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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Two researchers from Leipzig University have been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant worth up to 1.5 million euros for their research. One of the awardees was announced today (22 November 2022): Political scientist and educational researcher Professor Nina Kolleck researches the impact of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on educational systems worldwide and across national borders. In order to better treat diseases of the retina, biologist Dr Zohreh Hosseinzadeh is conducting research into the creation of a functional human retina at the Faculty of Medicine. She was awarded an ERC Starting Grant earlier this year.
Research on the role of NGOs in education
According to Professor Nina Kolleck, in many parts of the world, NGOs serve to close gaps in educational systems. Alongside state institutions, international organisations and companies, NGOs have become important stakeholders in the field of education, but their role and influence differ from those of traditional stakeholders. This often leads to transnational cooperation between NGOs, explains Kolleck. However, there has not yet been any research on the transnational influence of NGOs on education systems.
With the help of the ERC Starting Grant, Kolleck wants to develop this field of research. “It’s important that we understand the impact of transnational NGOs on educational systems, both for our children and for the future of our societies,” the educational researcher explains. This is the first ERC Starting Grant in the field of civic education in the German-speaking world.
Research on the treatment of retinal diseases
The primary goal of the Leipzig research group around Dr Zohreh Hosseinzadeh is to combat visual impairment and blindness. Hosseinzadeh and her team want to use human stem cells to create a retina that can be used to replace the damaged retina in patients or take the body’s own cells and use them in the injured section. According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people worldwide suffer from visual impairments in which the retina is irreparably damaged.
“In addition, we at the Faculty of Medicine want to contribute to the laboratory testing of drugs for the diseased retina made from patients’ stem cells. This means that in future it will be possible to use the most effective drug with the best dose for the retina and to tailor the treatment specifically to the individual,” says Hosseinzadeh.
ERC Starting Grants
With its ERC Starting Grants, the European Union provides early career researchers with funding for five years at the beginning of their independent careers. Kolleck was selected from more than 3000 applicants in 2022, making her one of 408 scientists from all over Europe to now receive one of the coveted Starting Grants.
Prof. Dr. Nina Kolleck
Telefon: +49 341 9735635
E-Mail: nina.kolleck@uni-leipzig.de
PD Dr. Zohreh Hosseinzadeh
Telefon: +49 341 9725796
E-Mail: Zohreh.Hosseinzadeh@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/newsdetail/artikel/funding-in-excess-of-one-millio... More information on Professor Nina Kolleck’s research
https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/newsdetail/artikel/erc-starting-grant-for-dr-zohre... More information on Dr Zohreh Hosseinzadeh’s research
Prof. Dr. Nina Kolleck
Swen Reichhold
Leipzig University / Swen Reichhold
PD Dr. Zohreh Hosseinzadeh
Christian Hüller
Leipzig University / Christian Hüller
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Biology, Medicine, Social studies, Teaching / education
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Prof. Dr. Nina Kolleck
Swen Reichhold
Leipzig University / Swen Reichhold
PD Dr. Zohreh Hosseinzadeh
Christian Hüller
Leipzig University / Christian Hüller
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