University research to benefit from EU grants of EUR 25 million
Scientists at Imperial College London have received funding of over EUR 25 million aimed at making a difference in scientific research. The Synergy grants awarded by the European Research Council (ERC) are for projects aimed at enhancing collaborations between lead researchers, and complementing each others' skills, knowledge and resources. The first project is called 'Intelligent implantable modulator of Vagus nerve function for treatment of obesity' (i2MOVE), led by Professor Christofer Toumazou, from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Professor Sir Stephen Bloom, from the Department of Medicine. They have received a grant of over EUR 7,000,000. The team will combine their expertise in bioengineering and endocrinology to create a device that mimics the response of the vagus nerve after eating, suppressing the appetite of a patient. The second project is the 'Developing Human Connectome Project' (dHCP). Professor Daniel Rueckert, from the Department of Computing, received the grant in conjunction with colleagues Professor David Edwards and Professor Joseph Hanjal from King's College London and Professor Steve Smith from the University of Oxford. The aim is to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track brain connectivity in foetuses and newborn children, providing insights into neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism. The project has received EUR 3,250,000. The College also secured an additional EUR 15 million in Starting and Advanced Grants. Professor Donal Bradley, Pro-Rector for Research at Imperial College London, said, 'This latest outstanding success in securing multiple awards from the ERC's highly competitive funding schemes provides further recognition of the strength of research being undertaken across the College. Our involvement in two of the first round of ERC Synergy projects is a testament to the multi-disciplinary research ethos that pervades the College and, in both cases, also emphasises the College's focus on the translation of research into practical solutions that address some of society's most pressing issues.' The ERC received 710 applications for Synergy grants and have funded only 11 projects across the EU, which represent the top 1.5 % of proposals.For more information, please visit:Imperial College London:http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/European Research Council:http://erc.europa.eu/
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