "Trojan horse" strategy. The focus is on understanding the molecular mechanisms of endothelial cell transport pathways to improve treatment of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Professor Robert Andrew Fenton from the Department of Biomedicine receives 3,168,000 DKK for the project “Interplay of dietary potassium intake in cardiovascular and bone health”.

The project investigates how increased potassium intake affects blood pressure and bone mineralization by modulating endocrine factors such as vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and fibroblast growth factor-23. The aim is to find an effective and affordable solution to reduce high blood pressure and improve bone health.

Clinical Associate Professor Judith Becker Nissen from the Department of Clinical Medicine receives 2,937,070 DKK for the project “Digital OCD treatment for youth – DOT-Y”.

The project “Digital OCD Treatment for Youth – DOT-Y” offers internet-based treatment for children and adolescents with OCD, ensuring easy access to evidence-based therapy and improving the quality of life for these young patients.

Clinical Associate Professor Anders Rosendal Korshøj from the Department of Clinical Medicine receives 3,160,800 DKK for the project “Deciphering Key Signatures and Drug Targets of Glioblastoma Pacemaker Cells in Humans”.

This project investigates pacemaker cells in glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, with the aim of identifying new targets for precision treatment. Anders Rosendal Korshøj and his team will uncover the unique biological characteristics of these cells and their role in maintaining the tumor, potentially leading to therapies that disrupt the communication networks of tumor cells.

Clinical Chair Professor Holger Jon Møller from the Department of Clinical Medicine receives 2,813,040 DKK for the project “Targeting microglia-mediated phagocytosis in neurodegenerative diseases via the SIRP⍺-CD47 pathway”.

The project explores how to protect healthy neurons from inappropriate phagocytosis in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s by regulating microglia cells through increased levels of the protein SIRP-alpha. The use of nanoparticles aims to develop new treatment methods and biomarkers to monitor disease progression and treatment response.