Five ERC Starting Grants to Stockholm University

Researchers at Stockholm University awarded with ERC Starting Grants. From left above: Natalia Lahén, Jessica Stephenson, Siska De Baerdemaeker, Olga Perski and Signe Svallfors. Photo: Private, Kyle Young, Katelijne Van Overwalle, Naira Topooco and Hampus Svallfors.

On September 4, the announcement came for this year’s prestigious ERC Starting Grants. The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded 478 researchers at the beginning of their careers a total of 761 million euros in ERC Starting Grants. A total of 3,928 applications were submitted, resulting in a grant rate of 12 percent. 42 percent of those awarded funding are women. The researchers are granted Starting Grants of approximately 1.5 million euros each for a period of five years.

Stockholm University awarded most grants in Sweden 

21 Starting Grants go to researchers at Swedish higher education institutions. Stockholm University is granted the most, five in total, followed by Lund University with four. 
At Stockholm University, the researchers are: 

• Siska De Baerdemaeker, Department of Philosophy
• Natalia Lahén, Department of Astronomy
• Olga Perski, Department of Psychology
• Jessica Stephenson, Department of Zoology
• Signe Svallfors, Department of Sociology 

Read further below about the research projects granted funding.

Siska De Baerdemaeker, Department of Philosophy

Project: Deciding about Future Science: How Scientists Can Collectively Set Research Priorities in the Era of Big Science (DECIDE)

Abstract about the project:
Big scientific experiments often require new infrastructure like space telescopes or particle experiments. These instruments can cost billions of euros, which means that they are rare and can influence research for decades to come. The central question of DECIDE is therefore: how can scientists collectively decide what large-scale experiments to pursue? The project will draw on the recent history and philosophy of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology to develop a comprehensive philosophical answer. 

Natalia Lahén, Department of Astronomy 

Project: Unravelling the Cosmic Dawn: origin of globular clusters and their host galaxies

Abstract about the project:
This project uses advanced hydrodynamical simulations to explore the formation of the first galaxies and their dense star clusters. The project focuses on three key topics: quantifying the birth conditions of globular star clusters, constraining the stellar sources of radiation and chemical diversity in the early galaxies, and investigating the role of proto-globular clusters in facilitating the growth of massive black holes. In collaboration with cutting-edge observational surveys of star clusters conducted at Stockholm University, this project will shed new light on the early cosmic history of our galactic neighbourhood.

Olga Perski, Department of Psychology 

Project: Time Matters: Uncovering dynamic mechanisms and optimising the intervention timing across the addictions

Abstract about the project:
Time Matters aims to address one of the greatest challenges in addiction: relapse prevention. The project conceptualises addictive behaviours as dynamical systems that evolve non-linearly over time and within individuals. Through collecting and modelling high-resolution data from smartphones and smartwatches in the daily life, Time Matters will develop an adaptive algorithm capable of delivering the right type of support to each person, when and where they most need it. In doing so, the project will provide a new framework for understanding and preventing relapse across the addictions.

Jessica Stephenson, Department of Zoology

Project: The effects of sexual selection on epidemic outcomes

Abstract about the project:
The project will test how female mating preferences determine the spread of infectious diseases. Typically, females prefer males with the most elaborate ornaments (such as the brightest spots, or the most energetic display) which tend to indicate that a male is not currently infected with parasites, or that he is able to effectively combat such an infection. Preference for such males might logically slow epidemic spread, but several factors could obscure this effect (for example, females that get infected likely do not show the same preferences or behaviour as uninfected females). Jessica’s project uses guppies (small freshwater fish) and a directly transmitted parasitic worm in experiments, fieldwork, and mathematical models to fully characterise these complex interactions between sexual selection and epidemiology.”

Signe Svallfors, Department of Sociology 

Project: Sexual and Reproductive Outcomes of Violent Crime (SeRO)

Abstract about the project:
The SeRO project provides the first systematic investigation of how local violent crime affects sexual and reproductive health. While we know that direct crime victims suffer from worsened health, we know remarkably little about how violence indirectly affects the sexuality and reproduction of people living in violence-affected communities. The project builds on an innovative mixed-methods approach to study the case of Mexico. The SeRO project will provide evidence-based strategies for protecting health in violence-affected settings worldwide.

Read article ablout Signe Svallfors on the department´s web site