Objective
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) contributes to chronic non-healing ulcers (NHUs), leading to infections and amputations. Key challenges for vascular surgeons are predicting the development of NFUs and most importantly choosing between limb salvage and timely amputation to enhance the patient's long-term quality of life. Often, the focus is on correcting atherosclerotic lesions in macrovessels, while the impact of small vessel damage, known as diabetes-associated microangiopathy (DAM), remains largely overlooked. DAM not only affects the structure but also the function of microvessels, disrupting the balance between local perfusion and energy needs, which is crucial for NHUs development. Although previous studies have explored DAM in central organs such as the kidneys, nerves, and eyes, its effects on ulcer-related tissues—including skin, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle—are not well understood and are absent from clinical management strategies. To bridge this gap, I propose an innovative approach to investigate soft tissue DAM and place it at the forefront of vascular care in NFUs. My plan involves creating a robot-assisted, light-based platform for the non-invasive assessment of 'global' DAM through microvascular and vasometabolic features that reflect blood perfusion and oxygen kinetics in soft tissues. I will develop a practical tool for analyzing complementary optical and optoacoustic data alongside clinical information, culminating in the novel ARETEOS concept—a unique framework for monitoring DAM and predicting outcomes in NFUs. ARETEOS will be validated in individuals with T2DM and NHUs by using artificial intelligence to predict ulcer development, healing outcomes, limb salvage potential, and the success of peripheral revascularization. This innovative strategy aims to transform patient management in vascular surgery and is further applicable to other cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, shifting the paradigm in relevant research and clinical care.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project has not yet been classified with EuroSciVoc.
Be the first one to suggest relevant scientific fields and help us improve our classification service
You need to log in or register to use this function
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-STG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
91054 Erlangen
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.